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 soonafter seperated 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

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