Young Marines

The Young Marines were started in 1958, by a few Marine Corps League members who wished to provide an organization for the youth to learn discipline and pride. The group received its charter on October 17, 1965, and soon after separated from the MCL and became the US Marine Corps drug demand reduction program for youth.

The Young Marines are similar to JROTC units, but they exist on a national level. Members march in parades, learn survival techniques, go on campouts, etc.

Background

The YM were established by a Connecticut Charter of the Marine Corps League of the United States in 1958 as a volunteer, nonprofit training organization for youth, ages 8 through 18.

The purpose of the YM is:

• to promote the mental, moral, and physical development of its members
• to instill in its members the ideals of honesty, fairness, courage, respect, loyalty, dependability, attention to duty, love of God,and fidelity to our country and its institutions
• to stimulate an interest in, and respect for academic achievement and the history and traditions of the United States and the U.S. Marine Corps
• to promote the physical fitness through the conduct of physical activities, including athletic events and close order drill
• to advocate a drug free lifestyle by continual drug prevention education programs

the preceding background is as written by the Commandant of the Marine Corps in 1993

As of 2001, the Young Marines began operating independently of the Marine Corps League, and are sponsored by the US Marine Corps as a youth program

Membership

The Young Marines is open to children from the ages of eight years old through high school. Most units require a small yearly fee for registration and uniforms, ranging from fifteen to fifty dollars a year. Generally, units meet on local military bases where a building serves as their headquarters and classroom.

Uniform

The standard Young Marine uniform is the old woodland-style BDU's. They have yet to switch over to the digital pattern the USMC now wears. As for dress uniform, the Young Marines are not allowed to wear Marine dress blues, for they have not earned the right as the Marines have in going through boot camp. If the situation calls for it, Young Marines wear the dress green Class A's or C's for formal occasions

Rank

After the completion of the 26 week boot camp, a Young Marine is ranked a Private. From their they can promote up the enlisted ranks identical to real Marines. Formerly, the highest rank to be attained was Warrant Officer (WO1), but that was removed, and Sergeant Major and Master Gunnery Sergeant are now the highest attainable Young Marine rank.

See also

• United States Marine Corps
• JROTC
• Marine Corps League
• United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps
• Civil Air Patrol

External links

• Young Marines - YM national website and unit locater
• US Marine Corps