Eastern Mountains Young Marines

• Article I: I am an American youth, proud of my country and our way of life. I am prepared to dedicate myself to educating others and myself in the history, traditions, and institutions thereof. I will do my best to live by the Marine Corps’ core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment, as well as the Young Marine’s core values of Discipline, Leadership and Teamwork.

• Article II: I will never let another Young Marine down of my own accord. If in charge, I will do my best to ensure the safety and well being of those for whom I am responsible. I will immediately report any suspicious activity or behavior to a registered adult.

• Article III: If I am offered drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products, I will politely resist and refuse. I will not get involved in the same. I will also aid my friends and schoolmates to stay clear of similar situations.

• Article IV: I will always be loyal to my fellow Young Marines. I will make no statements nor take part in any action that may bring discredit to my God, country, family and Young Marines. If I am the senior Young Marines present, I will take charge. If I am not, I will obey the lawful orders of those senior to me and support them in every way.

• Article V: When asked about the Young Marines Program, I will answer questions politely, respectfully, and to the best of ability. If I am asked a question that I do not know the answer to, I will refer the person asking the question to a registered adult. I will never give information that I am not certain of nor mislead those who are seeking information about the Young Marines Program.

• Article VI: I will never forget that I am an America Youth, and therefore the future of America, privileged with the freedom won and kept by the blood of those who fought to ensure our freedom. I am responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles that make my country free.
 

Generations after generations of American men and women have given special meaning to title United States Marine. These same men and women live by a set of enduring Core Values which form the bedrock of their character. The Core Values give Marines strength and regulate their behavior; they bond the Marine Corps into a total force that can meet any challenge.

Honor
Honor guides Marines to exemplify the ultimate in ethical and moral behavior; to never lie, cheat, or steal; to abide by an uncompromising code of integrity; respect human dignity, and respect others. The qualities of maturity, dedication, trust and dependability commit Marines to act responsibly; to be accountable for their actions, to fulfill their obligations; and to hold others accountable for their actions.

Courage
Courage is the mental, moral and physical strength ingrained in Marines. It carries them through the challenges of combat and helps them overcome fear. It is the inner strength that enables a Marine to do what is right; to adhere to a higher standard of personal conduct; and to make tough decisions under stress and pressure.

Commitment
Commitment is the spirit of determination and dedication found in Marines. It leads to highest order or discipline for individuals and units. Commitment is the ingredient that enables 24- hour a day dedication to Corps and country. It inspires the unrelenting determination to achieve and a standard of excellence in every endeavor.

Discipline
Discipline requires that Young Marines show instant willingness and obedience to the rules of the Young Marines program, their parent's rules, and the laws of the land. Discipline also dictates a respect for authority.
Young Marines will:
• Follow all rules and regulations set forth in the Young Marine guidebooks and manual.
• Follow the rules of the home and of their parents, completing cores, obeying curfews, and assisting in the home when needed.
• Follow all laws of government and have respect for our leaders, police and those in charge of us.

Leadership
Leadership is the ability to influence others. A good leader is able to effectively pass on from their leaders all that is expected to be accomplished. A true leader leads by example. Young Marines will:
• Aspire to positively influence the fellow Young Marines all the time.
• Accomplish their mission by completing all tasks assigned by their leaders and those charge of them from their parents, teachers, coaches and Young Marine adult leaders.

Teamwork
Teamwork is co-operation between those working together on a task. To truly understand teamwork, Young Marines must learn to listen to their leaders and peers, ask questions to ensure complete understanding, persuade their team that they can accomplish the mission, respect those on their team and their suggestions, help those on their team to accomplish the mission, share in the glory and the failures of the team, and participate in the task as a member of the team.
Young Marines Will:
• Always work together to accomplish the mission.
• Keep their team motivated at all times even when the mission or task is not a popular one.
• Not grab all the glory for the team effort, but spread it amongst all team members.

Simper Fidelis - Always Faithful