WHAT WE DO
The Cruiser Milwaukee Division of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps provides young people ages 10–18 with leadership development, adventure, and real-world skills inspired by the traditions of the United States Navy.
Our cadets meet one weekend each month for training called a drill weekend. During these drills, cadets participate in leadership development, physical training, teamwork exercises, and maritime skills training while building confidence, discipline, and responsibility.
The program helps young people grow into capable leaders while working together as part of a team.
Why Join Sea Cadets?
The Sea Cadet program is designed for young people who want more challenge, responsibility, and adventure than typical extracurricular activities.
Cadets develop:
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Leadership and confidence
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Discipline and responsibility
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Physical fitness and teamwork
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Problem-solving and decision-making skills
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Real-world leadership experience
Along the way, cadets build friendships, explore Navy and maritime careers, and gain skills that help prepare them for college, military service, or future professions.
What Cadets Experience
Cadets participate in a wide variety of training and activities including:
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Leadership and teamwork development
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Military drill and customs
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Physical training and fitness challenges
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Basic navigation and land navigation
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Seamanship and maritime skills
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First aid and emergency response
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Naval history and maritime traditions
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Communication and teamwork exercises
Training is led by experienced adult volunteers and senior cadets, giving younger cadets the opportunity to learn directly from those who have advanced through the program.
Many drills include hands-on training, outdoor activities, and team exercises that make learning engaging and practical.
Leadership Development
Leadership development is one of the core missions of the Sea Cadet program.
Cadets advance through a structured rank system based on initiative, responsibility, and leadership ability. As cadets gain experience, they begin taking on leadership roles such as:
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Leading small teams of cadets
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Teaching training topics to newer members
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Helping organize drills and training events
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Supporting community service and division activities
This progression helps cadets develop confidence, communication skills, and leadership ability that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Community Service
Service to the community is an important part of the Sea Cadet experience.
Cruiser Milwaukee cadets regularly support community organizations, veterans groups, and local events. Through these service opportunities, cadets earn service hours while developing a strong sense of responsibility and civic leadership.
Color Guard
Cadets may have the opportunity to join the Cruiser Milwaukee Color Guard, where they receive specialized training in ceremonial flag presentation.
Our Color Guard proudly represents the division at community ceremonies, patriotic events, and public gatherings throughout the region.
Advanced Training Opportunities
One of the most exciting aspects of the Sea Cadet program is the opportunity to attend advanced trainings across the country during the summer and winter.
These trainings allow cadets to explore specialized areas such as:
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Naval aviation
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Seamanship and sailing
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Engineering and shipboard operations
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Field operations and land navigation
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Leadership academies
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Cybersecurity training
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STEM-focused programs
These experiences allow cadets to meet peers from across the country while exploring future career opportunities.
Unique Opportunities with Cruiser Milwaukee
Cadets in the Cruiser Milwaukee Division have opportunities to participate in training and activities such as:
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Field training exercises including Fort McCoy deployments
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Leadership and team development events
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Exposure to cybersecurity and STEM topics
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Community service and civic engagement
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Participation in ceremonial Color Guard events
These activities provide cadets with exciting challenges while building real-world leadership skills.
What Parents Should Know
How often do cadets meet?
The Cruiser Milwaukee Division meets one weekend per month for drill training, along with occasional special events and community service opportunities.
Who supervises the cadets?
Cadets are supervised by trained adult volunteers and experienced senior cadets. Safety and mentorship are always top priorities.
What will my child gain from the program?
Cadets develop leadership, teamwork, discipline, and confidence while gaining experiences that help prepare them for future educational and career opportunities.
A Typical Drill Weekend
A typical drill day may include:
0800 – Cadet arrival and muster
0830 – Physical training or team exercise
0930 – Leadership or skills training
1100 – Drill and military customs
1200 – Lunch and team activities
1300 – Field training or practical exercises
1430 – Closing formation and announcements
1500 – Dismissal
Each drill weekend includes a mix of learning, physical activity, and leadership development.
Visit A Drill
The best way to learn about the Cruiser Milwaukee Division is to visit a drill weekend and see the program in action.
Prospective cadets and parents are welcome to attend a drill, meet current cadets and staff, and learn more about the training opportunities available.
You can observe training, ask questions, and get a feel for what the Sea Cadet experience is like.
Drill Location...
Richardson School
175 S Barker Rd
Brookfield, WI 53045
Typical Drill Time...
0800 – 1500
New cadets are welcome to attend up to two drills before deciding to join.
For more information or to schedule a visit, please contact: LTJG Randy Lee - U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps – Cruiser Milwaukee Division: r.lee@seacadets.org
Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders
Through leadership training, community service, physical challenges, and hands-on experiences, the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps helps young people grow into confident, capable leaders ready for the opportunities and challenges ahead.