History of the Young Marine Program

After World War II, members of the Marine Corps League discussed the possibility of establishing a Marine Corps League Youth Program as a civic project for detachments and to create interest in the League.  For historical purposes, the birth of the Young Marines was in Waterbury, Connecticut in 1958.  The official charter was issued on 17 October 1965 and thereafter the program spread throughout the country.  In 1975 membership was extended to females to participate so all youth could benefit.

In 1980 the IRS granted the Young Marines Non-Profit Status under 501(c)(3).

In July 1993 the United States Marine Corps designated the Young Marine Program as "the Focal organization for fulfilling its participation in the Department of Defense's Drug Demand Reduction Activities"  Marine Corps Order 5000.20 officially recognized the Young Marines and published policy to support the program.

History Timeline

1958    First Young Marine Unit (Young Marines of Waterbury) formed in Waterbury, CT by members of the Brass City Detachment of the Marine Corps League.

1960    Young Marines of Waterbury grow to 300 Young Marines

             and 20 adult instructors.

1962    The Young Marines program grows to over 1500 boys in

             10 cities and towns and gains national attention.

1965    Officially chartered on October 17, 1965 bythe Marine

             Corps League and becomes a national youth program.  

             October 17, 1965 is the official birthday of the Young

             Marines.

1974    Chartered as a subsidiary organization of the Marine

             Corps League.

1975    Membership is extended to females.

1977    Young Marines governing body is elected and the Young Marines National By-laws are adopted.

1978    National By-laws approved at the Marine Corps League.

1980    Young Marines granted not-for-profit status as a youth educational organization by the Internal Revenue Service classification of 501(c) 3.

1993    Young Marines grow to 1,000 Young Marines and 300 adults in 45 units and becomes the focal point for the U.S. Marine Youth Drug Demand Reduction Program.

1995    Young Marines become international with units forming in Okinawa, Japan.

1999    Young Marines Board of Directors hire retired Lieutenant Colonel Michael Kessler as the first National Executive Director.  First Young Marine Unit is formed in Alaska. 

2000    Young Marines program expands to over 200 units in 38 States with over 11,000 Young Marines and nearly 2,000 adult volunteers. 

2000    Young Marines participate in Youth Restoration Corps project along the Russian River in Alaska restoring Salmon Habitat.

2001    Summer Program of Adventures, Challenges, Encampments, and Schools (SPACES) is introduced  with over 3,300 Young Marines participating.

2001    Young Marine units are formed at U.S. bases in Germany for military dependents.

2002    An affiliation formed between the Young Marines and the Australian Young Marines.

2002    Young Marines join with Army Cadets from Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden in its first cultural foreign exchange program. The Young Marines welcome a very special new member to its ranks, Chester, our puppy bulldog mascot.

2003   The Young Marines introduce their new celebrity spokesperson, R. Lee Ermey.