No New Recruit Training for 2012
We regret to inform you that the Douglas County Young Marines has reached capacity and will not be taking any new recruits for 2012.
If you are still interested in the Young Marines program please click here to visit the Young Marines National Unit Locator and find a unit closest to you.
Thank You for your interest.
DCYM Staff
Recruit Training
In order to join the unit as a Young Marine you must first earn the title of "Young Marine" by undergoing 8 weeks of recruit training. Recruits must be between 8 and 18 years of age, or until completion of high school.
Recruit training is 8 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!
Written Exams
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 7 of recruit training there is a 2-day Field Training Exercise (FTX) where the recruit learns field qualification skills, map and compass, first aid and participates in teambuilding exercises.
Week 8 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 9 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.
