Young Marines Information Page

Department of California & Detachment 597 Liaison: Mel & Nancy Otte

The Young Marines is the official youth program of the Marine Corps League. Founded in 1958 to promote the mental, moral and physical development of young Americans. October, 1965 the League chartered The Young Marines as a National program. In 1974, The Young Marines were chartered as a subsidiary organization of the Marine Corps League. The organization was granted status as a youth educational organization with the IRS in 1980. In July of 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." Young Marines make a pledge to maintain a drugfree lifestyle and are encouraged to influence family, friends, and schoolmates to share this commitment.

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.

Young Marine Obligation	Young Marine Creed	14 Leadership Traits
From this day forward, I sincerely promise, I will set an example for all other youth to follow, and I shall never do anything that would bring disgrace or dishonor upon my God, my country and it's 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. Keep myself clean in mind by attending the church of my faith. 4. Keep my mind alert to learn in school, at home, or a t play. 5. Remember having self-discipline will enable me to control my body and mind in case of an emergency.	1. Justice 2. Judgement 3. Decisiveness 4. Integrity 5. Dependability 6. Tact 7. Initiative 8. Enthusiasm 9. Bearing 10. Unseflishness 11. Courage 12. Knowledge 13. Loyalty 14. Endurance
11 General Orders
1. To take charge of this post and all Young Marine property in view. 2. To walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing. 3. To report all violations of orders I have been instructed to enforce. 4. To report all calls from posts more distant from the "Guardhouse" than my own. 5. To quit my post only when properly relieved. 6. To receive, obey and pass on to the Young Marine who relieves me all orders, from the Commanding Officer, Officer of the Day, and officers and NCO of the guard only. 7. To talk to no one except in the line of duty. 8. To give the alarm in case of fire or disorder. 9. To call the Corporal of the Guard in any case not covered by instructions. 10. To salute all officers and all Colors and Standards not cased. 11. To be especially watchful at night and to question all persons on or near my post and to report all personnel without proper authority.

Mel Otte receives a Dept. Certificate of Appreciation "For Service and Dedication to the Department of California Liaison to Young Marines from Bob Sennett."

Well done Mel!

This page was last modified on:
Friday, January 4, 2008 11:48 PM

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