Saguaro Detachment Marine Corps League

The Young Marines strengthens the lives of America's youth by teaching the importance of self-confidence, academic achievement, honoring our veterans, good citizenship, community service, and a healthy drug-free lifestyle.  Upon joining, the youth undergo a demanding 26 hour orientation program spread out over several weeks.  This orientation program is called "Boot Camp."  The youth learn the general Young Marine subjects such as history, drill, physical fitness, customs and courtesies, and military rank structure.  After graduation from "Boot Camp," Young Marines are eligible to start learning more new skills, earn rank and ribbons, wear the Young Marines uniform, and participate in Unit Activities.

Depending on the Unit you join you may be involved in many activities below are some of which you may be involved in: 

• Community projects to honor Veterans
• Environmental Stewardship
• Hiking and camping
• Physical fitness activities and training
• Character building and life skills
• Community Service Participation in parades and community events
• Drug resistance education First aid and CPR
• Leadership training and practical application
• Various National and International summer programs

Picture above is Patriot Bn Young Marines that participated in the 2008 Navajo Code Talker Celebration in Window Rock, AZ in August 2008

In today's world, there are many opportunities for young Americans to be led astray into crime, drug use, poor academic performance, as well as other vices. In the Young Marines, peer pressure is exerted toward wholesome ends such as school work, sports, physical fitness and other school and community activities.

As part of the national effort to "stem the tide" of drug use, the National Defense Authorization Act of 1993 tasked the Secretary of Defense with the establishment of programs aimed at reducing the demand for illegal drugs. The U.S. Marine Corps' response was to officially recognize the Young Marines in July 1993, as the focal organization for the Marine Corps' contribution to Youth Drug Demand Reduction efforts. The Young Marines is an IRS approved 501c(3) tax exempt youth educational organization.

The Young Marine units are run by dedicated adult volunteers. Adult leaders are individually screened by the National Headquarters based on background information and recommendations provided with each person's registration.

Currently there are over 200 Young Marine units nationwide as well as 4 units in Okinawa, Japan. Internationally, there are over 14,000 Young Marine members and 2,200 adult staff volunteers. On the national level, the program consists of a National Director and 2 Assistant Directors. In addition, there is a Young Marines Board of Directors consisting of 12 members who are elected for 3-year terms.