MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Has your son or daughter ever wondered what it would be like to be in the Navy? Do they talk about being underway on an aircraft carrier or wish they could fly military aircraft? If so, the answer to their dreams may lie with Miramar's Gunfighter Squadron Naval Sea Cadet unit.

United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps units are nationwide, and structured according to Navy regulations.

Sea Cadets are dedicated to helping youths realize personal success and achievement through a nautically-oriented training program.

The program is designed to familiarize cadets with the benefits and prestige of a military career, as well as building self-esteem, patriotism, courage, self-resilience, confidence and self-discipline.

Before a child can become a cadet, a staff volunteer will interview them. These interviews are geared toward finding out the child's level of commitment to the cadet program, and explaining what is expected of each while a cadet.

All cadets are expected to maintain a 2.0 grade point average in school and turn in correspondence tests at every drill without fail. Cadets with the Gunfighter Squadron drill aboard the Air Station bi-monthly.

The Gunfighter Squadron, commanded by Petty Officer 2nd Class Scott D. Oram, said the program is similar to Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps because they are both comprised of adult leaders and teenagers, but that is where the similarities end.

"The NSCC differs from other military youth programs in that our cadets only hold enlisted ranks," he said. "Most other programs focus on officer ranks. This exposure gives cadets a truer view of the military service. Also, hands-on training NSCC cadets receive is the best around, hands down. No other program has the resources and exposure to the (Naval) Fleet."

Oram has been actively involved with the Sea Cadets since 1984, when he first became a cadet himself.

"I was a cadet in Gunfighter Squadron from 1984 until 1987," he said. "After I was discharged I was asked to stay on as an NSCC midshipmen."

Cadets train aboard Navy and Coast Guard ships, and are authorized by the Secretary of the Navy to wear Navy uniforms marked with the NSCC insignia. All newly enrolled cadets must first complete two weeks of summer recruit training at Navy and Coast Guard recruit training commands, as well as selected locations throughout the country.

The boot camp curriculum includes Naval history, customs, traditions, seamanship, navigation and a lot of hard work. Once cadets have completed boot camp, they may take full advantage of NSCC skill training opportunities.

"At the unit level, Sea Cadets train in basic military subjects, both in classroom and hands-on training on ships and with squadrons," said Oram. "During summer months, cadets go to training schools in a variety of subjects including, sailing, small boat operations, military police, Navy and Coast Guard shipboard (operations), airman training, medical and field corpsman, ceremonial music, leadership and foreign exchange."

The NSCC is comprised of two groups - the Sea Cadets and League Cadets. League Cadets are boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 12 years old, and Sea Cadets are between 13 and 17 years old.

There are 40 Sea Cadets and 17 League Cadets with the Gunfighter Squadron. League Cadets attend three orientations, which build on their basic military skills and prepare them for succession in the Sea Cadets.

Sea Cadets receive promotions based upon merit. Cadet recruits enter the program as seaman recruits, and after successful completion of boot camp, and other academic requirements, they can advance to apprentice rates.

As a cadet receives additional training, they will be able to advance through the rank structure, eventually reaching chief petty officer.

According to the Sea Cadet website, their motto, which was adopted many years ago, still holds true today. "The NSCC is committed to maintaining an environment free of drugs, gangs and violence." Many parents of cadets and leaguers feel that this program has changed their son or daughter for the better.

"It's good for him to have male influences," said Julie Oaks, mother of Seaman Apprentice Nigel Guest. "He now has camaraderie with other men in this program."

Guest, 14, joined the Cadets more than a year ago, was curious to find out if the Navy was for him. A good friend of his, who was already a cadet, convinced Guest this program was worth all the hard work and self-discipline.

Guest plans on staying in the program until graduation, and then enlist in the Navy.

According to the website, the NCSS has grown tremendously nationwide during the past 20 years.

In the 1980's there were about 5,000-6,000 active cadets, now there are more than 11,000 nationwide. There are approximately 800 Sea Cadet units operating in nearly every state, as well as Puerto Rico and Guam.

According to Oram, downsizing of the military has affected NSCC training opportunities. Before, all cadets went to one of the three Naval Training Centers - Orlando, Fla., Great Lakes, Ill., or San Diego.

With the closure of the San Diego and Orlando training facilities, the programs had to decentralize.

There are now only 22 recruit training sites nationwide. Other changes include a major decrease in shipboard training from the Navy. What used to be 50 or more ships used for training purposes each summer has now dwindled down to about 10.

The NSCC and the NLCC were founded by the Department of the Navy in 1958, with a purpose of maintaining a drug-free environment for America's youth, while teaching them patriotism, courage and seagoing skills.

According to the Sea Cadet website, the NSCC was federally incorporated Sept. 10, 1962, by Congress as a non-profit civilian education organization, a legal entity separate from the Navy League.

More information is available on the Sea Cadet Web site at www.seacadets.org/gunfighter.