The first Young Marine unit was founded in 1958 in Waterbury, Connecticut by members of the Brass City Detachment of the Marine Corps League. Within four years the unit grew to over 1500 boys in 10 communities throughout the United States. In 1965, the Young Marines received its official charter from the Marine Corps League and became a national youth program. In 1975, the membership was extended to females so that all youth could benefit, regardless of gender.

By 1978 the Young Marine bylaws were approved and adopted. In 1980 the Young Marine program was granted status as a Youth Educational Organization with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) classification of 501(C)3. In July 1993 the United States Marine Corps designated the Young Marine Program as "the focal organization for fulfilling its participation in the Department of Defense's Drug Demand Reduction Activities." Marine Corps Order 5000.20 officially recognized the Young Marines and published policy to support the program.

By 2000, the Young Marines grew to encompass more than 200 units in 38 states, with more than 11,000 Young Marines and nearly 2,000 adult volunteers.

Link to National Headquarters Young Marines Web Site - http://www.theyoungmarines.org