DRILLS AND TRAINING
Cadets meet or "drill" at their local unit weekly or monthly throughout the year. A unit is structured along military lines and is headed by a Commanding Officer. Units may drill on military bases, at reserve centers, local schools, or community centers. FDR Squadron and its NLCC Training Ship Roosevelt meet at Naval Air Station Jacksonville for its drills.
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Cadets are instructed by both Sea Cadet Officers and senior Sea Cadets through classroom and applied instruction in subjects such as basic seamanship, military drill, leadership, knot tying and splicing, signaling, water safety and swimming, first aid, and even fire fighting. Cadets also receive instruction in military drill and discipline and are taught from a syllabus covering naval history to ship nomenclature. In addition to classroom and drill and skills training, Cadets get the opportunity to visit and tour units throughout NAS Jacksonville and other bases including touring aviation squadrons and facilities, air traffic control stations, ships, riverine and port operations, culinary and base support units, hospital and medical, K-9 and military police as well as participating in community events such as parades and fairs.
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Several times throughout the year, FDR Squadron holds weekend camping trips either on NAS Jacksonville or by traveling to places such as the USS Yorktown and USS Alabama or the National Navy SEAL Museum. In 2017, the unit traveled to Washington, DC where the unit Chiefs participated in laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
COLOR GUARD
Sea Cadets who have been recommended and appointed by the Commanding Officer have the opportunity to participate in the Color Guard. The FDR Color Guard has had the privilege of presenting the colors at professional sporting events, Change of Command and retirement ceremonies on and off the base, as well as civic and community events and parades. Cadets selected are given special training in rifle, flag presentation and protocols.
While there is no fee for the Color Guard, donations help defray the costs of the equipment and travel for this group.
Do you have an event and need a Color Guard?
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Cadets participate in community service throughout the region. In the past year, FDR cadets have volunteered at the Elks Lodge, K-9's for Warriors, and various veteran and veteran support organizations. Cadets earn ribbons for their work as well as hours for school reporting. Commitment to service and community is a key element in building character and sense of responsibility.