Central Iowa area youth ages 12-18 looking to develop life skills while challenging themselves physically need look no further than the Marine Cadets of Central Iowa (MCCI). That was the message delivered by MCCI hosts and cadets at an open house held Thursday evening at the Marshalltown Public Library.

Lt. Commander and Director Eric Goslinga of Marshalltown hosted. The event was open to youth ages 12-18 and their parents.

Cordell Knouse, 12, Tama attended with his father Chris, also of Tama.

“I am interested in learning more about the program and will think it (about joining) over,” said Cordell.

Chris served four years in the Marine Corps Reserve from 1994 to 1998.

“Our family will get more information and discuss the cadet more,” Chris said.

Enrollees are not required to join the Marines or other military branches upon completion but must adhere to program rules and regulations concerning discipline, dress codes, hair grooming and more.

MCCI cadets meet monthly and may meet a second time if they wish. New cadets also must participate in a two-week summer camp at Camp Dodge in Des Moines.

Cadets Briley Jordan of Grundy Center and Logan Anderson of Marshalltown explained the program and were thorough and candid in answering questions from prospective enrollees and parents.

Jordan, 15, a sophomore, has been a member of MCCI for two years. She was poised, excited and prepared to answer questions.

“I was motivated to join MCCI after visiting Washington D.C. in the seventh grade and was inspired by our nation’s history, and the sacrifice of those who established and have protected our country” she said. “The program is ideal for youth. It teaches life skills such as discipline and time management and is challenging physically. I highly recommend it to my classmates and others.”

Jordan said she plans to enroll in college after high school but is unsure now if she wants to enlist in the armed forces. She did say a college with a Reserve Officer Training Corps unit might be of interest.

ROTC prepares college students for leadership positions in the Air Force, Army, Space Force or Navy. Students take college courses with military science classes and participate in training, which can include physical fitness, drills and other activities.

“I am extremely interested in history, psychology and criminology,” she said. “A career in law enforcement is a possibility,” she said.

Goslinga said there are 60 cadets in the program now. Goslinga has been in leadership roles with Navy and Marine cadet programs in Marshalltown since 2001.

He said the program transitioned from a Navy to a Marine-based format after the COVID-19 epidemic.

“A number of our Navy cadets were entering the Marines,” he said.

He retired June 30 as principal of the Marshalltown Leadership Academy. Before his retirement, he had 35 years of experience as an educator with many years in Marshalltown. On Tuesday, Goslinga was elected to a seat on the Marshalltown Community School District (MCSD) board of education.

He and spouse Kathleen Goslinga, who provides program support, are the parents of two sons who attend local schools.

“I promise to serve faithfully, honor our flag, abide by Marine Cadets of Iowa regulations, carry out the orders of the officers appointed over me, and so conduct myself as to be a credit to myself, my family , the Marine Cadets of Iowa, the United States Marine Corps, and my county. So, help me God. Semper Fidelis” – from the Cadet Enrollment Application.

For more information about MCCI, visit the organization’s website at www.marinecadetsiowa.org.