YoungMilitary.org Launches in Garfield Heights

YoungMilitary.org is officially open for enrollment in Garfield Heights, Ohio.

Founded by former Garfield Heights City Council President Pro Tem (and U.S. military veteran) Mike Dudley Sr., YoungMilitary.org is a new Ohio nonprofit corporation (Entity #5586896, approved by the Ohio Secretary of State on April 6, 2026) with a simple mission: help young people build the discipline, character, and leadership that will carry them through middle school, high school, and whatever comes next.

We serve youth ages 10 to 14 across two program tracks -- Pre-Cadet (10 to 12) and Cadet (13 to 14). Both tracks focus on age-appropriate drill and ceremony, teamwork, physical fitness, community service, and character education. We are not a military recruiting organization and have no affiliation with the U.S. Department of Defense. Our cadets are well below enlistment age, and our focus is the formation of good young people, not the staffing of the Armed Forces.

The National Headquarters is located right here in Garfield Heights. As the founding chapter, the Garfield Heights chapter is the model for every future chapter across Cuyahoga County. Every adult mentor undergoes BCI and FBI background screening before stepping in front of a single young person. Two-deep leadership is enforced at every activity. Uniforms, materials, and program activities are provided to cadets at no cost.

Applications are open for the first cohort. Families, volunteers, sponsors, and partners are all invited to learn more and get involved -- visit youngmilitary.org to apply, volunteer, or donate. A dedicated training facility (classroom, drill floor, and fitness space) is the next step for the organization, and we are already in conversation with community members and potential sponsors about securing a permanent home in Garfield Heights.

Welcome to YoungMilitary.org. Serve, Learn, Lead.