SWCC and Sea Cadets

[WalkerUSNSCC]

Right now I am a Seaman Apprentice in the US Naval Sea Cadets looking for a career in SWCC.

I was wondering if any of you boat guys has ever staffed the Sea Cadet SWCC training, and if so what would you say I would need to prepare for.

Also, as I said before I am interested in SWCC, yet I am not a very good swimmer, mainly because I do not have a place where I can swim on a regular basis. How would you suggest that I prepare for swimming without actually swimming. Also what advice do you have for a fourteen, such as myself that wants to get into SWCC?

[Kinnikinik]

The only way to learn to swim is to swim. There is no other way and it is the most important thing you can do to prepare yourself for SWCC. I have said it before and I will say it again. The number one thing that people drop or get kicked from SWCC for is the swimming portion and it does not have to be that way. I guarantee that in your area there is a YMCA or another pool that has a swim club. That is the best thing you can get involved in to get ready for SWCC. If you tell me what town you are from I can try to look up what club teams you have nearby and I'll give you the info here. It up to you from there to sign up and get to practice.

I have never staffed a Sea Cadet SWCC training, but I would say the best preparation is to get out there and run a bit and swim. Do some push ups and sit ups and a few pull ups. If you are in good shape right now, as in you do sports and are towards the top in competition (top 70%), keep up what you are doing.

You need to get in there and swim though.

Mind if I ask you a question? What has you interested in SWCC? I talk to alot of 17 and 18 year olds and a few guys in their 20's, but you are one of the first 14 year olds who I have heard declare their intentions for SWCC. I think it is outstanding! So, welcome to our little spot on the net. If you have any questions about the job or anything at all feel free to ask. I will do my best to answer your questions to the best of my ability.

Kinnikinik

[WalkerUSNSCC]

One thing drew me into SWCC was the fact that I love being on the water, especially on small boats. I have been on large ships, and they were cool and all, but you know you did your job, and that was all you did, I rarely did anything else then handle lines and stand watches. With SWCC, it seems that everyone seems to be cross trained. I talked to some SWCC guys at an Airshow and they told me how everyone could do everyone's job, from the guns, to the helm, to working the engines and navigation. Also Special Forces, I am a teenager, I mean what military loving teenager has not dreamed about being in the Special Warfare community. Also it was different. At my school there are three of us that are serious about going into the service... the other two want SEALs, everyone in my RTC Company wanted to be a SEAL, SWCC wasn't a different path. And the fact that the Mark IV Boat is awesome.

The only real downside, is that there is no way for me to be a SWCC Officer.