Happy Fourth of July To All Members Here

1630Boston · July 1, 2020 8:31AM

The Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon is a 24-man rifle platoon that performs a unique precision drill exhibition. This highly disciplined platoon exemplifies the professionalism associated with the United States Marine Corps.

The Silent Drill Platoon first performed in the Sunset Parades of 1948 and received such an overwhelming response that it soon became a regular part of the parades at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C.

The Marines execute a series of calculated drill movements and precise handling of their hand-polished, 10-and-one-half pound, M1 Garand rifles with fixed bayonets. The routine concludes with a unique rifle inspection sequence demonstrating elaborate rifle spins and tosses.

These Marines are individually selected from the Schools of Infantry located in Camp Pendleton, Calif., and Camp Lejeune, N.C., based on interviews conducted by barracks personnel. Once selected, Marines are assigned to Marine Barracks Washington to serve a 2-year ceremonial tour. Beyond their ceremonial duties, the Marines collaterally train in the field as infantrymen. To remain proficient, these Marines hone their infantry skills at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., throughout the year.

Experienced members of the Silent Drill Platoon have the opportunity to audition to become rifle inspectors. They must go through inspection tryouts graded by the rifle inspectors of the previous year. Only two Marines per year are selected to become rifle inspectors. They, along with the platoon's drill master, are entrusted with keeping and passing on the unique knowledge and traditions of the Silent Drill Platoon.
https://youtu.be/0xvXMEnwyYM

ricko · July 1, 2020 8:47AM

@1630Boston ....Very impressive....Happy Fourth of July - Independence Day to you.... and all our forum members.
Cheers, RickO

MidLifeCrisis · July 1, 2020 8:52AM

@ricko said:
@1630Boston ....Very impressive....Happy Fourth of July - Independence Day to you.... and all our forum members.
Cheers, RickO

I echo what RickO said.

YQQ · July 1, 2020 9:04AM

I am not at all trying to belittle the skill and precision discipline these women and man possess. And, as impressive this is, I am curious as to how these skills can, will, should ? be used in reality? Like in case of war?
What is the purpose for this group of soldiers?
Not at all trying to be negative here about it. Just asking, because I would like to know as I have never been in any military. And, I surely would love to see it in person.

keets · July 1, 2020 9:18AM

I have watched the Drill Team before and they are incredible, to be able to do everything is amazing and without a freakin' peep or change in demeanor. when "Gomer Pyle" lost his cover I thought "Oops" but it was almost like a part of everything. knowing how precise these Young Men are, I half expected the cover to be flipped up off the ground onto his head!!!

when they do the Inspection towards the end it is inspiring.

1630Boston · July 1, 2020 9:20AM

@YQQ said:
I am not at all trying to belittle the skill and precision discipline these women and man possess. And, as impressive this is, I am curious as to how these skills can, will, should ? be used in reality? Like in case of war?
What is the purpose for this group of soldiers?
Not at all trying to be negative here about it. Just asking, because I would like to know as I have never been in any military. And, I surely would love to see it in person.

The purpose of the platoon is to exemplify the discipline and professionalism of the Marine Corps.

1630Boston · July 1, 2020 9:22AM

A little more history

Military drill began its march to ascendancy initially through the work Baron Frederick Von Steuben around the time of the Revolutionary War. Baron von Steuben was a trained, military specialist who changed the way the Continental Army worked during the American War for Independence.

Regarding drill, he began by training a core group of soldiers and they in turn, trained the rest of the army in a descending pattern. The key: simplicity. He reduced the motions in the manual of arms to ten…he implemented a standard pace and cadence and to keep step in a march without the use of a drum simply by watching the officer at the head of the column. He is basically the genesis of all marching done by the United States military.

Further early push in military drill came from none other than General John “Black Jack” Pershing around 1900. Pershing wished to increase the morale and discipline of the battalion he commanded, as well as to increase support for the Cadet Corps throughout the university’s staff and community.

To this end, he formed a hand-picked company of men, known as Company A, and made them his premier drill unit. Military exhibition drill excellence was begun that day in Omaha, Nebraska.

DRUNNER · July 1, 2020 9:28AM

They also emphasize they maintain proficiency as Marine Infantry. It is EXTRA work . . . not simply a drill or show.

Drunner

johnny9434 · July 1, 2020 9:40AM

All the best to every one and please all be safe as well. Best wishes 🙂

hammer1 · July 1, 2020 10:15AM

The marine that lost his cover is now on permanent KP.

Namvet69 · July 1, 2020 11:12AM

Fine tuning one's physical, mental and emotional self is valuable in life and especially in adversarial situations. I am grateful to have served and being protected by all who followed. Peace Roy