Young Marines is the official youth program of the Marine Corps. It is not a recruiting tool for the Marine Corps. It is modeled on that branch of service and teaches its values of “Honor, Courage and commitment.” This military influence is apparent in the program that includes physical fitness, drug resistance, close order drill and community service.
The General Raymond Davis Metro Atlanta Young Marines was first chartered in 1996 and currently meets year round, the first and third Saturday of every month at MAG 42, (Marine Air Group) at Naval Air Station Atlanta (NAS) on Dobbins Air Force Base, from 745am to 2pm. To remain active in the unit, members must attend all drills or have excused absences. Once a recruit graduates, they receive a Young Marine ID card, which allows entrance to the base. During recruit training, parents drop off and pick up their recruit at the main gate. After graduation, parents are expected to pick up their Young Marine at the gate to the base, at the intersection of George McMillan Rd and Richardson Rd.
Currently we have approximately 80 members and 20 adult staff members.
The General Raymond G Davis Young Marines of Metro Atlanta usually holds one or two recruit training camps per year. Conducting recruit training is always a challenge since we must split the staff between the current members and the recruits, while also maintaining a program for the current members plus recruit training. Sometimes due to personal conflicts, we can only hold one class a year. Our training includes a great deal of physical training, which all Young Marines must continue to work on as members. The rigorous training program concludes with a military graduation only after the recruit passes a National Standard physical fitness test and written test, as well as possessing the squared-away appearance and motivated attitude worthy of the new title. This training instills a sense of pride and personal accomplishment which forms the basis of new found confidence and self-esteem.
Once a Young Marine, the member may wear the camouflage uniform and can participate in activities such as: over-night encampments, color guards, parades, Drug Demand Reduction classes, CPR, First Aid training, Community Service, working with Toys-for-Tots, summer camps and periodic field trips. Our members participate regularly in physical fitness activities, are able to test several times a year to earn promotions and are offered opportunities to earn ribbons.
We reach into the community and educate our Young Marines on the dangers of narcotics, illegal drugs, and substance abuse. We reinforce this message by surrounding our Young Marines with positive peer groups and role models.
Costs: The registration cost is $100 to join, non-refundable, due at time of registration.
The uniform is approximately $75 (due closer to graduation). Once a Young Marine, there is an annual registration fee per Young Marine which varies, due in the fall of each year.
Parents with specific expertise are encouraged to apply as volunteers after their recruit graduates. We are always looking for active or prior military to teach Young Marine classes, or parents to run fundraisers.
Please see our website for photographs of activities and further information and a current calendar.
