By YM/Sgt Ethan Cudic Upstate (NC) I joined the Young Ma- rines when I was 10 years old.I was walking through a local mall, when I saw the sharp looking cam- mie uniforms, worn by some boys older than me. I ran over to the boys and bombarded them with questions. They explained to me that they were Young Marines, and their mission was to posi- tively impact America’s future by provid- ing youth development and promoting a drug-free lifestyle. They told me different experiences they’d had in parades, encampments, and various other events. Instantly, I was impressed by the organization and insisted to my parents that I join the Young Marines. Upon graduation, I had visions of marching in huge parades, land navigat- ing across mountains, and scuba diving on the ocean floor, all of which I’ve done through the Young Marines, but not as soon (or as often) as I had originally thought. Most of the time I found myself practic- ing drill on Friday evenings with the rest of my unit, or attending drug demand reduction classes. Occasionally, we’d do something cool, like visit the Sherriff’s office and put on SWAT gear, or march in a Washington D.C parade. Two years later, my family moved to South Carolina. After telling my unit about the move, they decided I should lead the platoon in the upcoming pa- rade we attending in D.C. I prepared myself beforehand, practicing all the commands I would need for the parade. On parade day, all my preparation paid off. Our unit did great! I felt a new sense of motivation, one that helped with my other areas of responsibility and inter- est, such as school and the martial arts classes I was attending. Months went by until I transitioned to my current unit in South Carolina, and soon that motivation seemed to leave as quickly as it had come. I started going to my current unit, Upstate (SC) Young Marines, where I met one of the great- est leaders, Ryan Jackson, who was the Young Marine in charge of the unit at the time. A true leader, he led by exam- ple, from the front. Anything he told us to do, he could do, too. I really looked up to him and tried leading my squad the way he led the unit. I learned some prin- ciples of leadership from him and ap- plied it to other areas of my life.I started to successfully complete more of my ob- jectives. I began feeling that same sense of motivation I felt after the parade, but this time it was also met with dedication towards becoming a disciplined leader. Because of the Young Marines,I’ve got- ten to do the activities I dreamed about long ago.Surprisingly,those experiences were not the most valuable thing I have gotten from the program, it’s the knowl- edge I’ve learned from some of the greatest leaders. Whether it was from a fellow Young Marine, an adult volunteer, or a Marine Corps General, the Young Marines gave me the opportunity to learn from these individuals. The most valuable knowledge I have gained from them is this: If you don’t have the dedication to complete the simple tasks in a disciplined manner, like school or sports, how will you ever be able to complete the hard ones (like college or the military?). The decisions we make now are just as important as the decisions we’ll make later in life.So,start practicing discipline and dedication now, complete the sim- ple tasks, so you can achieve the hard ones. Semper Fi, Young Marines! Learning Some of the Keys to Success in the Young Marines By YM/GySgt Alex Moebius Division Six Public Affairs Correspondent Captain Art Jackson (ID) My journey as a Young Marine start- ed in the summer of 2013. My parents were attending a parade when they saw the Treasure Valley (ID) Young Marines marching. They asked if I would be in- terested in joining. I said yes, and we went to an informational meeting.That’s when I for sure knew that I wanted to join.A couple of months later, I arrived to the military base where Recruit Training was being held, and was instantly being taught the customs and courtesies of a Young Marine. Over the next few days, I was taught how to be a Young Marine. On October 1st, 2013, I graduated Re- cruit Training and became a Young Ma- rine Private. I was mentored by great Young Marines who really made an in- fluence on me. They taught me how to be a leader inside and outside of the program. I went to National Junior Lead- ership School in July of 2016. It was my first national event. I really enjoyed it and still talk to many of the people I met there, even after two years! The following year, I went to Nation- al Senior Leadership School. I met new people and reunited with friends from the year before. Shortly afterwards I was able to meet even more new people at FEMA CERT Camp in California. I enjoyed the time I was there. In November of 2017, two Young Marines units in Idaho (Treasure Valley and Gem State) merged to form the Captain Art Jackson Young Marines. I’m very glad this happened as it let us make a bigger unit with more Young Ma- rines, and adult staff members. A few months later, I had the amaz ing honor of being selected to help the Young Marines program as a Public Af- fairs Officer for Division Six. I am very fortunate with how the program has helped me through the years, and all of the opportunities it’s given me. I am very glad that I still have more time in the program, because I don’t know what I would do without the Young Marines, honestly. I want to encourage all Young Marines who are in the program to try their hardest, stay positive, and to not give up. Be the leader your Young Ma- rines below you need to succeed. Lastly, always remember to HAVE FUN!!! From Idaho: My Journey as a Young Marine (So Far) Young Marines Esprit ONLINE 17