Photo By Cpl. Jacob A. Singsank | Former drill instructors teach Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — Change of command ceremonies are more than just standing in long formations and listening to lengthy speeches.
"Change of command ceremonies signify the appreciation the Marines have for the out-going commander who has led the units for a various amount of time," said Gunnery Sgt. Antonio L. Hairston, company gunnery sergeant of Service Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group. "It also demonstrates to the on-coming commander that the unit is well-equipped and prepared to continue its mission at a highly effective rate."
Countless hours of practice are put in to ceremonies to ensure they go flawlessly. Approximately 200 personnel are on the parade deck up to five days prior to familiarize themselves with the procedures that will take place during the ceremonies.
"We start practicing five days out so we can become accustomed to the ceremony," said Sgt. Nicholas G. Cunningham, 26, from Houston, travel non-commissioned officer in charge with Disbursing Office, Service Co., who also serves as the color sergeant for CLR-17.
Marines and Sailors are out on the parade deck a few hours a day to make sure the change of command ceremonies go perfectly. If former drill instructors are available within the unit, they can be used to teach key personnel the procedures of the ceremony and make sure Marines are doing drill properly.
"Drill instructors are highly trained and have a keen eye for correcting mistakes," said Hairston, 30, from Martinsville, Va. "They're there for the Marines' success and to ensure the drill and ceremonies are being conducted to the Marine Corps order."
Some Marines don't often get the chance to conduct close-order drill due to training, work-ups and deployments, and heavy work loads.
"Marines in the fleet gear toward operational commitments more than ceremonies," said Staff Sgt. Robert D. Fraser, communications chief with Communications Detachment, Combat Logistics Battalion 15, CLR-17. "The drill instructors are here to bust the rust off the other Marines' drill movements."
During their three-year tour as drill instructors, they are constantly teaching recruits at boot camp how to drill. There, drill becomes second nature to them.
"The drill movements are still fresh in the drill instructors' heads," said Fraser, 28, from Youngstown, Ohio. "We know the ceremonies by heart because we've done them over, over and over again."
Because of all the time and effort that went in to 1st MLG's change of command ceremony, June 26, it was conducted perfectly with precision movements, according to Marines involved. With all of the practice 1st MLG has done, Combat Logistics Regiment 1 and CLR-17 change of command ceremonies on June 30 should go off without a hitch.
With the proper instructions and plenty of practice, change of command ceremonies can go flawlessly, making the ceremony more memorable to all who observe and participate.
| Date Taken: | 06.25.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 06.30.2009 19:25 |
| Story ID: | 35819 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 251 |
| Downloads: | 111 |
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