Big D Young Marines, Dallas, TX

What We Are About

The Young Marines is youth organization for young people (male and female), ages 8-18. The program focuses on character building through a combination of self-discipline, teamwork and leadership, and promotes a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

The program emphasizes academic excellence, physical fitness, discipline, respect and personal responsibility. Young Marines learn new skills and ribbons in subjects like CPR, swimming, map reading, first aid, drug prevention, academic achievement, music, conservation, community service, physical fitness, military drill and much more. Young Marines also earn rank based on their level of maturity and experience in the program increases. As their rank increases, their level of responsibility increases as well.

What We Are Not About

The Young Marines is not an intervention program for troubled youth. The structure of the program does not allow us to accept youth who do not have a minimum level of respect and obedience to authority. The Young Marine program adds a dimension of discipline and demands a level of respect not typically asked of youth today. We then add a good dose of fun and unique experiences to keep things interesting.

The program is also not a babysitting service. Part of the success of the Big D unit is the level of involvement by our parents. We keep costs low with regularly scheduled fund raisers. These fund raisers are either sales or service related to allow everyone to contribute (some families are good at selling others are better at donating time). Our parents are also the keystone to making many of our activities successful. Our annual BBQ Dinner and Talent Show is always a big hit and could not be put on without the involvement of our parents.

About The Unit Staff

The training and supervision of the Young Marines is entrusted to the unit staff. This is a dedicated group of adults who believe the Young Marine program has something special for kids today. Some staff members are former Marines and others are parents who have (or had) youth in the program. These adults are registered with the Young Marines National Headquarters (www.youngmarines.com) and have had criminal as well as sex offender checks performed. The safety of all youths enrolled in the program is paramount in everything we do.

About Joining the Young Marines

All young people interested in joining the program must first go through a ten week recruit training, which meets every Saturday from 8am to 4pm. Recruits learn the general Young Marine subjects such as Marine Corps and Young Marine history, close order drill, physical fitness, customs and courtesies, and military rank structure. This rigorous training period instills a sense of pride and personal accomplishment, which forms the basis of newfound confidence and self-esteem. Graduation from recruit training is always a proud and memorable day for every recruit, parent, friend and relative. From this day forward you join and esteemed groups of young Americans who are making a difference in their lives, the lives of others, their community and their country.

We start new recruit training class twice a year, one in the spring and one in the fall, depending on the availability of training staff. You can request to be put on our waiting list for the next class by completing contact information. Please click on this link to bring the form up in new window.

When we scedule the next recruit training class, we will contact you either by phone or email, with the date of the orientation meeting. During this meeting we give you an your child an overview of the Young Mairne program and also hand out the necessary enrollment forms. We try and limit the costs connected to the program. You will be required to pay a $50 enrollment fee prior to the first day of recruit training. The enrollment fee covers: 1 year of accident insurace (for Young Marine related injuries or illness), 1 year subscription to Esprit Magazine, 1 camouflage cover, all patches for the camouflage uniform, and a red Young Marine t-shirt. There is also a fee to cover the costs of the uniform they will be required to wear while in the program. This fee is approximately $120.00 (but can change without notice based on the current costs of purchasing the uniform items). This fee can be paid at the start of recruit training or a payment plan can be arranged through the commanding officer, if needed. The uniform fees covers: 1 camouflage blouse, 1 camouflage trouser, 1 camouflage cover, 1 pair of jungle boots, 1 gear bag, all required patches. Besides these items you will be required to provide: 1 pair of plain black shorts, 1 white under shirt, 1 pair of gray sweats, 1 pair of black boot socks. Both of these fees are non-refundable.

The Big D Young Marines meet at Town North Bible Church, 6800 Town North Drive, Dallas, TX. This is just east of Northwest Highway and Abrams Rd. We meet the second and fourth Saturday of each month, all year round. You are welcome to come by and see the program in action, meet the staff and some of the senior Young Marines.
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