ABOUT YOUNGMILITARY.ORG
Discipline, mentorship, and community service for the next generation
OUR MISSION
YoungMilitary.org exists to develop disciplined, confident, and community-minded young people through structured military-style mentorship programs. Launching in 2026, we will serve youth ages 10-14 in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, with adult mentoring, competitive drill training, community service opportunities, and leadership development.
Our programs are designed to meet young people where they are -- whether they are just getting started in Pre-Cadet or stepping into squad leadership as a Cadet. We believe that the values of discipline, respect, integrity, and service can transform lives.
Young Military is an Ohio nonprofit corporation, founded in 2026. We rely on donors, volunteers, and community partners, and gifts support youth programming, safety compliance, and chapter operations.
Vision
A community where every young person has the support, structure, and skills to chart their own path to success.
Core Values
Discipline, Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence -- the five pillars that guide every program and interaction.
Not a Recruiting Organization
YoungMilitary.org is not affiliated with any branch of the U.S. military. We draw on military traditions of structure and honor but do not recruit for armed services.
OUR STORY
YoungMilitary.org was born from a simple observation: young people in Cuyahoga County need more structured, positive outlets. Too many youth lack access to mentors, after-school programs, and the kind of discipline that builds character rather than crushes spirit.
Our founder, Mike Dudley Sr., saw the power of military-style training -- the teamwork, the accountability, the pride in uniform and accomplishment -- and set out to bring those values to civilian youth development. The result is a program that uses drill competition, rank progression, community service, and one-on-one mentoring to help young people discover what they are capable of.
We launched in 2026, and our first chapter, in Garfield Heights, is forming its first cohort now. We are just getting started -- and we are looking for the families, volunteers, and supporters who will help build this program from day one.
GOVERNANCE & LEADERSHIP
We are a new organization, and our leadership structure is being built now. Names will be listed here once people are confirmed.
Founder
Young Military was founded in 2026 by Mike Dudley Sr., a former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant and former Garfield Heights City Council President Pro Tem, who leads the organization today.
Board of Directors
We are seating our first board of trustees to provide oversight and governance. Board members will be listed here once they are confirmed.
Chapter Leadership
Garfield Heights is our first chapter. Chapter leaders will be appointed as the first cohort forms, and no chapter leader will work with youth until a background check is complete.
YOUTH SAFETY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY
Our policy is that no adult volunteer or staff member will work with youth until a BCI and FBI background check is complete. We are putting safeguarding policies, mandatory reporting, and a two-deep leadership rule in place before our first cohort meets.
View Our PoliciesJOIN THE MISSION
Whether as a cadet, volunteer, donor, or partner -- your involvement makes a difference.