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Photo courtesy of Teresa Sisco.
Chelsea Sea Cadet Sisco ceremony
Chelsea High senior Colby Sisco is pinned chief petty officer, the highest rank in the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Corps., in September.
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Chelsea Sea Cadet Sisco diving
Colby is preparing for a career as a Naval Special Operations Diver.
This Veterans Day, 280 Living encourages readers to not only honor those who served in the U.S. Military but also those who are preparing to serve.
Chelsea resident Colby Forrest Sisco is a chief petty officer with the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Corps, an educational training program for teens to learn about the U.S. Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines.
The 17-year-old Chelsea High School senior has been in the program for nearly four years in preparation for a career as a Naval Special Operations Diver.
In September, Colby was pinned chief petty officer, the highest rank in the Sea Cadets Corps. Only 1 percent of Sea Cadets achieve this rank.
Since completing his recruiting training, he has graduated from 10 more advanced trainings and has perfect attendance at monthly drills since enrolling in the program in April 2010.
Training programs he has attended include Master-at-Arms, Petty Officer Leadership Academy, Submarine Seminar, Homeland Security and Scuba Diving, and he has staffed three recruit trainings.
In order to achieve the rank of chief petty officer, Colby was required to complete seven U.S. Navy courses and serve six months each as first-, second- and third-class petty officer.
He is currently the Navy Flag bearer in the Valor Division Color Guard His future plans include being a Naval Special Operations Diver.
In his free time, he enjoys running, swimming and scuba diving, watching The Walking Dead and Breaking Bad, and studying science, his favorite subject.
For those who might not know, what is the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Corps?
It is a military program for youth from ages 13 to 17 who have the desire to learn about the Navy. Cadets drill at their local units monthly throughout the year. The Sea Cadet program teaches naval life along with pride, patriotism, courage and self-reliance.
Why did you join the program?
I had a firm interest in joining the military starting at the age of 13. My parents found out about this program from a friend who was in the military and told me about it. I told my parents that I would give it a try, and I haven’t looked back since.
What is required to be a member of the Corps?
You only have to be 13-17 years old, have good grades in school, be a citizen of the U.S. and attain 75 percent attendance of the drills.
What did your training entail?
There are many training programs you can go to in the Sea Cadet Corps. They vary from a Sea Cadet recruit training to Sea Cadet version SEAL training. I have attended 11 trainings total in my career as a Sea Cadet — too many to name.
What was the most memorable or exciting moment from your training?
I have attended trainings that last anywhere from nine to 21 days. The best moment I experienced was at Basic Diving, where I found my passion and decided what I wanted to do in the military, particularly in the Navy.
What are the most valuable things you’ve learned as a member?
Honor, courage and commitment.
What goals have you set for your life?
To enlist in the United States Navy and become a Navy diver.
How will your involvement with the Corps help you attain that goal?
It enabled me to learn discipline, leadership and increased my knowledge of the military — mainly the Navy. Also, if I join the any of the military branches, I can earn a pay-grade head start because I participated in the program.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Being a Navy diver and diving the world over.
How has your experience changed the way you look at U.S. veterans?
Being in the Sea Cadet Program has allowed me to meet many U.S. veterans, and I have gained a greater appreciation of their service to our country.
What message do you have for cadets just starting the program?
You will get out of the Sea Cadet program what you put into it. It’s as simple as that.
