MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- The Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard, together known as the Battle Colors Detachment from Marine Barracks 8th and I, Washington, performed at the Peatross Parade Deck Oct. 19.
As melodious notes flew out of the instruments played by the prestigious Marines, an audience sat in awe of the stiff and precise movements made by the few and the proud.
Master Sgt. Mark Miller, drum major and senior enlisted member of the Drum and Bugle Corps, lead the group of more than 80 musicians in the spectacular program.
Dressed in their ceremonial red and white dress uniform, the Drum and Bugle Corps opened the ceremony with a melody from the soundtrack of "Pirates of the Caribbean," and closed the ceremony with a rendition of "America the Beautiful."
Performing in front of crowds at more than 100 events a year, the Battle Colors Detachment sets an image of the Marine Corps recognized by many viewers.
Staff Sgt. Justin Bakewell, public affairs chief of Marine Battle Colors Detachment, said the visit to Parris Island is part of annual trips they make in an effort to get to every Marine Corps base.
"It is important for us to come to Parris Island because we show recruits what the Marine Corps is all about," said Bakewell. "We are representing the discipline everywhere in the Corps whether [the recruits] will be infantrymen or administration clerks."
While many spectators sit and view the Marines, others could make the decision to become a member of the Marine Corps based on the discipline they see instilled within the Marines that marched in front of their eyes.
"I like performing in front of civilians," said Bakewell. "We are their first and lasting impression of what the Marine Corps stands for."
Besides looking identical and making the exact same movements as the Marines around him, each Marine in the 24-man Silent Drill Platoon has at least three more things in common: their military occupational specialty has to be infantry, they have to be stationed at Marine Barracks 8th and I, and must have demonstrated excellence throughout their career.
"I came from the School of Infantry in Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, to the Marine Barracks 8th and I, Washington, D.C.," said Cpl. Gavin Caine, who has been in the Marine Corps for two years and four months, two of which he have been with the Silent Drill Platoon. "I was there for about 15 minutes and the platoon sergeant for the Silent Drill Platoon spoke to all of us new Marines. I found myself volunteering for the drill platoon directly afterwards. I had no idea what being on the Silent Drill Platoon would be like; I just knew I wanted another challenge."
Sergeant Michael McMillian, drill master and number one rifle inspector, has been in the public's eye for the past four years. This year, McMillian wears silver brass buttons on his service coat, a tradition that requires the last rifle inspector to pass the buttons to the new rifle inspector.
Earning the title only after auditioning to become rifle inspector and going through inspection tryouts graded by the rifle inspectors of the previous year, McMillian was one of only two who were chosen to become the new rifle inspectors. He is now delegated to pass on the unique knowledge and traditions of the Silent Drill Platoon.
After the Silent Drill Platoon marched off, the Battle Colors were marched on by the Marine Corps Color Guard as silence fell over the crowd as they stood to render a salute and proper respect.
Sergeant Brian T. Strickland is the 30th Marine to hold the color sergeant title. The Battle Colors used at the performance is the only official Battle Color of the Marine Corps.
There are 51 streamers and silver bands on the Battle Colors that represent over 400 campaigns the United States Marines Corps has been involved in.
No matter if they are traveling the world with their M1-rifle in hand, or a bugle, the Battle Colors Detachment treasures the experiences they receive when traveling with their units.