MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- After several years of absence, the United States Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment from Marine Barracks Washington, D.C. is slated to perform for service members aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, March 14.
It consists of the Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps, the Marine Corps Color Guard, and, always a crowd favorite, the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon.
These units make hundreds of appearances at professional football, basketball and baseball games as well as countless cities across America and foreign countries to promote the Marine Corps. Now, they plan to perform aboard the base for service members who work behind the scenes to keep the country safe.
The Silent Drill Platoon first performed in 1948 during the Sunset Parades at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C. Since then, they have become Marine Corps icontThroughout the United States.
The 24-man rifle platoon, all of them handpicked from the School of Infantry in Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Ca., and Camp Geiger, N.C., perform exceptionally difficult drill maneuvers with a 10 and a half pound M-1 Garand rifle.
Each member of the silent drill platoon must meet the requirements of being 5'11" and 6'1" tall and be in the median of their weight requirements. Uniformity is key and anyone not meeting the requirements is turned away.
Their military discipline and bearing exemplify the professionalism that is associated with the Marine Corps.
With so many service members and civilians working aboard the base, seating will be limited and the performance will only be available to those with Department of Defense identification cards.
Although the visit is only available to DOD cardholders, future events may be available to Jacksonville residents.
The performance will be held at 10:30 a.m. on W.P.T. Hill Field aboard the base. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be canceled.