FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is the Young Marines?
A: The Young Marines is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 youth education and service program for boys and girls ages 8 through graduation of high school. Young Marines are organized into local units located in nearly every state in the United States.
Q: Is the Young Marines a resident program?
A: No. The youths do NOT attend a "military-style" resident program. This is not a program where you send your children for an extended period. On average, units meet once or twice per week year round. Capital City Young Marines meets once a week. Visit the Unit Calendar & Drill Schedule for time and location.
Q: What is the nature of the Young Marines program?
A: The Young Marines program is run in a military fashion using similar staff structure, courtesies, customs and discipline as the U.S. Marine Corps. The Marine Corps enlisted rank structure is used and the Young Marines wear the U.S. Marine Corps woodland camouflage uniform with the addition of Young Marine patches.
Young Marines work toward ribbons for personal achievement similar to badges earned in other youth programs. They also work towards promotions in rank. Rank promotions require positive reports from the Young Marine’s teachers and parents, mastering knowledge and skills outlined in the Young Marine guide book and meeting physical fitness requirements.
Q: Is the Young Marines similar to other community-based programs?
A: Yes. Young Marines units are community-based programs run by dedicated adult volunteers in over 300 communities across the United States, and overseas. Young Marine units are similar in nature to Boy/Girl Scout councils or Camp Fire chapters where the units meet once or twice a week.
Q: Does the U.S. Marine Corps run the Young Marines?
A: No. The Young Marine program is sponsored by the Marine Corps League. The adult staff is made up of volunteers and active duty or retired military personnel, as well as civilians. The U.S. Marine Corps recognizes the Young Marines as the focal organization for fulfilling its participation in the Department of Defense’s drug demand reduction activities, and also provides logistic and staffing support at their discretion.
Q: How can my child participate in the Young Marines?
A: The child interested in participating, as well as at least one parent or legal guardian, must attend an Open House. The child must also participate in a “basic training” type program that consists of 13 weeks of Monday night training drills before attending a weekend Recruit Encampment where they are tested on everything they have learned from basic drill movements and marching to physical endurance and classroom knowledge. Upon graduation, they will join the ranks of the Capital City Young Marines.
Q: How much does it cost to join the Young Marines?
A: The Capital City Young Marines charge $110.00 to join. Dues are paid semi-annually or annually. Annual re-registration occurs in August/September at a cost of $25.
Q: Where do I get the required uniform items from?
A: Our UNIFORM page
Q: I'm interested in volunteering with the Young Marines. Do I have to be in the military?
A: No, you don't have to be a Veteran to volunteer. However, as the safety of our Young Marines is of utmost importance, we must be familiar with the applicant. Please contact us if you would like to volunteer! Only people who will be in direct contact will be required to fill out an application. If you would like to assist by teaching a class or assisting us in another manner, please email us, you don't have to be a volunteer!
Q: How do I donate money to the Capital City Young Marines?
A: You can help us in our effort of strengthening the lives of America's youth by making a donation through our secure server. It's fast and easy and when we receive your donation, we will send you an acknowledgement email for tax purposes.
In addition, to show our appreciation, we will add you to our list of sponsors.