Douglas County Young Marines
"Strengthening the Lives of America's Youth"
Recruit Training
In order to join the unit as a Young Marine you must first earn the title of "Young Marine" by undergoing 10 weeks of recruit training. Recruits must be between 8 and 18 years of age, or until completion of high school.
Recruit training is 10 consecutives Saturdays from 0830 - 1430. The training is designed to teach the recruits discipline, leadership and teamwork. It consists of three main sections; physical training, close order drill and classroom instruction.
The physical aspect of the training is
demanding, but it is designed to challenge the recruits and help
them to develop confidence and a sense of accomplishment. The close
order drill is used to teach the recruits how to work together as a
team to achieve a
common goal, to drill with perfection!
Each
week during recruit training the recruits have classes in
subjects such as military terms and jargon, Marine Corps rank
structure, military customs and courtesies and uniform care and
maintenance. These classes help prepare the recruit to become a
Young Marine.
In week 9 of recruit training there is a 2-day FTX (Field
Training Exercise) where the recruit learns field qualification
skills, map and compass, first aid and participates in teambuilding exercises.
Week 10 is the graduation ceremony. This is a proud day where we celebrate the accomplishment of the recruits. For the ceremony the staff are in dress uniform, the stands are full of proud parents, friends and relatives, and special honored guests are invited to participate and recognize the new "Young Marines".
Our next recruit class will start in early July 2011. Just prior to registration there will be a couple of scheduled parent orientation meetings where we explain the program and answer your questions. For a list of requirements and initial registration information and cost, click here.
It should be noted that this is NOT a scared straight program or a program for kids with disciplinary problems. Your child MUST want to be in the program or he/she will not be accepted. Also, if your child has a record he/she may not be approved to join the unit. This program is designed to help good kids develop leadership skills, self-discipline and self-confidence. Recruits do not have to be straight A students, but they must be in good standing in school and at home.
What's Next?
If you're interested in the Young Marines program and would like to find out more about the next recruit class, follow the steps listed below:
1. Get you name on the Interest List
If you are interested in being added to the interest list for the 2011 recruit class, click here to fill out and submit an interest request. We will contact you as soon as possible. Once you are on the interest list, you will receive emails with important information on meetings and registration as we get closer to the start of recruit training.
2. Attend a Parent Orientation Meeting
There are two parent orientation meetings scheduled prior to registration. This meeting is designed to inform both parents and potential recruits about the Young Marine program and DCYM recruit training. You only have to attend one parent orientation meeting and both parents and potential recruits must attend. Registration packets are passed out to those who wish to register at the end of the meeting.
3. Register Your Child
Fill out the registration packet and submit it with the registration fee (Click here to find our more about the registration requirements and fee). Some parents wish to fill out the packet and submit it immediately after the parent orientation meeting. That is fine. We will allow time to fill out packets after the meeting for those wishing to do so, or you can take it home and bring it back on one of the scheduled registration dates.
The recruit MUST come with you to registration. We need some sizes to submit with the application.
4. Show up on the first day of Recruit Training
This is where it all begins. From T1 (Training Day 1) until graduation date your recruit will be transformed into a Young Marine.
Young Marines Obligation
"From this day forward, I sincerely promise I will set an example
for all other youth to follow and I shall never do anything that
would bring disgrace or dishonor upon my God, my country and it's
flag, my parents, myself, or the Young Marines. These I will honor
and respect in a manner that will reflect credit upon them and
myself."
Semper Fidelis
Young Marine Creed
1. Obey my parents and all others in charge of me
whether young or old.
2. Keep myself neat at all times without other
people telling me to.
3. Keep myself clean in mind by attending the church
of my faith.
4. Keep my mind alert to learn in school, at home or
at play.
5. Remember having self-discipline will enable me to
control my body and mind in case of an emergency.