Who we are and our World Famous Attitude The Tehama County Young Marinesusually meet at least twice each month on Saturdays, but because they are in such high demand they meet more than this. Yes, because they have a world famous attitude about patriotism and serving their community many people want to see them in action. They take this attitude everywhere they go, especially to school.
Like their U.S. Marine Corps counterparts, "we don't accept applications, only commitments!" Being one of us isn't easy. If it was easy everyone would try to join. Our standards are very high. To become a Young Marine, boys and girls (ages 8 through 16 - before starting your junior year, but we would really encourage your interest before your freshman year) must first successfully graduate from recruit training, affectionately called - "Boot Camp."
As one might imagine Young Marine Boot Camp is very demanding as it is operated by the Young Marines themselves, but also lots of fun! The first day begins at 0330 hours (3:30 in the morning). Immediately, recruits learn how to stand at the position of attention, how to turn left, turn right, turn to the rear and how to march in parade formation. The first day is known as, "pick up day." By rack time (about 9 p.m.) the recruit is ready for a long needed eight hours of sleep. It's an endurance day.
Recruits learn to follow orders immediately. This builds trust and teamwork.
At no time will any foul language be acceptable or tolerated from anyone. No put downs either. It's all about encouragement. Recruits will hear a lot of yelling and screaming, but never "in your face." When a recruit is called on to do push ups the Drill Instructor will do them with the recruit. Again, encouragement is the key ("you can do it!).
Essential subjects in boot camp include, drug demand reduction information, how to study and achieve good grades, physical fitness, diet and nutrition, personal hygiene, fire safety and basic first aid, how to care for and wear the Young Marine uniform, room inspections, Patriotism, U.S. History, military terminology, rank structure, map and compass, guard duty, and much more. Each day is long and demanding and by the time the week ends the new Young Marine has an understanding of good school and work ethics. But each day is also filled with fun!
Physical training doesn't always mean to just do push ups, sit ups, or run a lot. It also means playing games that build teamwork. We swim, play soccer and Frisbee!
Currently our training schedule includes meeting at the Tehama County Police Activities League Martial Arts Center for Excllence, 1005 Vista Way, Suite C (across from Trainor Field). But we also meet at our downtown Recruiting Office, 332 Pine Street. The Young Marines is a long-term mentoring program, not a summer babysitting service. Parents, grandparents/guardians are expected to follow the instructions that we give them. We won't put up with any excuses. We expect our Young Marines (and their parents/guardians) to apply themselves from the moment the recruits are accepted for training. The recruit/Young Marine must make a total commitment through elementary and high school to eventually grow into solid citizens once they are Honorably Discharged from the Young Marines. Parents and other interested adults who are interested in how and why we train our youth this way are invited to apply for recruit training for adults. Are you ready for "Adult Boot Camp?" Ask the Unit Commander about the waiver of liability form and costs. It's no more than three days & two nights and babysitting might just be available. Although Adult Boot Camp isn't required to apply for Registered Adult status we urge those who are able, to make the commitment to your community and be one of us. Adults are not required to do any physical training, but drugs, alcohol and tobacco are not tolerated.
Our adult staff are all volunteers in the community and are registered with our National Offices in Washington, D. C. They are volunteers, but must follow a very strict policy concerning working with today's youth. Some served as Marines while others served as Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and with the Coast Guard. Others have not served in the military, but have the skills needed to work with our youth. They are all valuable and dedicated to our youth. They lead from the front (by example). Our adults "get by giving." Do you have these skills to work with the youth in our community? Can you pass a background check? Making the commitment to positively impact the life of a child will last for more than 100 years. What will your legacy be?
The Tehama County Young Marines is assigned to the 1st Battalion ("Ray Jacobs Battalion"),California Regiment, Sixth Division (Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Utah and Montana). There are 300 + units with 11,000 + youth and nearly 3,400 Registered Adult Volunteers nationwide.
The national motto of the Young Marines is:
"Strengthening the lives of America's youth."
Make an appointment to visit your
Young Marine Recruiter. 530.419.3950.
Contact us at:
Chain of Command
Tehama County
Sgt. John Minton, Marine Veteran
1st Battalion (Ray Jacobs)
Sgt. John Minton, Marine Veteran
California Regimental Commander
Jack Closson, 1st Sgt USMC (ret)
6th Division
Mike Wilson, Lt. Col. USMC (ret)
(Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana,
Utah, Nevada, Arizona, California)
National Headquarters
Mike Kessler, Lt. Col. USMC (ret)
Other Young Marine web sites:
(So. California Regiment)
SSgt Michael Guiles, Marine Veteran
The success of our unit is largely due to the following partners in the war on drugs:
Lynn Moule & Business Connections/Pine Street Plaza, 332 Pine Street, Red Bluff, CA 96080
Raley's, WalMart, PAL,Red Bluff High School, Vista Middle School, Cornerstone Bank, Greg and Vickie Latourel, Tehama County Sheriff's Office, Red Bluff Police Department, Corning Police Department, California Highway Patrol (Red Bluff Area), Red Bluff Fire Department, Tehama Together, 332 Pine Street, Red Bluff, Red Bluff Daily News, Dave Holder & Wheeler Logging, Inc., Hampton Inn and Suites - Red Bluff, Sunshine Cleaners, Sunrise Bible Fellowship, KRCR Channel 7 (ABC News) - Redding, KHSL Channel 12/24 Chico, Military Family Support Group - Red Bluff, Baker Road Storage, City of Tehama, Sacramento River Discovery Center, Police Activities League, Red Bluff Police Officer's Association, all of the parents of the kids in PAL, Starbucks, Raba Bank, Red Bluff, Chamber of Commerce, (more to come soon).
EJ's Place, 410 S. Main Street, Red Bluff, CA 96080
Pvt. France Silva Web Site
Police Activities League Web Site
Anti-Bullying Web Site
US DOJ websites for anti-bullying and social networking education
Advertise your business for free with us!
Phone Contact Hours - 530.419.3950 or 840.0345 - :
Mon - Fri: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sat: 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Sun: Day to sharpent saw
