FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is the Young Marines?
A: The Young Marines is a national not-for-profit 501(c)3 youth program for boys and girls, ages 8 through high school graduation, focused on leadership, citizenship through community service, self-discipline, and living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. Young Marines are organized into local units located in nearly every state in the United States and a few locations overseas.
Q: Is the Young Marines a resident program?
A: No. Young Marines do NOT attend a "military-style" resident program. On average, units meet once or twice per week year round. The Capital City Young Marines meet 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 strengthens the lives of America’s youth by teaching the importance of self-confidence, academic achievement, honoring our veterans, good citizenship, community service, and living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. It is organized using similar structures, courtesies, customs and disciplines as the U.S. Marine Corps. Young Marines wear rank structure similar, but not equivalent, to members of the Marine Corps. Young Marines are also authorized to wear the former U.S. Marine Corps woodland camouflage uniform (modified with Young Marine patches), as well as, service Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie dress uniforms (also modified) upon promotion to various ranks.
Young Marines work towards earning ribbons for various achievements or activities, similar to badges earned in other youth programs. They also work towards promoting in rank and developing their leadership abilities. Rank promotions require positive reports from the Young Marine’s teachers and parents, mastering knowledge and skills in their Young Marines guide books, meeting physical fitness requirements, and sometimes recommendations from their peers.
Q: Is the Young Marines similar to other community-based programs?
A: Yes. Young Marines units are community-based programs supervised 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 troops or Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs with focus on developing good leadership, evaluation, public speaking, and citizenship skills, all in addition to having outdoor fun.
Q: Does the U.S. Marine Corps run the Young Marines?
A: No. The Young Marines program is sponsored by the Marine Corps League. The adult staff is made up of volunteers who may, or may not be, active duty or retired military personnel. The U.S. Marine Corps does however recognize 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, along with at least one parent or legal guardian, should attend an Open House. The child must also participate in a recruit training class 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 Young Marines.
Q: How much does it cost to join the Young Marines?
A: The Capital City Young Marines charge $65.00 to join. 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 covers the required items. Many items can be purchased at your local Walmart, Target, or other shopping center. Camouflage uniforms may be ordered through Vanguardmil.com or found at local military surplus stores.
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.