If you are interested in finding out more about the Young Marines, please read this factsheet.

The Young Marines is open to all boys and girls aged 8 through graduation of High School. The program was founded in 1958 to promote the mental, moral, and physical development of young Americans. The Young Marines offer a variety of activities specifically designed to develop greater self-esteem, discipline, and self-confidence in its members. Character building is one of the most important objectives of the Young Marine program and all of its activities emphasize the importance of honesty, courage, respect, loyalty, dependability, and a sense of devotion to God, country, community, and family.

In July 1993, the United States Marine Corps officially designated the Young Marines program as "the focal organization for fulfilling its participation in the Department of Defense's drug demand reduction activities."

See the Unit in Action (Pictures)

The Miami Valley Young Marines is celebrating its 10 year in the Dayton area. The unit was formed in late 1998 as the Dayton Young Marines. The first meeting place was the Marine Reserve Center on Gettysburg Ave in Dayton. The first class numbered 42 recruits and graduated 35. The first Commanding Officer was SSgt James Ballantine. A change in Commanding Officers occurred during the summer of 1999, when due to a personal issue SSgt Ballantine was replaced by CMSgt John Bankowitz. The unit participated in many community events including Color Guard presentations, parades, and unit encampments.

Sept 11, 2001 was a defining moment in the Dayton Young Marines. The Marine Reserve Center went into lock down as a result of the attack on our country, and we were barred from meeting at that location. The unit moved to the Dayton VA center doing limited training. At the Nov 2001 Marine Corps Ball, Young Marines participated in the birthday ceremony by enacting the flag rising at Iwo Jima. Father Samone from St.Peter’s church was approached by Mr. Joseph Able, a staff member, and asked if he could asset in finding a proper meeting location. Father, retired LtCol, USMC, welcomed our unit. In early January 2002 the unit moved into St.Peter’s Church and started conducting meetings and boot camps.

During the summer of 2002, the staff and Young Marines felt that our unit name, Dayton Young Marines, limited who could join. All believed that changing our name would bring in all youth from the surrounding Dayton area. A name change request was made to National. National approved our request and we became the Miami Valley Young Marines.

In 2003 we participated in a unit encampment to Parris Island SC. Young Marines endured four days of Marine boot camp by seasoned DI’s. The trip was very successful and all enjoyed the experiences.

In 2004 the unit went to Quantico VA. Young Marines and staff stayed at Camp Upshur. Activities included three days on site seeing in the nation’s capital. Base activities centered on tours including HMX-1, working war dogs and a river assault craft ride. During this time CMSgt John Bankowitz stepped down at commanding officer and L/Cpl James Keagan Miller assumed command. The unit numbered 120 Young Marines and staff.

During the years since the unit has made great strides in establishing itself as a premier youth organization.

During the summer months, Young Marines have the opportunity to attend the Young Marines National Summer Programs of: Adventures, Challenges, Encampments, and Schools (SPACES). Schools consist of leadership courses. Adventures have a historical emphasis and are designed with the younger child in mind. In contrast, older Young Marines can participate in Challenges. Challenges consist of training in areas such as survival skills, wilderness training, and water-based activities. Young Marine Encampments provide the opportunity for Young Marines of all ages to gather together and train as a large unit of up to 700 youth at a time. Over 3,000 Young Marines participate in the SPACES programs each year. Awards. The Young Marines is the proud two-time recipient of the Department of Defense’s Fulcrum Shield Award for Excellence in Youth Anti-Drug Programs. The award recognizes military-affiliated youth organizations around the world that have made concerted efforts at spreading the anti-drug messages throughout their communities. The first award was presented to the Young Marines National Headquarters and the second to the Bakersfield Young Marine unit in California. For More information check the National Website.

The Young Marines is open to all boys and girls aged 8 through graduation of High School. The program was founded in 1958 to promote the mental, moral, and physical development of young Americans. The Young Marines offer a variety of activities specifically designed to develop greater self-esteem, discipline, and self-confidence in its members. Character building is one of the most important objectives of the Young Marine program and all of its activities emphasize the importance of honesty, courage, respect, loyalty, dependability, and a sense of devotion to God, country, community, and family.

For one week in November each year, Young Marine units across the country celebrate Young Marines Veterans Appreciation Week (YMVAW). The purpose of the campaign is to challenge our Young Marines to dedicate some of their time to help our nation’s veterans and to demonstrate, through their actions, their sincere appreciation for our veterans’ service to our country. Unit projects include sending thank you cards to hospitalized veterans, cleaning up a disabled veterans yard, visiting veterans in the hospital, or simply setting up a community function to socialize with local veterans.

The Young Marines publishes its very own magazine, the Young Marine Esprit. The Young Marine Esprit is distributed free of charge to all registered Young Marines and adult volunteers four times annually. The magazine features articles and photos of Young Marine activities worldwide, letters to the editor, news from Young Marines National Headquarters, and stories about living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.