Unit Guidebook

We are staffed entirely by volunteers. 

Each Staff member has passed an FBI background check. These individuals, giving their time and expertise, are the heart and soul of the unit’s success. Furthermore, to make this program an even more successful investment to our children’s potential, it is imperative that all parent(s)/guardian(s) support the volunteers when needs arise. No staff member or associate of VYM receives monetary compensation for any services performed for the program. Some volunteers have children involved in the program, some do not; all individuals deserve a great deal of credit for unselfish devotion of their time to aid and educate the children of our future. 

This program succeeds when all parties work in unison to help instill discipline and personal accomplishments. Every member of the staff is just like a parent/guardian who has enrolled their child(ren) in the program. These volunteers have the same type of responsibilities as the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the child/ren enrolled including the same type of stress. Not all volunteers have children involved in the program; in some cases their child/ren have grown up and become responsible citizens for our communities. These individuals deserve a great deal of credit for unselfish devotion of their time to aid and educate the children of our future. Whatever hardships the parent(s)/ guardian(s) may be experiencing; chances are there is a staff member that is going through or has gone through the same thing. This includes having children who have trouble with the law to children who are doing great at home and school. As much as the staff might wish, children are not perfect and neither are we; however, this is where much of our experience is learned and shared. Because the staff is just like you, they too like to see that they are not alone in working with the Young Marines. This program succeeds when the parent(s)/guardian(s) and Young Marines work in unison to help instill discipline and personal accomplishment.

“There are no parents at Young Marines”

 - meaning, if you are a Registered Adult Volunteer, while at any YM event you are not the parent of your child, but a mentor for ALL Young Marines. Your child must address you as they would any AV, and you must address them as you would every other Young Marine. We are here for the good of the group and will look out for the best interests of all, not just our own child(ren). Social media rules apply to Staff members, just as they do the Young Marines. You now represent this program, too. There is no smoking or drinking at YM functions where you are in charge of or representing Young Marines. You are required to read and adhere to the Young Marine Registered Adult Manual (RAM). You should read the YM Guidebooks. 

Registered Adult Volunteers should lead by example. If you must use your cell phone at an event or drill, you should step away from the group and conduct your business. If you have dietary needs and need to eat outside of the Young Marines scheduled snack time, you should do so away from the group.

Young Marines must be in formation and inspection-ready by the specified start time. 

It is HIGHLY recommended to have your Young Marine or Recruit on site 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the day’s scheduled event so that they may arrange their gear properly and prepare themselves for the day ahead. 

Young Marines and Recruits must be signed in by a parent/guardian to participate in the events and there must be a working emergency phone number listed. 

This also allows you a chance to receive any information concerning the event or changes in the training schedule. At the end of drill, you must also sign them out. 

Recruits undergo a strict and intensive schedule. Two absences may be acceptable, if arranged ahead of time - more than that will be grounds for recruit “recycling”. 

Once a Young Marine, they must maintain an 80% attendance status to be considered active, per YMNHQ. 

- Authorized Absence: An absence is only authorized by written notice (or text) to the UC. 

- Unexcused Absence: An unexcused absence is an absence with no reason given by 0700 of drill day. 

*Unexcused Absences may prevent promotions for at least one quarter and can prevent the next full year of trips. No more than four (4) unauthorized absences accumulative per fiscal year (October 1 through September 30) will be tolerated for regular drill or mandatory events. 

Attendance is very important. Young Marines are encouraged to be well-rounded, as that will help them in most aspects of life including this program. Those who are also involved in outside activities can do very well in Young Marines and can earn awards within the program based on those activities. 

However, there needs to be an understanding that by missing drill they miss training, guest speakers, PT, DDR, teamwork activities, and more. While some of those things can be made up, others cannot. Staying current on DDR and PFTs is always imperative, as is studying the Guidebook. When a YM misses drill, they should make attempts to see what they missed and try to catch up. 

At every Young Marine function, for many reasons - safety being the most important, the Battle Buddy system will be enforced. 

Battle Buddies are assigned or based on the situation. 

If a Young Marine is spotted alone, away from the group, they will be counseled and appropriate action taken. 

Every October we celebrate the Young Marines’ Birthday (October 17th) in ceremonial (and fun) fashion. This is typically a Saturday night event, semi-formal to formal dress for attendees (Young Marines wear full cammies or dress uniforms with ribbons). 

The Ball includes dinner, a Guest of Honor speaker, awards, and a formal cake-cutting ceremony (modeled after the United States Marine Corps’ Birthday Ball ceremony).  

During Young Marine events, meetings, and activities, cell phone use is not permitted. Young Marines are expected to keep cell phones turned “off” if not collected by the Adult Leader.

If a parent wants their Young Marine to have a phone on encampments, so their child can call when we arrive or are heading home, that is allowed but the phone will be kept by an AV during the trip. 

This is also the policy of HQ during leadership schools, camps, and most trips. 

Color Guard is an honor and must be treated as such. Color Guard members will be asked to present the Colors at an array of events, typically outside of drill. Color Guard members are expected to present themselves as honorably as possible and are also expected to check email regularly for invitations (some of which have tight deadlines). 

We advise that parents/guardians attend the last ten (10) minutes of drill for final formation to hear any announcements, find out what happened during drill, etc. DRILL Meetings (called “Drill”) are held every 2nd and 4thSaturday in our unit. 

Currently we are being hosted by the VFW Post 3282 to hold our meetings in the Banquet Hall, 5810 S Williamson Blvd, Port Orange, FL 32128, from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. 

We expect the Building and grounds to be treated with the utmost respect by our Young Marines, parents and volunteers. We truly appreciate the generosity of, and continued support from, the VFW, and will show all members respect and gratitude. 

Please note: everyone needs to clean-up the meeting area prior to departure. Make sure your Young Marine has gathered ALL of their belongings and helped to clean up before leaving the Building.

Three (3) hours of DDR are required every quarter (each 3 months) for every Young Marine in order to maintain status for promotions, billets, and trips. 

DDR is offered at drill (through classes, presentations, guest speakers, activities, etc.), but can also be gained by attending online DDR courses, completing Project Alert training/certification/activities, or doing homework that is DDR-related (research papers, comic books, posters, PSAs, etc.). 

If Young Marines do not complete the required 3 hours per quarter, this can stop them from qualifying for SPACES trips, Leadership Schools, and promotions. 

Currently, Volusia Young Marines does not have monthly “Unit Dues”, however depending on fundraiser efforts, we may require a small ($5-10) monthly Unit Due in the future. These dues would cover replacement ribbons, ribbon racks, chevrons, guidebooks, boot bands, office supplies, awards, unit travel, event expenses, etc. 

Once a year, in September, every Young Marine and Adult Volunteer must Re-Register with the program, at a cost of $50, which is sent to National Headquarters to cover insurance and materials provided at the National Level.

Young Marines/Recruits should eat a balanced breakfast before arriving at drill. Because of the length of our drill, Young Marines and Recruits will receive two (2) snacks during drill, one in the morning after PT and the other in the afternoon. 

Every child is required to bring $3 to every drill or unit event to cover supplied snacks. 

Young Marines with dietary restriction, allergies, or need to eat more often for medical reasons, please supply a note from the doctor. Otherwise, Young Marines and Recruits should not bring food or snacks to drill or unit events .

Volusia Young Marines is still a very young unit, and because we are still establishing ourselves in the community, we do not have a lot of financial support from outside of the unit. This is why fundraising is so important. 

We do encourage parents to present any new fundraising ideas to the Unit Commander during Parent Meetings. 

When we do have a fundraiser event, we encourage all Young Marines to participate.

Unlike most units, your Unit Commander and Executive Officer provides online Teams Meetings for the Young Marines. These online classes are for the benefit of the Young Marines. Attendance is important in progressing to the next rank. We use these classes to teach knowledge and study objectives, so we can focus on more hands-on activities during drill. Remember, UC and XO are volunteering their time to hold these meetings, if you are going to be absent, please inform them of your absence. 

Everyone should act respectful, professional, and pay attention on the Teams Meetings, as if they were at drill.

Guidelines for Teams Meetings:

1. Eat dinner before the meeting or wait until after, no eating during the meeting.
2. Use the head before the meeting.
3. Have your binder/guidebook ready and in your possession before the start of the meeting.
4. Make sure you are in a quiet place in your home, free from noise and distractions.
5. Have a water source available during the meeting.
6. Have your computer or iPad, or other source, ready and log in 5-10 minutes before the meeting is set to start.  

PFTs are held at least twice a year, once in each half of the year. PFTs are required to maintain the ability to attend camps and schools above the unit level, as well as maintain a good standing for promotions, billets, instructor positions, etc. within the unit. 

There may be 2 additional PFTs conducted per year to accommodate make-up tests. 

Physical training is part of nearly every drill schedule, but it cannot be the only exercise that Young Marines get if they hope to improve. 

Young Marines should set their own training regimen to ensure that they are improving themselves. 

Daily exercise and stretching are recommended; however, Young Marines do not have to join a gym to get a solid workout. 

For physical training period of instruction, Young Marines wear the designated Unit PT shirt, black gym shorts (no logos or stripes), white socks, and running shoes. 

On cold days, solid grey sweatpants and sweatshirts are allowed to be worn over PT gear. 

All Young Marine and Recruits are expected to be prepared for every drill (binders, guidebook(s), inkstick, canteen, and any assignments given) and every trip (gear list followed explicitly).

Young Marines must be signed off on all Enabling Objectives listed in the Table of Promotions (in their Guidebooks) for that rank. Young Marines must stand and pass an oral promotion board for each promotion (including knowing their Pledge, Obligation, and Creed, and General Orders.) 

The Young Marine must present a completed Promotion Request Form and a Personal Progress Report (home and school) to the Unit Commander before standing a promotion board.

The Unit Commander must also take into consideration the following when recommending a Young Marine for promotion: 

1. Does the YM practice good citizenship and leadership? 
2. Does the YM participate in school, home, and outside activities? 
3. Does the YM pass required PFT’s or show improving effort at each test? 
4. Does the YM practice good personal habits to include regular attendance of scheduled meetings and unit events? 
5. Is the YM mature enough to handle the rank for which they are being recommended? 
6. Has the YM completed and been signed off on all required enabling objectives for the rank they are seeking?

Upon joining the Volusia Young Marines, recruits have a fee of $323 or $363 depending on age. This fee covers most uniform items needed to be a Young Marine (camouflage uniform, cover, boots, belt, unit t-shirts, canteen, binder, bag, patches, etc). CLICK HERE FOR MORE RECRUIT INFORMATION

$100 is due on the first day of Recruit Training and the remaining is due two (2) months into Recruit Training.

New Recruits will need to purchase – BEFORE TRAINING STARTS:

(check Goodwill, thrift stores, and check with our Unit too):

• Gray sweatpants (no pockets, basic Hanes type)
• Gray “pull-over” sweatshirt (basic Hanes type)
• Plain white T-shirts (no V-necks, Hanes type undershirts)
• ○ Females should wear a white, tank top, cami, or sports bra underneath).
• Plain red PT shorts (no stripes or logos, preferably without pockets)
• White socks
• Tennis shoes

New Recruits will need to purchase – BEFORE RECRUIT GRADUATION:

• Plain black PT shorts (no stripes or logos, preferably without pockets)
• Green or Black boot socks (to wear with cammo uniform)

Recruit Training occurs twice a year, usually beginning in February and again in August, and typically lasts 3 months (roughly 13 weeks). Any prospective Young Marine who is interested before training begins can register online as a “Poolee” and once registered is welcomed to join us for meetings as an observer and to participate where appropriate, until the next Recruit class commences. 

Poolees may join a Recruit class up to but not after, the 4th week of training.

As for Facebook and any other social media sites, AVs, YM leaders, and HQ monitors these places for behavior “unbecoming a Young Marine.” There should be no foul language, no inappropriate photos posted and if a friend links the Young Marine to a post that puts that Young Marine in a bad light, it should be removed from their page. 

If a member of our unit notices something on another Young Marine’s social media page that is inappropriate, they will send a notification asking that it be removed in a timely manner. 

Keep in mind, we are always representing not just ourselves, but the program and other Young Marines. We will not allow that reputation to be tarnished. 

Recruit uniform consists of gym shoes, red gym shorts (no stripes or logos), white T-shirt (tucked in). If weather requires, a solid grey sweatshirt may be worn over the white T-shirt. Females should wear a white tank top, cami, or sports bra underneath the white T-shirt. 

Young Marine Uniform - Unless informed otherwise, standard drill uniform is full cammies (cover, trousers, blouse, black leather boots, solid white crew-neck T, web belt, red cord bracelet, boot bands, boot socks, chevrons - if applicable). Shirts are always tucked in, and trousers are worn at waistline. All parts must be clean, pressed, or polished, and present. Inspections can be performed at any drill and considered for promotions, billets, and other opportunities. 

Whenever a Young Marine wears his/her uniform, it must be worn properly! This includes ANY location and whether other Young Marines or Staff are around. If you are out from under cover, you wear your cover (even if it is a short walk from your house to your car). It’s called integrity. 

Every event is different. Some are open to all Young Marines, some are not. Sometimes this is deemed by outside organizations, sometimes it is restricted by us. Sometimes we cannot invite all Young Marines to certain events whether due to lack of physical space, only needing a certain number of volunteers, or if that particular event has requirements - like age, training, maturity, etc. When there are limitations, we first make a list of which Young Marines are event-qualified on paper (age, strength, ability, etc.), then we have to decide whom to invite. 

*For example, if an event requires 7-10 Young Marines per day; age 10 or up; ability to listen carefully and comprehend quickly (weapons and ranges require ultimate respect of safety and rules); ability to stand fairly still for long periods of time (without reminders to stand up properly and/or pay attention); willingness to work for long periods of time (without someone constantly reminding them to do so); ability to speak loudly and clearly (very noisy environment); ability to describe our program properly; and the maturity to be near “very cool” (some may call them dangerous) items without touching them. 

Qualified Young Marines are then sorted by considerations (as proven at drill, fundraisers, and other events) such as attendance, motivation, bearing, listening skills, being up-to-date on all things YM (DDR, PFTs, assignments, registration, fees), and responsiveness to emails (we are volunteers - if we have to send email(s), it is already time from our lives... if we have to send follow-up email(s) to gather responses to questions asked or items sent, that is more time, more frustration, and less time to plan.) Requests are then sent and, if first ones on the list aren’t available, we invite more (in order and as necessary) until slots are filled. 

Always ask your Young Marine first. You can also consult our website, the national website, our group facebook page, the Young Marine Guidebook, this Handbook, your child’s binder, the emails that Staff has taken the time to prepare and send, and, after exhausting those resources, ask a Young Marine Leader or Young Marine Staff member.

They can look in their binders, their Basic guidebook, in the emails sent by Squad Leaders/Staff members, on our website, or on our facebook page, and on the national website (YoungMarines.com). 

Unit Chain of Command: Young Marines should first approach their Squad Leader. If that Young Marine is not available, go to the Platoon Sergeant, then Platoon Leader, before reaching out to adult staff (unless it is an issue with Young Marine command).

Our meetings (aka Drill) are held on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month. In that time, we need to fit in required DDR, guidebook training, close order drill, PT/PFTs, and other essential subjects. Unless there is an exception, meetings will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m. and end at 2:00 p.m. Outside activities are optional; however, certain awards and events do require a minimum level of activity in the unit to be able to participate in or receive credit for a ribbon.

Please do not commit your Young Marine to an activity and then back out just before. Often, we have to make plans and provide numbers to organizations we may be assisting and often times these events have a competitive selection. Circumstances may come up unexpectedly and we understand that; however, if this becomes a pattern rather than an oddity, your Young Marine will be excluded from signing up for such opportunities. If something does come up, please let the UC or RAC (Registered Adult in Charge) know as quickly as possible, so they are no longer expecting your Young Marine and can fill that open spot if necessary (and do not waste time waiting on your Young Marine to arrive). 

There are many factors that go into Color Guard selection. As stated earlier in this handbook, Color Guard is an honor and it is reserved for those Young Marines who have proven that they have the respect for their uniform (inspections at morning formation show us who has cared for and worked on their uniform parts and who has simply gotten dressed), our country’s flag, and all authority. We watch Young Marines at every drill - especially during Close Order Drill practice. It is very easy to judge who stands up proudly, no matter the temperature or how long they’ve been on the grinder, and who has worked on their facing and drill movements outside of drill. When we need to train new Color Guard members, we will ask those who have impressed us (repeatedly) to attend practice(s) and then see if they are ready for the advanced moves and stress of Color Guard. 

Check our in-house website schedule page.

Communications are primarily done via email, Groupme, or posted on the website. For any Young Marine that provides an email address, we will include them on LOIs (Letters of Instruction) and news appropriate for them. Most unit-related information will be emailed by the UC. Prior to most events, an email will be sent to the unit with a summary of the activity and a date to respond by if your Young Marine wishes to attend. LOIs contain important information about upcoming events. Read them thoroughly as they contain addresses, possibly directions, uniform of the day, gear lists, the purpose of the outing, unit contacts, and times. A Hold Harmless Agreement and, for overnight events, a SAT form and Medical Release Form will be attached to the LOI and is necessary for all Young Marines to submit prior to events. This allows us authority to treat your YM in case of emergency and indicates best contact information. 

If your contact information changes, please be sure to let UC know so that the database can be updated.. 

All awards have different requirements - some outside of Young Marines and some within. All descriptions are detailed in the Awards manual found in the library on the national website. If a YM is eligible for an award that is not earned as part of the unit, a ribbon submission form will need to be turned in along with the appropriate documentation. The requirements are listed in the Awards manual. Suggestion: print off the page from the awards manual and staple to the ribbon form, along with any other necessary paperwork. Once the submission is complete, please turn into the UC or Awards Officer for review and entry into the database. If you feel a YM is deserving of one of the advanced awards, please bring it to the attention of the UC. There are higher achievements beyond the unit that the kids can be eligible for, and we want to recognize their efforts.

Fundraising is extremely important to the unit, as it allows us to continue activities. There will be opportunities throughout the year for the YMs to participate in activities; we try to avoid sales, but will take an opportunity if it is a great one. If YMs do not participate in these activities, they will not be eligible for the discounts afforded those that do. In other words, if the unit is paying for half or all of an activity, the YM must participate in the fundraising efforts to reap the benefit. AVs and support staff are always pursuing donation efforts and would appreciate any help that YMs or family members can give. 

For all leadership schools, certain requirements must be met to apply – time in program (TIP), PFT scores, updated DDR training, rank and age, etc. YMs can attend JLS (Junior Leadership School) once they have completed one year in the program prior to the school, if they have earned the rank of LCpl or Cpl (and based on age), and have no disciplinary, respect, or inspection issues. The YM can attend any JLS that has openings, anywhere in the country, provided parents or AVs are able to provide the transportation necessary to get them to the location. For example, if Division 1 is hosting a JLS, a YM from our unit can apply for admission and go if the parent or an AV can provide the necessary transport to where the school is being held. SLS (Senior Leadership School) is held at the Regimental and National Level, and ALS (Advanced Leadership School) is held at the National level and transportation is included in the National fee.

Per the specifications of our non-profit regulations, we must conduct DDR training at the minimum rate of three hours per quarter. Typically, this is done through one hour of instruction at each drill, but can also be a longer presentation by a YM, a guest speaker, or may include such things as working at DDR booths or trips to appropriate venues. A YM that does not have the required 3 hours per quarter will have to submit make-up work (or attend online DDR sessions), within that same quarter to count. If the YM does not maintain the minimum DDR training, he/she will not be able to participate in activities above the unit level. 

 HQ has an array of information in the form of manuals and memorandums available to all on the National website. They are accessible through the Library tab after you click on “member” on the home page. They are very clear about behavior, both YM and adult. The number one priority is the safety of the YMs. To that end, adults will not be permitted to smoke or drink around YMs during any YM activity, outing, or event, public or otherwise. The general consensus is that AVs should not be smokers unless they can abstain for the length of time necessary for drill, outings, activities, or events. We are not a military organization; however, we do subscribe to the values of respect for others, self-discipline, chain of command, and following orders. There is a time to have fun, but we still must act according to the YM Creed and Obligation. Whether in uniform or in regular clothes, we expect youth to act like Young Marines; they will be courteous, respectful, and not bring shame upon themselves or the program. Appearance is important. Refer to the guidebooks for specifics, but generally speaking, the uniform should be neat, patches sewn on correctly, proper hair style, jewelry limited to permitted items, clean nails (neutral tone or no polish), and clean footwear. Under normal circumstances, a blank white t-shirt is worn under the camouflage blouse. In rare cases, we may wear the Unit or National t-shirt but you will always be notified of that decision. 

Once you become a Young Marine (or Registered Adult Volunteer), you represent our unit, over 6,000 YMs and countless YM Alumni across the country, and the United States Marine Corps who has endorsed us. Every person you come in contact with will judge the Young Marines program by you. You must represent us well (in uniform or not). 

When in uniform, you are held to the following rules: 

• No sunglasses in uniform. 
• No chewing gum in uniform. 
• No wearing your cover any way but properly. 
• We do not rest our hands in pockets in uniform. 
• We leave places better than we find them.
• We use full sentences when asked a question. 
• We use common courtesy (saying please and thank you, pushing in chairs, cleaning up after yourself, answering properly, looking people in the eye, saying ma’am and sir, etc.). 
• We shake hands properly - firm grip, maintain eye contact, shoulders square to other person, speak clearly.
• We adhere to the rules of Chivalry (holding doors, helping people, etc.). 
• No tattoos that show in (any YM) uniform are allowed (this includes PT gear). 
• We respond to emails (LCpls & up, this is your responsibility not Mom’s or Dad’s job).
• If you earn a title or a trip, you owe it back to the program, the unit, and your YMs in the form of service and sharing knowledge gained. 
• We have integrity - we do the right thing even when we think no one is watching (but someone is always watching.)
• We respect our flag, our country, our Anthem, and our Pledge of Allegiance. We follow proper etiquette for all. 
• We have prayer before meals and events, given by our Chaplain. You are not required to participate, but you must allow others their reverence. 
• Behavior & Consequences: This is a detailed, subjective, lengthy topic that cannot be completely covered here. From the simplest of behavior vs consequence examples, YM who slouches through close order drill, to the most serious, a YM caught with drugs. Severity of punishment is based on severity of offense, whether it is a first-time or repeat offender, and what we as a group (Unit/HQ) decides.