Honor Guard Teams Participate in Joint Service Drill Team Exhibition [Image 17 of 24]

WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES

04.08.2017

Photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Muncy 

106th Rescue Wing

WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA - The U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon competes during the Joint Service Drill Team Exhibition April 08, 2017, at the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. Drill teams from all four branches of the U.S. armed forces and the U.S. Coast Guard competed in a display of skills at the event that celebrated U.S. military heritage at the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

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.

U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher S. Muncy

• Date Taken: 04.08.2017
• Date Posted: 04.10.2017 07:58
• Photo ID: 3299797
• VIRIN: 170408-Z-SV144-017
• Resolution: 3312x2210
• Size: 2.81 MB
• Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US