Becoming a Young Marine

Southland Young Marines

All Young Marine recruits participate in a training  program conducted over a 8-12 week period with a minimum of 26 hours of training (usualy meeting every other Saturday).  As the recruits progress through the phases of training, they earn the privilege of wearing the Young Marine uniform.  This rigorous training instills a sense of pride and personal accomplishment that forms a basis of a new found confidence and self-esteem. Graduation Day is a proud, rewarding, and memorable occasion in the life of every recruit.  Is is the day when the distinguished title "Young Marine" is bestowed.

Instructions covering citizenship, leadership, physical fitness, school, home activities and close order drill are given to all Young Marines.  They also participate in hiking, camping, field trips, community service, parades, and color guards.

Graduation Day is always a proud and memorable occasion in the life of every recruit. It is the day when the distinguished title, Young Marine, is bestowed. Graduation ceremonies are often attended by parents, friends and invited guests.

Parents play a big part in their childs success.  We highly encourage parents to be part of the program whether its helping their son or daughter with learning their basic Young Marine skills to volunteering in unit activities.  The biggest committment a parent has to make is to assure your son or daugther comes to drill and takes advantage of opportunities the Young Marines have to offer.

                         How Much Does it Cost?

It is different for every unit.  The Southland Young Marines has reduced its cost for the next recruit cycle to what it cost back in 2001.  Registration is $250.00 to join.  A non-refundable deposit of $125.00 is due at the time of registration. The remainder is due on the first day of Boot Camp.  Boot Camp usually will start 25-40 days after registration.

Recruits at the time of submitting their registration will receive Young Marine Recruit Training Materials to get them started on the path to completing Recruit Training successfully.

Annual Registration costs $40.00 due at the end of August of each year the Young Marine is in the program.  These dues cover National, Regimental and Battalion dues that support our unit and program at different levels in our Chain of Command.

The unit has dues of $5.00 for each training drill meeting.  These dues assist in unit adminstrative costs and subsidizing services, encampments, schools and products to keep the cost affordable to parents.

We issue ! Young Marine National T-shirt, 1 Southland Unit t-shirts, a set of sweats, PT shorts (all with unit logo), a cover, one set of cammie uniform with patches, name tag, belt & buckle, boot blousers and guide book, registration to National Young Marines and accident insurance coverage.  ( The accident insurance only covers the Young Marine during Young Marine events or functions).

Boots and additional gear and equipment can be purchased on your own or through our unit at greatly discounted prices.