Young Marines is the official Drug Demand Reduction program of the United States Marine Corps for youth ages 8 through the completion of high school. The program focuses on teamwork, leadership, discipline. Young Marines is global, and has over 300 units in the United States. In order to become a Young Marine, recruits (Young Marines in training) must complete over 26 hours of nationally-mandated training, nicknamed "boot camp", and pass written, oral and physical testing. 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.
