The grade of aviation cadet is a special enlisted grade in the naval service. Under such regulations as the Secretary of the Navy prescribes, citizens in civil life may be enlisted as, and enlisted members of the naval service with their consent may be designated as, aviation cadets.

Except in time of war or emergency declared by Congress, 20 percent of the aviation cadets procured in each fiscal year shall be procured from qualified enlisted members of the Regular Navy and the Regular Marine Corps.

No person may be enlisted or designated as an aviation cadet unless—

(1) he agrees in writing that, upon his successful completion of the course of training as an aviation cadet, he will accept a commission as an ensign in the Navy Reserve or a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps Reserve, and will serve on active duty as such for at least three years, unless sooner released; and

(2) if under 21 years of age, he has the consent of his parent or guardian to his agreement.

Under such regulations as the Secretary prescribes, an aviation cadet may be transferred to another enlisted grade or rating in the naval service, released from active duty, or discharged.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 426, § 6911; Pub. L. 85–578, July 31, 1958, 72 Stat. 456; Pub. L. 96–513, title III, § 373(f), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2903; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, § 515(b)(1)(N), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3233; renumbered § 8411, Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, § 807(c)(1), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1836.)