History of the Young Marine Program

After World War II, members of the Marine Corps League discussed the possibility of establishing a Marine Corps League youth program as a civic project for detachments and to create interest in the League. For historical purposes, the birth of the Young Marines was in Waterbury, Connecticut in 1958. The official charter was issued on 17 October 1965 and thereafter the program spread throughout the country. Although chartered as a League Sponsored Organization, the Young Marines began to function as a subsidiary organization independently in 1974. In 1975 membership was extended to included participation of females so that all youth could benefit. By 1978 the Young Marine bylaws were approved and adopted. In 1980 the Young Marine program was granted the status as a Youth Educational Organization with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) classification of 501(C)3. In July 1993 the United States Marine Corps designated the Young Marine Program as "The focal organization for fulfilling its participation in the Department of Defense's Drug Demand Reduction Activities." Marine Corps Order 5000.20 officially recognized the Young Marines and published policy to support the program.

Copied from the magazine "Young Marines Network, Jan/Feb 1997

1958    First Young Marine Unit (Young Marines of Waterbury) formed in Waterbury, CT by members of the Brass City Detachment of the Marine Corps League.

1960    Young Marines of Waterbury grow to 300 Young Marines and 20 adult instructors.

1962    The Young Marines program grows to over 1500 boys in 10 cities and towns and gains national attention.

1965    Officially chartered on October 17, 1965 by the Marine Corps League and becomes a national youth program.  October 17, 1965 is the official birthday of the Young Marines.

1974    Chartered as a subsidiary organization of the Marine Corps League.

1975    Membership is extended to females.

1977    Young Marines governing body is elected and the Young Marines National
 By-laws are adopted.

1978    National By-laws approved at the Marine Corps League.

1980    Young Marines granted not-for-profit status as a youth educational organization by the Internal Revenue Service classification of 501(c) 3.

1993    Young Marines grow to 1,000 Young Marines and 300 adults in 45 units and becomes the focal point for the U.S. Marine Youth Drug Demand Reduction Program.

1995    Young Marines become international with units forming in Okinawa, Japan.

1999    Young Marines Board of Directors hire retired Lieutenant Colonel Michael Kessler as the first National Executive Director.  First Young Marine Unit is formed in Alaska. 

2000    Young Marines program expands to over 200 units in 38 States with over 11,000 Young Marines and nearly 2,000 adult volunteers. 

2000    Young Marines participate in Youth Restoration Corps project along the Russian River in Alaska restoring Salmon Habitat.

2001    Summer Program of Adventures, Challenges, Encampments, and Schools (SPACES) is introduced with over 3,300 Young Marines participating.

2001    Young Marine units are formed at U.S. bases in Germany for military dependents.

2002    An affiliation formed between the Young Marines and the Australian Young Marines.

2002    Young Marines join with Army Cadets from Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden in its first cultural foreign exchange program.

Purpose of the Young Marine Program

1.  To promote the mental, moral, and physical development of its members.

2.  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.

3.  To stimulate an interest in, and respect for, academic achievement and the history and traditions of the United States of America.

4.  To promote physical fitness through the conduct of physical activities, including participation in athletic events and close order drill.

5.  To advocate a drug-free lifestyle through a continual drug prevention education program.

Copied from the magazine "Young Marines Network, Jan/Feb 1997

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.

Guiding Principles

	The health, welfare and safety of the Young Marines are paramount
	We value our volunteers and will provide them with the tools they need to succeed
	We will never forget that this program is for our youth and uphold the core values Honor, Courage and Commitment
	We pledge to the parents to serve as positive role models to their children
	We get by giving