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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Navy’s Sea Cadets program offers young a chance to test waters

On Saturday morning when many kids were still in bed, a group of teens and preteens were in uniform and marching.

“Left, right, left, right, ready, halt.”

They weren’t in a parade – they were “on deck” in the gym at the U.S. Naval Reserve Training Center in northwest Spokane.

Since 1997, the Fort Spokane Battalion Sea Cadet Corps has offered young people ages 10 to 18 a safe environment to learn about military structure, service to community, critical teamwork skills and valuable leadership techniques.

The nonprofit is staffed by volunteers (mostly parents with kids in the program), and they meet nine months out of the year for training.

The battalion is divided into two groups; kids age 10 to 13 are League cadets, and those ages 13 to 18 are Sea cadets.

Walter Palmer, 11, and his brother Gilbert Palmer, 12, waited patiently for their uniform fitting.

While at the mall with their family, the boys saw some cadets in uniform and asked them where they served.

“I’m interested in a military career when I get older,” Gilbert said.

The boys joined the battalion in December, as did their 14-year-old sister.

“It’s awesome!” Walter said.

His brother nodded.

“We learned Navy terms like ‘the head’ and ‘chow,’ ” Gilbert said, adding that the program keeps him motivated at school.

“It helps me get good grades because I get an academic award if I do good in school,” he explained.

Awards, recognition and accomplishments can add up to lots of ribbons and bars on a uniform, like the one worn by Chief Petty Officer Tommy Christianson, 16.

The Cheney High School student joined the program five years ago and quickly rose through the ranks. He and another chief are responsible for managing the daily routine of the other cadets.

“I had no idea what was happening at first,” Christianson said. “But it seemed like something I could be good at.”

At 19, Midshipman Hunter Cihal, has aged out of the program, but continues as a volunteer. He plans to join the navy. His years with the Sea Cadets mean when he graduates from boot camp, he’ll be eligible to be three ranks ahead of other enlistees.

“I plan to enlist as an E-3,” he said.

He’s already had a taste of life at sea. Cadets can attend various trainings across the country and even abroad. The Fort Spokane Battalion participates in fundraisers in order to be able to offer one free training per year.

“I spent a week on an aircraft carrier,” Cihal said. “We went from San Diego to Bremerton. I learned how to sleep in a confined space. The bunks are stacked three-high.”

As Vaughn Totka, 11, waited to take a test, he described what he enjoys about being a League cadet.

“I love the uniforms! I’m good at marching and semaphore is my favorite activity,” he said. “Some of my friends call it ‘fake navy,’ which is really offensive to me. I love the military, and I’ve always wanted to serve.”

Even those not interested in a military career find benefit from joining the Sea Cadets.

Christina Close, 13, took a break from marching to explain why she signed up for the program, though she probably won’t pursue a military career.

“I really like the structure of the military,” she said. “And this looks really good on a college resume.”

Indeed, incoming commanding officer JoAnn Farnsworth said there are scholarships available exclusively for members of the program.

“This offers a place for kids to determine their own future. It opens the world to them,” she said.

The Fort Spokane Battalion covers the basics of naval life from physical training, to knot-tying, to learning semaphore code and participating in the color guard.

Additional training is available at various locations throughout the year, including courses in cybersecurity, medical and survival, and leadership.

The group also participates in community service projects, helping out with everything from Toys for Tots, to working the trash detail at Hoopfest.

Parent volunteer David Koski is in charge of the younger group of League cadets. As he watched a uniformed cadet lead a prospective member through the basics of marching, he said, “Every kid gets a mentor. I’ve seen kids go from not knowing how to march to leading a group of 10 kids. That’s what I love about the program. They all learn how to follow and they all learn how to lead.

Farnsworth agreed.

“To become a great leader you have to be a great follower,” she said.