Rank structure
Sea Cadets is based on a rank structure. The longer you stay in cadets and the more skilled you become, the more rank you can hold.
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New Entry |
When you first join cadets you join as a new entry. You are a new entry for your first 6 weeks of training until you sit your ordinary cadet test. |
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OC - Ordinary Cadet |
When you pass your test you are promoted to an ordinary cadet. This is where you will stay for approximately your first 6 months as a cadet, then you sit your OC* test. |
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OC* |
Once you have passed your test you spend another 6-8 months as a OC* once this training phase is complete you are then able to be promoted to the rank of AB** |
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AB** - Able Cadet |
When you reach this rank you are eligible to go on your Junior Leadership Course, this consists of one week at Burnham Military Camp. Here you will learn all about instruction techniques and leadership. This allows (at the Units discretion) for you to be promoted to a Leading Cadet. If you are not promoted then that does not mean the end of your training. |
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AB*** |
After taking a test you can be promoted to AB*** where you will train in the Day Skippers Course, this is an internationally recognised qualification. |
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LC - Leading Cadet |
As a leading cadet you will be first port of call if any junior cadets have a problem. You will also have responsibilities to take drill and sometimes lessons. |
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PO - Petty Officer |
After 8 months as a Leading Cadet you are eligible to attend the Senior Leadership Course. After this course you can (at the Units discretion) be promoted to PO where you will have more responsibility and more control and authority over younger cadets. |
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CPO - Chief Petty Officer |
As a Senior Rating you will be responsible for some of the general running of the Unit and have more power and responsibilities than a PO |
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MC - Master Cadet |
This is as close as it gets to being an officer without actually becoming one. As MC you will be ultimately the first person responsible to the Officers about the welfare etc of the cadets below you. You will also take a bigger role in the running of the Unit by doing paperwork, organising trips etc. |
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Ens - Ensign |
The first of the Commissioned officer ranks. Officer will remain in this rank for at least two years. |
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SLt - Sub Lieutenant |
On qualification by course and time. Will remain in this rank for a minimum of four years. |
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Lt -Lieutenant |
On qualification by course and time. Will remain in this rank for a minimum of six years |
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LtCmdr - Lieutenant Commander |
The highest rank possible for a Sea Cadet Officer. Awarded on qualification and time in rank as well as the officer concerned being a Unit Commander |
