We are the Potomac River Young Marines, proudly based in Washington, D.C. – a unit recognized for excellence and achievement at the highest levels of our national program. In 2024, we were named Division Unit of the Year and honored with the Fulcrum Shield Award for our commitment to drug demand reduction. In 2025, one of our own rose to the top as Young Marine of the Year, proving that dedication and discipline shape tomorrow’s leaders. The Young Marines is America’s premier youth leadership and service organization for boys and girls ages 8 through high school. Our mission is clear: to strengthen the lives of America’s youth through leadership, teamwork, and discipline while building character, honoring our veterans, serving our communities, and living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. From day one, new recruits undergo challenging 26 hours of Recruit Training, where they master Young Marine history, customs, drill, physical fitness, and first aid. Every Young Marine has the chance to earn rank, wear the uniform with pride, and pursue awards and ribbons for leadership, academics, community service, swimming, and more. Our Program is not a scared straight program, we inspire kids to be better. Every drill, every event, every challenge is designed to push members to be better than they were yesterday. We believe in the motto: “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.”
The Potomac River Young Marines are not here to blend in. We are here to teach kids to stand out, to step up, and to lead at a higher level than their peers. For us, “Challenge Accepted” is more than a slogan, it’s a way of life. It's what Young Marines do, It's who they are!
