The Young Marines of the Marine Corps League, Inc. is a youth program designed to positively impact America’s future by providing quality youth development programs for girls and boys, aged 8-18, that nurtures and develops its members into responsible citizens who enjoy and promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. The Young Marine program is not a recruiting force for the United States Marine Corps. Another mistaken belief is that we are in the business of reforming ‘wayward’ teenagers. Please be advised: this program is NOT like those you may have seen on television, and we are in no way associated with the latest trend in ‘reality’ shows. While we do employ the discipline of the Corps to instill values such as Honor, Courage and Commitment as adopted by the USMC, there is a strict “hands-off” policy and contrary to popular misconception, we are not verbally abusive.

The WNY unit, established in July 2002, boasts an enrollment of 60  Young Marines, and a staff of 9 which includes corporate managers, trade professionals, a teacher, a public relations specialist, a mom, a retired gentleman and an active duty Coast Guardsman. Three are former Marines, one is former Navy. Each of us undergoes a bi-annual background check, an annual regional conference and ‘unit report card’ and is expected to strictly adhere to Young Marine standards of policy.  While we hail from a variety of backgrounds and career choices, each of us volunteers our time and talents to the Young Marine program with the fervent desire to make a positive difference in the lives of tomorrow's leaders.

Prior to wearing the uniform and earning the privilege of being titled Young Marine, all participants in the program are required to complete a 12-week “boot camp” training session, where they will learn the basics skills necessary to be a Young Marine. These skills include but are not limited to: physical fitness training, close order drill, military terms and jargon, discipline and respect for self and others.

The Western New York unit is currently enrolling motivated young men and women ages 8-18 to join Recruit Class 06/06. If you think you’ve “got what it takes” to become a Young Marine, we invite you to join us for open enrollment,  from 0900-1200 on Saturday, 04 March and again Saturday, 11 March at Niagara Active Hose Fire Co., 6010 Lockport Road. A MAXIMUM OF 50 RECRUITS WILL BE TAKEN THIS SESSION. Week 1 of Recruit Training begins Saturday 01 April at 0830.  Drills are held every Saturday 0830-1330 at the fire hall.

There is a $100.00 registration fee per applicant which pays the cost of their cover, red tee shirt, web belt and boot bands, name tapes and classroom materials. Camouflage uniforms will be provided at the completion of recruit training, and remain the property of the unit. Boots are the responsibility of the YM (generally about $25).  Applicants aged 10 and under are required to provide a copy of their birth certificate, and all applicants must have a Social Security number. Members of this class must be registered and have a down payment of $50.00 by 1200 Saturday 11 March in order to start training. Balances are required prior to the completion of training.

Should you have any other questions, please visit the National Headquarters website: www.theyoungmarines.org or contact the XO at (716) 998-5654.