Strengthening the lives of America's youth
How do you become a Young Marine?
About Us
Our Mission
The mission of the Young Marines is to positively impact America's future by providing quality youth development programs for boys and girls that nurtures and develops its members into responsible citizens who enjoy, and promote, a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. Although the Young Marines is the U.S. Marine Corps' official focal program to the Department of Defense for Drug Demand Reduction, the Young Marines is not a recruiting force for the U. S. Marine Corps. We strive to instill the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment adopted by the Marine Corps to each of our members.
Unit Staff Principles
Our unit is led by dedicated adult volunteers who are screened by the Young Marine National Headquarters. Several of our volunteers are former service military personnel. The health, welfare and safety of Young Marines are paramount. We will uphold the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. We pledge to the parents to serve as positive role models to their children.
Membership
The Young Marines is open to all youth ages 8 through completion of high school. The only membership requirement is that the youth must be in good standing at school. Since the Young Marines' humble beginnings. In 1958, with one unit and a handful of boys, the organization has grown to over 240 units with 10,000 youth and 3,000 adult volunteers in 46 states, the District of Columbia, and Germany, Japan and affiliates in a host of other countries.
Young Marines Core Values
Core Values
Another Guiding Principle of the Young Marines program is that “We will uphold the Marine Corps’ core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment” as well as, the Young Marine’s core values of Discipline, Leadership, and Teamwork. Honor, Courage, and Commitment gives Marines their strength, regulates their behavior, and bonds them together into a force, like no other, capable of overcoming obstacles and meeting daily challenges. Likewise, Discipline, Leadership, and Teamwork as explained below gives Young Marines those same attributes.
young marine creed
- Obey my parents and all others in charge of me whether young or old.
- Keep myself neat at all times without other people telling me to.
- Keep myself clean in mind by attending the church of my faith.
- Keep my mind alert to learn in school, at home, or at play.
- Remember having self-discipline will enable me to control my body and mind in case of an emergency
Discipline
Young Marines are taught self-discipline to react properly in tough situations, keep themselves healthy, and eventually to tackle life's challenges.
Leadership
Young Marines are placed into leadership roles starting with how to follow all the way through leading hundreds of others.
Teamwork
Teamwork
Young Marines are taught to look after one another and work together to solve problems and achieve common goals.