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What is the Young Marine program?

Who the Young Marines are not.


First it is important to understand what the Young Marine program is NOT.
  • A scared straight program for troubled youth. The Young Marines program is for kids that want to be good. The structure and culture of our program is not suitable for troubled youth. Young Marines volunteer, they are not "drafted".
  • The Young Marines is not a military organization. We do not teach kids to throw hand grenades or storm machine gun pits. We will not teach them military warfare.
  • A discount daycare service. Parents should have interest and involvement in the Young Marines. The staff does not get paid for their involvement in the Young Marines; do not treat them like free babysitters.
  • A recruiting program for the military. Though former and current active-duty and reserve Marines account for a majority of the staff, Young Marines are not forced or bound by any form of agreement to enlist.

Who the Young Marines are.

  •      The Young Marines is the official youth program of the Marine Corps League.  Founded in 1958 to promote the mental, moral and physical development of young Americans, the Young Marines offer a variety of activities specifically designed to develop greater self-esteem, discipline and self-confidence in its members.
  •      Character building is the cornerstone of the Young Marine program, and all of its activities emphasizing the importance of honesty, courage, respect, loyalty, dependability, and a sense of devotion to God, country, community, and family.
  •      Physical Fitness, a healthy lifestyle, and respect for one's body are important tenets of the Young Marines.  The Young Marines are committed to prevent obesity and encourage a strong, healthy community.
  •      Being the official Drug Demand Reduction program of the US Marine Corps, Young Marines make a pledge to maintain a drug free lifestyle and are encouraged to influence family, friends, and schoolmates to share this commitment.  Drug education and prevention classes are an integral part of the Young Marine education and training program.  These classes are frequently conducted by qualified Law Enforcement officers within the community.

What we do.
 
Once a recruit has joined they will start their mandatory 26 hour recruit training.  Training will be held at the units regulary bi-weekly meetings for 4 hours each meeting.  A mandatory weekend "Field Exercise" is also included as a unit requirement.  Prior to graduating the recruit must not miss more than 3 meetings, they must pass a written test, and take a Physical Fitness Test.  All recruits are required to turn in weekly progress reports from their parents and teachers.
After graduating the Recruit becomes a Young Marine and joins the unit.  They are assigned to a squad within the platoon.  They will then be able to participate within the unit functions as a full fledged member.  They will be able to attend encampments, and they are now eligible for promotions.  Most of the activities that they will participate in are geared towards earning them ribbons and recognition.  They must complete 50 hours of community service each year, and they will take quarterly classes on Drug Awareness & Prevention.
The higher in rank they get, the more responsibility they will get.  Promotions are not guaranteed, they must be earned.  Each Young Marine must be recommended for the higher position, after completing testing and interviewing for the position.