Young Marine units are organized into local units located in nearly every state in the United States.  Each unit is an independent community-based programs lead by dedicated adult volunteers.  Many of these volunteers are former, retired, active duty, or reserve Marines who believe passionately that the values they learned as Marines had a positive affect on them.  They volunteer their time and make every effort to pass those positive values on to those under their charge before other destructive influences take root.

Upon joining a local Young Marine unit, the youth undergoes a demanding 26-hour orientation program, generally spread out over several weekly meetings.  This orientation program is affectionately called "Boot Camp."  The youth learn the general Young Marine subjects such as history, close order drill, physical fitness, customs and courtesies, and military rank structure.

After graduating from "Boot Camp", the Young Marine continue the character building process and begin a life-long pursuit as productive and contributing citizens in their community, During the summer months, Young Marines have the opportunity to attend Summer Programs of Adventures, Challenges, Encampments, and Schools (SPACES) offered by the National Headquarters.

Although the Young Marines is the U.S. Marine Corps' official youth program to the Department of Defense for youth 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.

For more information about the National Young Marines program please go to www.youngmarines.com.