Even though drill is mandatory, we understand there are circumstances when a Young Marine can not attend. School/family activities, illnesses, emergencies, etc. are all considered excused absences as long as we are notified in advance. In the past, Young Marines have been told to notify the Adjutant in the event they could not attend drill. In order to streamline our processes, we have set up a new contact email for drill attendance. Therefore, if a Young Marine will not be present at drill, please send an email to [email protected] prior to the start of drill. We have provided the email link on every drill post on our calendar for your convenience.
Please note this email is to be used for drill attendance unless otherwise stated. Events such as parades, community service opportunities, etc. will have a different point of contact which will be noted when the event is posted on our website.
Regarding text messages, we ask that you no longer send a text message for drill/event attendance. We do not always know everyone’s phone numbers and it will help alleviate any confusion.
Uniform, guide book, ink stick, canteen, proper PT gear, and lunches are required at drill unless otherwise specified. There will be a uniform inspection after morning formation and we expect uniforms to be clean and pressed, boots to be cleaned and shined, and Young Marines to be prepared for the day’s activities.
Recruits are to wear PT gear (running shoes, t-shirt and plain black mesh, knee-length shorts (no stripes)) when they come to drill. They will received a red unit t-shirt on their first day that they are to wear at every drill. Depending on the weather, they will need sweatshirt/sweatpants. They need to bring an ink stick/notebook, water bottle, and a HEALTHY lunch (no junk food).
For special events including parades and community service when Young Marines are in uniform, they must have their canteen. Water bottles are not accepted. Young Marines are required to be squared away. A unit staff member will inspect them when they arrive. If they are not squared away, they will be sent home.
PROPER HAIRCUTS ARE ALWAYS MANDATORY WHEN IN UNIFORM, REGARDLESS OF THE EVENT.
Young Marines and recruits are required to turn in a report card every quarter. To be deployable, they have to have a minimum 2.0 GPA and no F’s. Anyone who falls below a 2.0, has an F, or does not turn in a report card for any given quarter is non-deployable and will need to earn a 2.5 GPA and no F’s the following quarter to be deployable again. Report cards are to be emailed to
[email protected]. Due dates are posted on the unit calendar.
It is important that all Young Marines familiarize themselves with the Promotion Policy. Please click here to review it. Young Marines are required to personally notify Mr. Cimino that he or she would like to be promoted AND must have the Personal Progress Report (formerly known as the Parent Evaluation Form) filled out and given it to Mr. Cimino before a promotion will be considered. Contact Mr. Cimino if you have any questions.
Here is a list of the current decorations and awards Young Marines can earn and here is the awards manual with the descriptions and requirements for each. You will need Acrobat Reader to view these which can be downloaded for free at the Adobe website. Please be sure to thoroughly read the requirements and make sure you meet all of them before submitting a ribbon request.
When submitting a ribbon request, Young Marines must submit 2 forms: a Ribbon Request Form and the Required Documentation Form. When a ribbon is requested for an activity outside of the Young Marines (sportsmanship, musician, etc.), the Required Documentation Form must be signed by the coach, teacher, or adult that is in charge of the activity. If it is for an activity within the Young Marines (encampments, physical fitness, good conduct, etc.), a staff member must sign the form.
Please remember that it is the Young Marine’s responsibility to keep track of his or her community service hours and report them to the staff to get credit for them. This includes any parades that you participate in and any times you serve as color guard.
Leadership, Teamwork and Discipline
Strengthening the lives of America’s Youth
From this day forward, I sincerely promise I will set and example for all other youth to follow and I shall nver do anything that would bring disgrace or dishonor upon God, my Country and 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.
1. Obey my parents and all others in charge of me whether young or old.
2. Keep myself neat at all times without other people telling me to.
3. Keey myself clean in mind by attending the church of my faith.
4. Keep my mind alert to learn school, at home or at play.
5. Remember having self-discipline will enable me to control my body and mind in case of an emergency.
Would you like a backpack that has the official Young Marines logo embroidered on it? Or perhaps a “Proud Parent” license plate frame? Do you need a gift for your Young Marine’s birthday, Christmas, or other special occasion and aren’t sure what to get them? National Headquarters offers many Young Marines branded items for sale at Chester’s Supply Depot, their online store for everything Young Marines. Click here to visit the store.
The National Young Marines Headquarters has authorized a optional black suede boot that can be worn while a Young Marine is in uniform. These are an alternative to the black jungle boots we have for sale at drill. Please note: The unit does not sell these boots so parents have to purchase them directly via Chester’s Supply Depot. These boots are completely optional and are not a required part of our uniform.
Personal Progress Report (formerly known as the Parent Evaluation Form)
Promotion Procedure
Required Documentation for Ribbon Request Form
Ribbon Request Form
Supply Request Form
These forms are to be used for those who want to join our unit as well as those Young Marines who wish to re-register with our unit (re-registration forms are due 15 September). There are 9 pages in all.
Young Marines National Headquarters
Chester’s Depot
Optional Uniform Boots
Marine Corps League Col. Justice M. Chambers Detachment - #555
Marine Corps League National Headquarters
The Andy Nowacki Foundation, Inc.
American Army Navy Store
Ashtabula County Young Marines
Greater Cleveland Young Marines