1. What is the Young Marines program?
 
The Young Marines is a national youth program for boys and girls age 8 through high school that focuses on leadership, teamwork, self‑discipline, citizenship, honoring veterans, and living a healthy, drug‑free lifestyle.​
 
2. What is Southeast County Young Marines specifically?
 
Southeast County Young Marines is a local unit of the national Young Marines program that serves families in our surrounding communities, providing regular drill, physical training, drug‑demand reduction education, community service, and leadership opportunities for youth.
 
3. What ages can join, and do kids need to be “military”?
 
Youth must be at least 8 years old and not yet graduated from high school to join. No one in the family needs to be in the military; the program is open to all qualified youth regardless of background.​

4. What is “Recruit Training,” and how long does it last?

Young Marines Recruit Training is a structured onboarding phase where new youth learn basic drill, Young Marines history, core values, and a healthy, drug‑free lifestyle. It’s built around a national minimum of 26 instructional hours and typically runs over several drill weekends, ending with a Recruit graduation where they officially earn the title of Young Marine.

5. What do Young Marines do at drill?

At a typical drill, Young Marines may do physical training (PFT prep), close order drill, classes from the guidebooks, drug‑demand reduction/Red Ribbon activities, team‑building, leadership practice, uniform inspection, and sign‑offs toward promotion.
 
6. What is the time commitment for families?
 
Families should expect regular drills (usually 2–4 times per month), plus occasional special events like parades, community service, encampments, and optional leadership weekends. Parents/guardians must support transportation, paperwork, and communication.
 
7. Is this a military recruiting program?

No. The Young Marines is a youth development and education program, not a recruiting program. It uses Marine Corps traditions and structure (ranks, drill, uniforms) to teach leadership, discipline, and citizenship, but there is no obligation to join the military.​
 
8. How much does it cost to join?
 
There is a national registration fee and local unit fees to cover items like insurance, basic uniform issue, and training materials. Exact costs vary by unit and are explained at our orientation; we work with families case‑by‑case if cost is a hardship.
 
9. What kind of uniform and gear will my child need?
 
Recruits usually start with woodland camouflage utilities, T‑shirt, belt, and boots, plus a cover. As they advance, they may become eligible for additional uniform items and award ribbons earned through PT, community service, and achievement.​
 
10. How do we get started with Southeast County Young Marines?

Families can submit their contact info through our website’s contact page or via the official Young Marines National site (CLICK HERE), which will notify our Unit Commander so we can provide orientation dates and application details.