Young Marines - Role and Purpose

Role and Purpose

• To promote the mental, moral, and physical development of its members
• To instill in its members the ideals of honesty, fairness, courage, respect, loyalty, dependability, attention to duty, and fidelity to the United States and its institutions
• To stimulate an interest in, and respect for academic achievement and the history and traditions of the United States and the U.S. Marine Corps
• Their three core values are leadership, discipline, and teamwork
• To promote the physical fitness through the conduct of physical activities, including athletic events and close order drill
• To advocate a healthy drug free lifestyle by continual drug prevention education programs
• Can receive a higher initial pay grade upon enlistment in the USMC

The creed that every Young Marine lives by is:

• Obey my parents and all others in charge of me whether young or old.
• Keep myself neat at all times without other people telling me to.
• Keep myself clean in mind by attending the church of my faith.
• Keep my mind alert to learn in school, at home, or at play.
• Remember that having self-discipline will enable me to control my body and mind in case of an emergency.

The obligation in which they stand by is: "From this day forward, I sincerely promise to set an example for all youth to follow. I shall never do anything to bring disgrace or dishonor upon my God, my country, its 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."

US Congress found in the Recruiting, Retention, and Reservist Promotion Act of 2000 that Young Marines and similar programs "provide significant benefits for the Armed Forces, including significant public relations benefits."

It should be noted that the Young Marines are not a recruitment tool for militaries of any sort, and combat skills are not taught. At the same time, events that Young Marines may participate in may involve close connection with public relations aspects of the armed forces.