Etowah Valley Young Marines Welcome New Recruits

Described as "a positive and safe place for children to better themselves" by recruiter Jared Massingill, Etowah Valley Young Marines began in Bartow County in October 2010.

Young Marines, the motto of which is “strengthening the lives of America’s youth,” put a particular emphasis is on teaching children to stay away from drugs.

“Twice a month the recruits meet for drills where they learn to march in formation. They also get highly involved in physical training and have a fitness test they must pass based on age and gender,” said Massingill. “We go throughout the community and perform all sorts of services. We had over 1,500 kids benefit from our Toys for Tots work last year.”

Massingill says the program is very broad as to the lessons and skills it teaches the kids concerning leadership, self-discipline and teamwork. They also honor the traditional Marine Corps values of honor, courage and commitment.

“This program is for any kid,” said Massingill.  “We don’t recruit for any branch of the military, and we don’t push the kids toward that. If they decide to they want to do that then they have a leg up, but otherwise we’re instilling these great values and the kids will have a smooth ride in their adult lives because they’re getting real-world points of view. We teach the kids to work for what they believe in. If they want something and they’re willing to work for it, there’s nothing that can stop them.”

Etowah Valley Young Marines is currently recruiting new members and has only 13 spaces available before the cut-off date of July 9.

The next cycle of classes will begin July 23, and meet the first and third Saturday of every month at the in Cartersville.

Twice a year the Young Marines recruit children ages 8 to 18. There is a registration fee of $100 as well as a $100 uniform fee. A monthly dues payment of $5 covers the cost of guide books, merit ribbons and other recruit necessities.

Upon recruitment, there is an 8-week training program each Saturday from 7:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the local American Legion post. During the training program children will participate in two over-night trips, undergo training exercises, learn survival skills and even cook some of their own meals.

Once recruits have graduated their initial training, they may continue with the Young Marines until the age of 18 with only an annual $30 membership renewal fee.

For more information on Etowah Valley Young Marines and the programs, contact Jared Massingill at 678-918-6478 or visit the website.