Updated Awards Manual Effective May 2011!!

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to a Young Marine who successfully completed recruit training as prescribed in the Recruit Training SOP in the Training Officers Manual.
   
3. Criteria: 1. The Young Marine must:
   
   a. Graduate from Recruit Training in the time prescribed by the unit commander.
   
   b. Complete the Performance Objectives and Enabling Objectives as stated in the Promotion Policy to obtain the rank of Private.
   
   c. Perform and complete the Young Marine Physical Fitness.
   
   d. Meet the minimum required attendance of not more than 3 excused absences during Young Marine Recruit training.
   

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to a Young Marine for participating in two unit activities involving an overnight stay.
   
3. Criteria: 1. The Young Marine must demonstrate maturity and conduct expected of Young Marines away from home and under the direct supervision of adult and Young Marine leaders.
   
   2. The activity must:
   a. Involve a minimum of two days and one night
   b. Be considered an overnight encampment, field trip, or other Young Marine activity that involves travel with the unit away from:
   
   i) The home of any Young Marine or registered adult.
   
   ii) The normal drill site.
   
   iii) Local community.
   
   3. Some recommended activities are:
   
   a. A trip aboard a military installation that is not the normal drill site or
   Naval vessel for training.
   
   b. Unit encampments.
   
   c. Field Trip to the state and/or nation‘s capitol, if it meets criteria 2.
   
   4. Activity is not held in conjunction with a higher headquarters
   encampment or school.
   
   5. Must have 80% of unit in attendance for the duration of the event.
   

1. Authority: Battalion Commander
   
2. Eligibility Awarded to a Young Marine who participates in a Battalion, Regimental, Division or National Encampment.
   
3. Criteria: 1. The Young Marine must:
   
   a. Demonstrate maturity and conduct expected of Young Marines away from home and under the direct supervision of adult and Young Marine leaders.
   
   2. Participate in 80 percent of the activities offered at the encampment.

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility Awarded to a Young Marine who has participated as a member of the unit drill team.
   
3. Criteria: The Drill Team member must have:
   
   1. Served for a period of one year.
   
   2. Participated in one public function.
   
   3. Performed their duties in a satisfactory manner.

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to a Young Marine who successfully completes the course of instruction outlined in the Marksmanship Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Part I and instructed by a qualified marksmanship instructor.
   
3. Criteria: 1. The Young Marine must receive instruction in and successfully meet the criteria established by the qualified marksmanship instructor in the following Core Course of Study:
   
   a. Firearms Safety
   
   b. Smart and Safe Handing of Firearms
   
   c. Rifle parts and components
   
   d. Home Firearm Safety

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to a Young Marine who demonstrates knowledge and skills in one or more areas in the communications field listed below.
   
3. Criteria: 1. Standard Radio-Telephone Procedures.
   a. Attend a basic radio-telephone class that includes receiving, copying and sending radio-telephone transmissions over unsecured line or radio net using the phonetic alphabet and proper radio methods used by the U.S. Marines.
   b. Pass a written, oral and practical examination as prescribed by the unit commander.
   
   2. Written Media Publications (Newspaper, Magazines, and Newsletters).
   a. Must have an article published in any commercial or non-commercial newspaper, magazine, or newsletter with a reader-base of 50 or more subscribers or members.
   b. The article must be at least 200 words in length and related to any Young Marine, school, church, or community activity that the Young Marine took part. .
   c. Unit Commanders will place copies of published articles in the Young Marine‘s YMRB.
   
   3. Radio and Television.
   a. Participate in an internship program or program with a local radio or television station for a period of one year
   b. Through a written paper of 200 to 300 words describe a basic understanding of radio/television planning, production, and service to the community.
   
   4. Computer (Web design). Not required to be placed on the Internet.
   a. Using standard web software design, build and support a website that provides unit information to other Young Marines as well as the general public about the National Young Marines program and their unit.
   b. Provide a demonstration on the web page and present a 200-300 word essay on the project including problems, resolutions, pitfalls, and successes.
   
   5. Foreign Languages. (Fluent in a language other than English, including sign)
   a. The Young Marine must show a basic understanding and knowledge of the language.
   b. Provide a letter of recommendation from a teacher or from an interviewer if the course was taken on-line or learned in the home.

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to a Young Marine who demonstrates knowledge on the proper use of the map and compass as described in the Young Marines Guide.
   
3. Criteria: 1. The Young Marine must:
   
   a. Be a Junior Young Marine (YM/CPL or YM/SGT)
   
   b. Successfully perform and complete all of the Enabling Objectives listed in the Performance Objective Review in the Junior Young Marines Guide, Performance Objective 4.
   
   c. Use an applicable map and compass on a land navigation course.
   
   d. Use the map and compass to:
   
   i) Navigate to 5 locations using four legs on the map.
   
   ii) Plot the 5 points on a map and plan your legs from Point 1 to each point in sequence to Point 5.
   
   iii) Successfully navigate to three of the 5 points on the map.

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility Awarded to a Young Marine who demonstrates knowledge on the proper use of the map and compass and skill in land navigation as described in the Young Marines Guide.
   
3. Criteria: 1. The Young Marine must:
   
   a. Have earned the Map & Compass Ribbon.
   
   b. Be a Senior Young Marine (YM/SSGT or YM/GYSGT)
   
   c. Successfully perform and complete all of the Enabling Objectives listed in the Performance Objective Review in the Senior Young Marines Guide, Performance Objective 4.
   
   d. Use a compass and applicable map on a land navigation course located in a wilderness area where there are appreciable terrain features and the shortest legs are not less than 50 meters.
   
   e. Use the map and compass to:
   
   i) Navigate to 5 locations using four legs on the map.
   
   ii) Plot the 5 points on a map and plan your legs from Point 1 to each point in sequence to Point 5.
   
   iii) Successfully navigate to five of the 5 points on the map.
   
   f. Participate in an orienteering competition:
   
   i) As an individual, successfully complete the orientation course.
   
   ii) As a team member, assist the team leader in successfully completing the orientation course.

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility Awarded to a Young Marine who leads a team through an orienteering course and completes an individual orienteering competition.
   
3. Criteria: 1. Young Marine must have earned the Land Navigation Ribbon.
   
   2. Participate in an orienteering competition:
   
   a. As an individual, successfully complete the orientation course.
   
   i) Meet the established time requirement
   
   ii) Find 90 percent of the assigned markers
   
   b. As a team, lead the team successfully in completing the orientation course.
   
   i) Complete the course with the whole team
   
   ii) Meet the established time requirement
   
   iii) Find all of the assigned markers
   
   3. The Young Marine must accomplish both 2.a. and 2.b., above.

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility Awarded to a Young Marine who successfully performs and demonstrates skills in selected field craft.
   
3. Criteria: 1. The Young Marine must:
   
   a. Be a Basic Young Marine (YM/PVT, YM/PFC or YM/LCPL)
   
   b. Successfully perform and complete all of the Enabling Objectives listed in the Performance Objective Review in the Basic Young Marines Guide, Performance Objective 3.
   
   c. Demonstrate or perform the skills during the course of one or more encampments.
   
   2. Safety Warning:
   
   a. Many of the skills to be demonstrated or performed require practice and close supervision of the instructor.
   
   b. The ―talk, show, and do‖ method of instruction should be used whenever possible.
   
   c. Each skill must be demonstrated or performed with safety in mind and should be stressed to the Young Marine continuously.
   
   d. Please check local ordinances regarding campfires and waste disposal.

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility Awarded to a Young Marine who successfully completes and performs the requirements in Performance Objective 3 of the Junior Young Marine Guide.
   
3. Criteria: 1. The Young Marine must:
   
   a. Be a Junior Young Marine (YM/CPL or YM/SGT)
   
   b. Successfully perform and complete all of the Enabling Objectives listed in the Performance Objective Review in the Junior Young Marines Guide, Performance Objective 3.
   
   c. Demonstrate or perform the skills during the course of one or more encampments.
   
   2. Safety Warning:
   
   a. Many of the skills to be demonstrated or performed require practice and close supervision of the instructor.
   
   b. The ―talk, show, and do‖ method of instruction should be used whenever possible.
   
   c. Each skill must be demonstrated or performed with safety in mind and should be stressed to the Young Marine continuously.
   
   3. Please check local ordinances regarding campfires and waste disposal.

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility Awarded to a Young Marine who has received certification by a national or international certifying organization.
   
3. Criteria: 1. The Young Marine must have successfully completed and met the certification requirements of one of the following certifying organizations:
   
   a. Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)
   
   b. National Association of Underwater Instructions (NAUI)
   
   c. Scuba Schools International (SSI)
   
   d. International Diving Educators Association (IDEA)
   
   e. Professional Divers Instructors Corporation (P.D.I.C.)
   
   2. They must possess a certification card offered by the organization listed above.

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility Awarded to a Young Marine who completes a boating course as prescribed by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Power Squadron of America or similar organizations offering courses in boating safety or small boat handling.
   
3. Criteria: 1. The Young Marine must:
   
   a. Attend and successfully complete a boating course prescribed by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Power Squadron of America or similar organizations offering courses in boating safety or small boat handling.
   
   b. Possess a certification card denoting completing a boating course prescribed by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Power Squadron of America or similar organizations offering courses in boating safety or small boat handling.
   

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility Awarded to a Young Marine who participates in a music program and demonstrates outstanding achievements in the music field.
   
3. Criteria: 1. The Young Marine must be involved in a music program. The program may be:
   
   a. Organized such as a school or church band, choir, theater group
   
   b. Less organized pick-up bands or choirs, or musical groups, etc.
   
   c. Individual training programs such as music lessons in instrument, voice, writing, and etc.
   2. To demonstrate outstanding achievement, the Young Marine must participate as an individual or member of a group:
   
   a. Concert
   
   b. Recital
   
   c. Competition

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility Awarded to a Young Marine who actively participates in any recognized and organized sport, individual or team and displays outstanding sportsmanship qualities.
   
   Criteria: 1. Written verification from their coach.
   
   2. In cases where the Young Marine is a relative of the coach(es), written verification must come from an assistant coach or other qualified individual who is not related to the Young Marine.

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility Awarded to a Young Marine who meets the swim qualification requirements.
   
3. Criteria: 1. There are three classes of qualification—Class I (Intermediate), Class II (Basic), and Class III (Beginner) swimmer. Annual re-qualification is left to the discretion of the unit commander based on available resources.
   
   2. During the swim test,
   
   a. The Class III beginner swimmer must:
   i) Fully submerge face and body.
   ii) Demonstrate buoyancy.
   iii) Demonstrate basic breathing control.
   iv) Float by using the flutter kick on front and back for 1 minute.
   
   b. The Class II basic swimmer must:
   i) Meet the Class III criteria.
   ii) Swim 25 yards using the crawl stroke.
   iii) Swim 25 yards using the elementary backstroke.
   
   c. The Class I intermediate swimmer must:
   i) Swim 25 yards using the crawl stroke.
   ii) Swim 25 yards using the elementary backstroke.
   iii) Swim 25 yards using the sidestroke.
   iv) Swim 25 yards using the breaststroke.

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility Awarded to a Young Marine who has completed, under the instruction of a qualified Fire Safety Instructor/Professional Firefighter, a Basic Fire Safety course.
   
3. Criteria: The Basic Fire Safety course must include, but is not limited to:
   
   1. Proper care and maintenance of home smoke detectors.
   
   2. Develop an E.D.I.T.H. (Exit Drills in the Home) diagram of their residence.
   
   3. Complete a basic fire extinguisher usage and application session.

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility Awarded to a Young Marine who completes a course of instruction in Basic Aid or Basic First Aid Training.
   
3. Criteria: 1. The Young Marine must have:
   
   a. Successfully completed a course of instruction given in Basic Aid Training (BAT), Basic First Aid, or Standard First Aid prescribed by, but not limited to the following:
   
   1) The American Red Cross
   
   2) Local Hospital, Heath Center, or Community College training program.
   
   3) Local Police, Fire Department or Emergency Services, etc.

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to a Young Marine who meets the Young Marine Physical Fitness Standard.
   
3. Criteria: 1. The Young Marine must:
   
   a. Complete the Young Marine Physical Fitness Test with an overall score of 250 or higher for YM/CPL and above. 200 for YM PVT through YM/LCPL.
   
   b. Meet the applicable score during each physical fitness test to retain the applicable ribbon.
   
   2. The Young Marine who scores:
   
   a. 300to 399 is authorized to wear the Physical Fitness Ribbon with the Roman numeral ―II‖ centered on the ribbon.
   
   b. 400 to 500 is authorized to wear the Physical Fitness Ribbon with the Roman number ―I‖ centered on the ribbon.
   
   c. 475 to 499 should be awarded an Unit Achievement Certificate denoting the Young Marines accomplishment
   
   d. 500 shall be awarded the Perfect Physical Fitness Ribbon. All such scores shall be reported to National Headquarters for recognition in the Esprit Magazine.

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility Awarded to a Young Marine who meets the Young Marine Physical Fitness Standard.
   
3. Criteria: 1. The Young Marine must:
   
   a. Complete the Young Marine Physical Fitness Test with an overall score of 250 or higher for YM/CPL and above. 200 for YM PVT through YM/LCPL.
   
   b. Meet the applicable score during each physical fitness test to retain the applicable ribbon.
   
   2. The Young Marine who scores:
   
   a. 300to 399 is authorized to wear the Physical Fitness Ribbon with the Roman numeral ―II‖ centered on the ribbon.
   
   b. 400 to 500 is authorized to wear the Physical Fitness Ribbon with the Roman number ―I‖ centered on the ribbon.
   
   c. 475 to 499 should be awarded an Unit Achievement Certificate denoting the Young Marines accomplishment
   
   d. 500 shall be awarded the Perfect Physical Fitness Ribbon. All such scores shall be reported to National Headquarters for recognition in the Esprit Magazine.

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility Awarded to a Young Marine who has a current CPR certification.
   
3. Criteria: 1. The Young Marine must:
   
   a. Complete a Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) course.
   
   2. The course must be prescribed by a qualified governing body, such as but not limited to the following:
   
   a. The American Red Cross
   
   b. The American Heart Association
   
   c. Local Hospital Training Program
   
   d. Local Police, Fire Department, or Emergency Medical Service, etc.
   
   3. Possess a valid and up-to-date CPR Certification Card.
   
   4. CPR certification requires re-qualification. The Young Marine must re-qualify as required by the governing body of the certification to retain the ribbon.

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility Awarded to any Young Marine who successfully obtains a leadership position outside of the program through schools, sports teams, church, or other extracurricular clubs and activities.
   
3. Criteria: 1. The Young Marine must hold a leadership position such as team captain or president in a sports team, student organization, or student government organization, or youth leadership organization outside of the program.
   
   2. The Young Marine must present a letter or document verifying their position from a sponsor, coach, or other certified adult mentor. This cannot come from a relative of the Young Marine.
   
   3. The Young Marine must hold this leadership position for the duration of the normal range required by the outside organization. An example would be maintaining the captain‘s position on the little league team for the season, or maintaining the student body president position for the school year.
   
   4. Unit Commanders, other than those who are related to the Young Marine, are authorized to use their discretion in determining eligibility based on the documents submitted.
   

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to a Young Marine who performs a service that benefits their community, veteran‘s organization, military unit, service organization, i.e. the Red Cross, Salvation Army, etc., youth group, or school.
   
3. Criteria:
   a. Completed 50 community service hours for a period not to exceed 12 months. An official of the recipient organization(s) must certify the community service hours.
   
   b. The hours may accumulate by service to one, or a combination of organizations. The Young Marine is responsible for obtaining and retaining, community service hour certifications until the required hours are accumulated.
   
   c. A certification may be a simple letter by an official of the recipient organization written on the organization‘s letterhead paper. The original letters filed in the Young Marine‘s YMRB after the hours are entered in the Young Marines Database System.
   
   d. This award can be earned multiple times in a single calendar year provided the criteria in a., b. and c. are met.

1. Authority: National Headquarters Academy Director or Nationally certified equivalent.
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to a Young Marine who successfully completes the National Junior Leadership School or a local accredited school.
   
3. Criteria: 1. Young Marine must successfully complete all aspects of the Junior Leadership School curriculum. Most importantly they must:
   
   a. Pass the Physical Fitness Test.
   
   b. Demonstrate the ability to drill a Young Marine squad.
   
   c. Carry out assigned leadership duties in a satisfactory manner.
   
   d. Serve as a positive student leader and team member to peers and senior leaders.
   
   e. Meet all performance and conduct standards established by the school director.
   
   2. Completed the one-week Junior Leadership School./li>
   

1. Authority: National Headquarters Academy Director or Nationally certified equivalent.
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to a Young Marine who successfully completes the National Senior Leadership School or a local accredited school.
   
3. Criteria: 1. Young Marine must successfully complete all aspects of the Senior Leadership School curriculum. Most importantly they must have:
   
   a. Passed the Physical Fitness Test.
   
   b. Demonstrated the ability to drill a Young Marine platoon.
   
   c. Demonstrated the ability to instruct using the techniques of military instruction.
   
   d. Carried out assigned leadership positions in a satisfactory manner.
   
   e. Served as a positive student leader and team member to peers and senior leaders.
   
   f. Met all performance and conduct standards established by the school director.
   
   2. Completed the one-week Senior Leadership School.

1. Authority: National Headquarters Academy Director
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to a Young Marine who successfully completes the Young Marine National Advanced Leadership School.
   
3. Criteria: 1. Young Marine must successfully complete all aspects of the National Advanced Leadership School curriculum. Most importantly they must have:
   
   a. Passed the Physical Fitness Test.
   
   b. Demonstrated the ability to drill a Young Marine platoon.
   
   c. Demonstrated the ability to instruct using the techniques of military instruction.
   
   d. Carried out assigned duties in satisfactory manner.
   
   e. Served as a positive leader and role model to junior leaders.
   
   f. Met all performance and conduct standards established by the school director.
   
   2. Completed the two-week Advanced Leadership School.

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to a Young Marine who exhibits a strong interest in conservation through personal research and observation, oral and written communication, and daily practice.
   
3. Criteria: 1. Over the a period of six consecutive months:
   
   a. Construct and maintain a birdfeeder for at least three months, including one winter month. The birdfeeder must be placed in a safe location away from predatory animals. The Young Marine must identify no less than 6 species of birds using the feeder during the same three-month period.
   
   b. Prepare a composition on 6 wild animals common to your state. Provide common and scientific names, a short description of the animal, their eating habits, their habitat, and draw a picture of their track.
   
   c. List poisonous snakes found in your state and provide a short description of each snake. List 6 non-poisonous snakes and describe how each contributes to the balance of nature.
   
   d. Collect and identify 10 different tree leaves. Press the leaves, attach each leaf to paper, and write the name of the leaf on the paper.
   
   e. Plant a seed garden, indoor or outdoor, and accurately record the growth of the plant once a week until it matures. Be sure to include the date planted and the first sign of growth.
   
   f. Collect 10 rocks found in your state. Identify and describe each.
   
   g. List 10 fish found in your state. Identify and describe each.
   
   h. Prepare a written composition of not less than 200 words, on a national or state park of the Young Marines choice found in their state giving date established, location, and significant landmarks. Explain how the park contributes to conservation.
   
   2. All activities listed in paragraph 1 must be submitted to and approved by the unit commander.

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to a Young Marine who successfully executes the Enabling Objectives and Performance Requirements listed in the Performance Qualification Review for Performance Objective 5 Drug Prevention and Resistance in the Basic, Junior and Senior guidebooks and Performance Objective 6 Drug Prevention and Education in the Advanced guidebook. There are four levels for this award:
   Level 1 for the Basic Young Marines,
   Level 2 for the Junior Young Marines,
   Level 3 for the Senior Young Marines,
   Level 4 for the Advanced Young Marines.
   
3. Criteria: 1. The Young Marine must complete the following for each level.
   a. Level 1. Complete the Basic Young Marine Guide, Performance Objective 5 by successfully completing and/or performing all the tasks for each Enabling Objective listed in the Performance Objective Review. Received the required quarterly DDR training of at least 3 hours.
   b. Level 2. Complete the Junior Young Marine Guide, Performance Objective 5 by successfully completing and/or performing all the tasks for each Enabling Objective listed in the Performance Objective Review. Received the required quarterly DDR training of at least 3 hours.
   c. Level 3. Complete the Senior Young Marine Guide, Performance Objective 5 by successfully completing and/or performing all the tasks for each Enabling Objective listed in the Performance Objective Review. Received the required quarterly DDR training of at least 3 hours.
   d. Level 4. Complete the Advanced Young Marine Guide, Performance Objective 6 by successfully completing and/or performing all the tasks for each Enabling Objective listed in the Performance Objective Review. Received the required quarterly DDR training of at least 3 hours.

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to a Young Marine who participates in a fundraising event and who achieves the unit‘s individual fundraising goal. Also awarded in recognition of a similar act for other non-profit organizations that a Young Marine is a member, such as church or school groups.
   
3. Criteria: For a Young Marines fundraising event, the Young Marines must:
   
   1. Meet the unit goal for individual sales.
   
   2. All monies and unsold product must be returned to the unit by the fundraising closing date.
   
   3. Have made the effort in making sales for the fundraiser. Assistance by family members should be minimal.
   
   For fundraisers with other non-profit organizations, the Young Marine must:
   
   1. Demonstrate outstanding salesmanship ability by placing first in any fundraising event.
   
   2. Obtain a certification of this achievement with other organizations must be verified in writing from the person in charge of the event to the unit commander. The certification letter is filed in the Young Marine‘s YMRB.

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to a Young Marine who through personal example and enthusiasm actively recruits new youth members into unit.
   
3. Criteria: 1. The Young Marine must recruit five youth into the Young Marines Program.
   
   2. Three of the 5 youth must graduate boot camp.

1. Authority: National Headquarters
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to a Young Marine who has participated in their unit‘s activities that coincide with the National Young Marines Veterans Appreciation week held annually in November; or has completed a minimum of 3 interviews through the Library of Congress Veterans History Project.
   
3. Criteria: 1. The unit must submit a formal after action report to the National Headquarters Public Affairs Officer on or before the established deadline for the Veteran‘s Appreciation Week reporting: Nov. 11-Dec st
   1 annually. This report is filed online at: www.youngmarines.com/vetsweek
   
   2. The Library of Congress Veterans History Project reports must be submitted directly to the National Headquarters Training Department via mail for consideration of the ribbon. A minimum of 3 reports must be filed in order for a Young Marine to be eligible to receive the ribbon.
   
   3. The unit must receive official recognition for their participation in Veteran‘s Appreciation Week by the National Headquarters.
   
   4. The Young Marine must have actively participated in 80 percent of the unit‘s scheduled Veteran‘s Appreciation Week activities.

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility Awarded to a Young Marine for service as a Unit Chaplain for a period of one year.
   
3. Criteria: 1. The Young Marine must have:
   
   a. Attended all meetings, conferences, encampments and other functions as deemed necessary by the unit commander.
   b. Conducted the Invocation and Benediction for at least three (3)ceremonies for the unit.
   
   c. Served as a spiritual inspiration to other Young Marines and adult staff.
   
   d. Be actively involved in their home church or spiritual group for this one year period.
   
   2. Subsequent awards may be earned for each year the Young Marine serves as the Unit Chaplain.
   

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to a Young Marine who has participated in the Unit Color Guard.
   
3. Criteria: The Color Guard member must have:
   
   1. Served for a period of one year or participated in five public functions.
   
   2. Performed his or her duties in a satisfactory manner.

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility Awarded to a Young Marine for satisfactory service as a member of the Young Marine Staff.
   
3. Criteria: The Young Marine must:
   1) National award:
   a) Be a graduate of the Advance Leadership School.
   b) Have attended all functions and performed such duties as directed by the National Executive Director or those acting on his or her behalf at a nationally sponsored activity or encampment.
   2) Division award:
   a) Be a graduate of the Senior Leadership School or equivalent leadership school.
   b) Have attended all functions and performed such duties as directed by the Division Commander or those acting on his or her behalf at a division sponsored activity or encampment.
   3) Regimental award:
   a) Be a graduate of the Junior Leadership School or equivalent leadership school.
   b) Have attended all functions and performed such duties as directed by the Regimental Commander or those acting on his or her behalf at a regimental sponsored activity or encampment.
   4) Battalion award:
   a) Have attended all functions and performed such duties as directed by the Battalion Commander or those acting on his or her behalf at a battalion sponsored activity or encampment.
   5) Unit award:
   a) Served on the Young Marine Staff for not less than six months.
   b) Performed their duties in a satisfactory manner.
   
   The unit level award is a prerequisite for earning the battalion, regimental, division, or national staff ribbon.

1. Authority: National Executive Director
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to a Young Marine unit, battalion, regiment, or division for outstanding performance of duty to the community over an extended period of time, or for any single act when the Unit has performed under great competition with other units or organizations.
   
3. Criteria: 1. This award is initiated at the request of the Marine Corps League National Commandant, Division Commandant, Department Commandant, or Detachment Commandant to the National Executive Director of the Young Marines.
   
   2. Unit commanders are encouraged to contact their regimental commanders and/or local detachment commandants and submit the necessary supporting documentation to merit this prestigious award.

1. Authority: Regimental Commander
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to a Young Marine unit that distinguishes itself by outstanding deeds of service to its country, state, and city.
   
3. Criteria: 1) Units must:
   
   a) Distinguish themselves by performing extreme meritorious service rendering the unit outstanding compared to other units performing similar service.
   
   b) Have performed service as a unit of a character comparable to that, which merits the award of a Meritorious Service Ribbon to an individual for National and Division Awards or the Personal Achievement Award at the Regimental Award.
   
   c) An award will not be made to a unit for deed of one or more of its component parts, unless such unit performed as a total team in a manner to justify the award.
   
   2) This award may be presented for similar deeds to an individual church, religious group, nonprofit organizations, or
   
   3) Outstanding service or performance of duty to any branch of the United States Armed Forces.
   
   Division Award – Awarded if deeds of service are not sufficient to be awarded at the National Level
   Regimental Award – Awarded if deeds of service are not sufficient to be awarded at the Division Level.

1. Authority: National Executive Director
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to a Young Marine unit for outstanding, distinguished service or performance of duty.
   
3. Criteria: 1. For outstanding service to:
   
   a. Country, State or municipality
   
   b. Deeds rendered to individuals or non-profit organizations in the service of individuals or communities in need.
   
   2. Units must clearly render itself conspicuous by duty of a character comparable to that which would merit the award of a Distinguished Service Award of an individual.
   
   3. The activity must be a unit activity involving no less than 75 percent of its active youth and adult members.
   
   4. All recommendations for this award must be forwarded to the National Executive Director with a summary of action describing in detail the action and justification for this award.

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to a Young Marine who has 100% attendance at all regularly scheduled unit drills and activities for a period of one year.
   
3. Criteria: 1) The one-year time period begins with the date of the first drill in October to the last drill in September.
   
   2) Young Marines who are in receipt of their sixth award shall be recommended for a Personal Achievement Ribbon to the lowest awarding authority.
   
   An absence, for which the Young Marine has provided the unit commander with a written explanation is considered excused and should be counted as present for the purpose of this award.

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to a Young Marine who competes in a drill competition against other units or organizations and the performance is judged by other officials.
   
3. Criteria: a. Must be a marching member of the competing drill team or color guard.
   
   b. Must participate in the competition as a marching member of the competing drill team or color guard.

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to a Young Marine who has scored a total of 500 points during an officially scheduled physical fitness test.
   
3. Criteria: The Young Marine must:
   
   a. Participate in a officially scheduled Physical Fitness Test
   
   b. Score 100 points in each of the five events on the day the Physical Fitness Test is conducted
   
   Young Marines in receipt of their sixth award shall be recommended for a Personal Achievement Ribbon to the lowest awarding authority.

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to a Young Marine who recruits the most youth into the Young Marines program.
   
3. Criteria: 1. Recruit the most youth into the Young Marines during the current operating year (October to September). The total number of recruits must exceed 5 youth.
   
   2. Sixty percent of the recruited youth must graduate from boot camp. The Young Marine shall get credit, if the recruited youth graduate boot camp in the next operating year. For example, a boot camp that begins in August may not graduate until October.

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility Awarded to a Young Marine who has demonstrated outstanding salesmanship ability during the year.
   
3. Criteria: 1. Placed first overall in all fundraising events for their Unit for the current operating year (October to September), or
   2. Achieved similar acts, during the same period, for other nonprofit organizations to which a Young Marine is a member, such as church or school groups. Certification of this achievement with other organizations must be verified in writing from the person in charge of the event to the unit commander.

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to a Young Marine for a single act of meritorious service or achievement not sufficient to warrant the Commendation of Merit, for service to the Young Marines program.
   
3. Criteria: 1. To justify this award, the acts or services rendered by a Young Marine, regardless of rank, must have been comparable to that required for the Commendation of Merit but in a duty of lesser responsibility.
   2. When the degree of meritorious achievement or service rendered is not sufficient to warrant the award of the Young Marine Achievement Ribbon, a Letter of Appreciation, when appropriate, should be considered.

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility Awarded to any Young Marine who maintains a 3.0 grade point average or equivalent for a period of one academic year and/or awarded to any Young Marine who passes the Aviation Ground School.
   
3. Criteria: 1. Any Young Marine maintaining a 3.5 grade point average or equivalent for a period of one academic year shall be recommended for the Academic Achievement Ribbon with gold lamp device. Attach a copy of the Young Marine‘s report card for each reporting period to your letter of recommendation to the lowest issuing authority.
   2. Many schools do not mark by the 4.0 grade point system below; the unit commander must determine the equivalent grading system.
   
   4.0=A
   3.0=B
   2.0=C
   1.0=D
   
   3. Unit Commanders may use their discretion for plus and minus marks based on the schools with in their area.

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to any Young Marine who lives by the Young Marine Obligation and abides by the Young Marine Creed for a period of two years.
   
3. Criteria: 1. Must be a Young Marine for not less than 2 years.
   2. Sets an example for all other youth to follow.
   3. Never does anything that brings disgrace or dishonor on their God, country, flag, parents, or themselves.
   
   4. Obeys their parents or legal guardian.
   
   5. Keeps his/herself neat at all times without being told.
   6. Keeps a clean mind and cares for others.
   
   7. Keeps alert in school, at home, or at play.
   8. Maintains self-discipline to control their body and mind.
   

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to Young Marine Master Sergeants who have successfully served as a Young Marine First Sergeant.
   
3. Criteria: 1. Must be a Young Marine Master Sergeant.
   2. Successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of the Unit Young Marine First Sergeant as outlined by the Advanced Young Marine Guide. In addition, the Unit Young Marine First Sergeant must hold a Young Marine First Sergeant billet on a higher headquarters level.
   3. Successfully performed all duties as the Unit Young Marine First Sergeant for not less than 3 months. /li>
   

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to Young Marine Master Gunnery Sergeants who have successfully served in the Young Marine Sergeant Major billet officially designated by a unit and a battalion commander, regimental commander, division commander, or National Headquarters.
   
3. Criteria: The Young Marine must be a Young Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant who has successfully completed a tour of (3 to 6 months) as Unit Young Marine Sergeant Major in addition to one of the following:
   
   1. Battalion Young Marine Sergeant Major
   
   2. Regimental Young Marine Sergeant Major
   
   3. Division Young Marine Sergeant Major
   
   4. National Young Marine Sergeant Major (Must be selected as YM/Sgt Maj at an approved national event such as Leadership Academy)
   
   See Advanced Guidebook for additional information
   
   Pre-requisite – Must have earned the YM/ 1st Sgt ribbon.

1. Authority: Battalion Commander
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to Young Marines who are members of the Unit of the Year.
   
3. Criteria: 1. The Young Marine must be a member of the Unit of the Year on the day of the official announcement.
   2. The award is authorized for Young Marines who were members of former Units of the Year prior to the adoption of this award. The criteria in paragraph 1 applies.

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to a Young Marine Recruit who is designated the Honor Graduate of their Recruit Training Class or Young Marine who is designated the Honor Graduate of their Leadership School.
   
3. Criteria: 1. The Young Marine Recruit, in addition to fulfilling all requirements for the Basic Ribbon, must demonstrate the following:
   1. Displayed exceptional leadership qualities.
   2. Attended all scheduled drills during the recruit-training period. An absence, for which the Young Marine Recruit has provided the unit commander with a written explanation is considered excused and should be counted as present for the purpose of this award. Young Marine Recruit can have no more than 3 excused absences during recruit training to be eligible for this ribbon award.
   3. Be signed off on all required Performance Objectives and Enabling Objectives for Young Marine Recruit Training.
   4. Pass the Young Marines Physical Fitness Test.
   2. The Young Marine must graduate JLS, SLS or ALS as the school Honor Graduate.
   /li>
   

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to a Young Marine for a single act of meritorious service, not sufficient to warrant the Personal Achievement Ribbon, for service to the Young Marines program.
   
3. Criteria: 1. To justify this award, the acts or services rendered by a Young Marine, regardless of rank, must have been comparable to that required for the Personal Achievement Ribbon but in a duty of lesser responsibility.
   
   When the degree of meritorious achievement or service rendered is not sufficient to warrant the award of the Commendation of Merit Ribbon, the Achievement Ribbon, when appropriate should be considered.

1. Authority: Unit Commander
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to a Young Marine who exhibits exceptional performance during the course of the past year beginning October 1 and ending September 30.
   
3. Criteria: 1. The selection criteria for Young Marine of the Year is provided in the Registered Adult Manual, Appendix C.
   
   2. To justify this award, the Young Marine must have exhibited exceptional performance for the past year. Selection should not be judged solely on achievements, but on all areas of performance and personal conduct since joining the Young Marines.
   
   3. The candidate as a minimum must:
   
   a. Be a member of the unit for one or more years.
   b. Attained at least one promotion.
   
   c. Have an outstanding attendance record.
   
   d. Have an outstanding conduct record.
   
   e. Pass all personnel inspections.
   
   f. Pass all Physical Fitness Tests.

1. Authority: Regimental Commander
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to members of the Young Marines who distinguish themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the Young Marines Program.
   
3. Criteria: 1. To justify this award, the acts or services rendered by a Young Marine, regardless of rank, must have been comparable to the criteria that is required for the Personal Commendation but in a duty of lesser responsibility.
   
   2. When the degree of meritorious achievement or service rendered is not sufficient to warrant the award of the Personal Achievement Ribbon, the Commendation of Merit Ribbon, when appropriate should be considered.

1. Authority: National Executive Director
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity as a Young Marine, distinguishes himself/herself by heroism for acts of lifesaving, or attempted lifesaving of another human being, animal, or wildlife.
   
3. Criteria: 1. To justify this award for heroism, there should be no risk or at best very limited life-threatening risk to the rescuer.
   2. For heroic performance to raise to this level it must be clearly established that the act involved a sincere effort by the rescuer to save the life of another human being, animal, or wildlife.

1. Authority: National Executive Director
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity as a Young Marine, distinguishes himself/herself by heroism for acts of lifesaving, or attempted lifesaving with limited life-threatening risk to one‘s own life for the benefit of another human being.
   
3. Criteria: 1. The actual level of personal ―life threatening‖ risk experienced by the rescuer determines the justification of this award for heroism
   2. For heroic performance to rise to this level it must be clearly established that the act involved very specific life-threatening risk to the rescuer. When there is no life-threatening risk to the rescuer, the award of the Lifesaving Third Class may be more appropriate.

1. Authority: National Executive Director
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity as a Young Marine, distinguishes himself/herself by heroism for acts of lifesaving, or attempted lifesaving without regard to the risk of one‘s own life for the benefit of another human being.
   
3. Criteria: 1. The actual level of personal ―life threatening‖ risk experienced by the rescuer determines the justification of this award for heroism.
   
   2. For heroic performance to rise to this level it must be clearly established that the act involved very specific life-threatening risk to the rescuer. When there is none, or at best very limited life-threatening risk to he rescuer, the award of the Lifesaving Second Class may be more appropriate.

1. Authority: National Executive Director
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to a Young Marine who, while serving in any capacity with the Young Marines Program who distinguishes himself/herself by meritorious achievement or service.
   
3. Criteria: 1. To justify this award, accomplishment or performance of duty above that normally expected, and sufficient to distinguish the individual among those performing comparable duties is required, although less than the requirements for the Personal Commendation Ribbon.
   2. Single acts of merit or meritorious service in connection with the Young Marine operation may justify the award.

1. Authority: National Executive Director
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to a Young Marine who distinguishes himself/herself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in performing outstanding service.
   
3. Criteria: 1. To justify this award, the service rendered must have been comparable to that required for the Distinguished Service Ribbon but in a duty of lesser though considerable responsibility.
   2. In general, the Personal Commendation Ribbon will be awarded to Young Marines who have performed exceptionally meritorious service as to justify the Distinguished Service Award except as to degree of merit. However, this should not be interpreted to preclude the award of a Personal commendation to any individual, regardless of rank, whose acts or services meet the requirements.
   3. When the degree of achievement or service rendered, although meritorious, is not sufficient to warrant the award of the Personal Commendation Ribbon, the Meritorious Service Ribbon or Personal Achievement Ribbon should be considered.
   

1. Authority: National Executive Director
   
2. Eligibility: Awarded to a Young Marine who, wile serving in any capacity with the Young Marines distinguishes himself/herself by exceptionally meritorious service to the Young Marines in a duty of great responsibility.
   
3. Criteria: 1. To justify this award, an exceptional performance of duty, clearly above that normally expected, which has contributed materially to the success of the National Young Marines Program is required.
   2. In general, the Distinguish Service Ribbon will be awarded only to those Young Marines in National capacity whose service is such as to justify the award. This shall not be interpreted to preclude the award of the Distinguish Service Ribbon to any individual whose service meets the requirements.
   
   3. If there is any doubt as to the degree of service involved, the Personal Commendation Ribbon is the more appropriate award.