MCRD Parris Island, S.C. -- Parris Island is known for its recruit training, however, the Marine recruits are not the only ones training to earn a title.
The Parris Island Young Marines, who range in age from eight to 17 or until completion of high school, started a new cycle of Young Marine recruit training Saturday.
"The Young Marines are a group of young men and women who want to better themselves," explained Aulton Kohn, commanding officer, Parris Island Young Marines, and retired gunnery sergeant. "We teach them the Marine Corps values of honor, courage and commitment in a drug-free environment. This gives them a little head start in life."
"I like the Young Marines because it is exciting," added 15-year-old Young Marine Lance Cpl. David Dinkins, who has been in the program for two years. "We learn respect and discipline. We stay in shape and this keeps us healthy."
The Parris Island Young Marine organization is comprised of Marine and civilian volunteers from around the Depot who oversee and provide the training, including a commanding officer, an executive officer, a drill master, several staff noncommissioned officers, a senior drill instructor, drill instructors and administration staff. Senior Young Marines also share the training responsibility by giving many of the Marine Corps knowledge courses to the recruits.
During training, the Young Marine recruits have many of the same requirements Marine recruits have for graduation.
"The recruit training is a spin off from what actual recruits in training get," said Aaron Epps, Young Marine drill master and senior drill instructor, and a former Marine Corps drill instructor. "First of all, the kids gain self-confidence that they can do this; they can complete something. We instill the basic traits, like discipline and teach drill and knowledge."
"We also teach the recruits physical training, hygiene, wear and care of the uniform, rank structure and naval terminology," added Kohn.
Young Marine recruits go through 13 Saturdays of training and start out their training cycle with an individual strength test to determine how physically fit each recruit is. The Young Marine recruits will also need to learn Marine and Young Marine knowledge, memorize the Young Marines Hymn and pass a final physical fitness test before graduating. As with Marine Corps recruits, Young Marine recruits can get dropped from the program as well.
During the course of the training, the recruits also receive incentive training similar to the incentive training Marine Corps recruits receive that aids in teaching discipline. This is the role the Young Marine drill instructors fill.
"The drill instructor role is to enhance what the children learn at school and at home," said Epps. "The drill instructor is very important. Without them, this unit doesn't run. They yell with a purpose. There is a method to their madness, so to speak."
Although the current cycle has only just begun, the recruits are already showing potential.
"Training day one went very well," said Kohn. "A lot of the kids are out of shape and not used to yelling, but as time goes on, it'll get easier for them."
For more information about the Young Marines, visit www.youngmarines.com.