MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. -- The world renowned Marine Corps Battle Colors Detachment performed aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, March 23.
Each year the highly skilled unit, comprised of the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the Silent Drill Platoon, and the Marine Corps Color Guard travel worldwide to demonstrate the discipline, professionalism, and esprit de corps of the United States Marines.
"The ceremony you will witness this morning is the pride of the Marine Corps; the very best of music and ceremonial drill," said Col. Peter D. Buck, the commanding officer of the Air Station.
The U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps filled the air with their "Music in Motion" arrangement, resurrecting Marine Corps history on the field.
Since 1934, the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, also known as "The Commandant’s Own," has appeared at ceremonial events throughout the United States. In recognition of their distinguished service to our Corps, the 33rd Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Michael W. Hagee officially designated the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps as the "Commandant’s Own".
In basic training, Marines are taught close order drill demonstrating discipline and precision by following direct commands, and the Silent Drill Platoon represents that discipline for the Marine Corps as a whole.
The sound of every sharp movement echoed across the field as the Silent Drill Platoon began making their own music with each smack and pop of their rifles. The 24-man rifle platoon performed unique silent precision exhibition drill, exemplifying the discipline and professionalism of the Marine Corps.
"We get selected from [School of Infantry] to go to Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., to attend Ceremonial Drill School," said Lance Cpl. Zach Stauffer, a Marine with the Silent Drill Platoon. "Everyone learns the same drill, and only the best are chosen to go to the year long school for silent drill. Then we serve a year in the platoon, and after that we can become instructors."
The Silent Drill Platoon debuted in 1948, and has been an honored tradition since then.
To close out the ceremony, the Marine Corps Color Guard posted the national ensign and the Marine Corps flag that displays 54 colored streamers representing the illustrious history and accomplishments of the Marine Corps.
The Battle Color Detachment is highly trained and disciplined, and demonstrates the historic pride of the Marine Corps through the finest in music and ceremonial drill.