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Marines with the Silent Drill Platoon affix bayonets to their rifles during a performance at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, March 11. Their performance was part of the Battle Color Ceremony aboard the air station.

Photo by Sgt. Lillian Stephens

Marine Corps tradition returns: Battle Color Detachment performs at MCAS Miramar

14 Mar 2016 | Sgt. Lillian Stephens The Official United States Marine Corps Public Website

The Battle Color Detachment, featuring “The Commandant’s Own” Drum and Bugle Corps, Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon and the official Marine Corps Color Guard performed for spectators at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., March 11.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps provided commanders a way to communicate commands to Marines on the battlefield. Today, the unit helps preserve part of a Marine Corps tradition.

“I think it’s wonderful,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Rocco, commanding general of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. “The Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps [and] the Silent Drill Platoon puts on a fantastic show [and] wowed the crowd.”

Musicians from the Drum and Bugle Corps moved in unison and created various formations while performing musical selections. After the Drum and Bugle Corps finished their performance, the Silent Drill Platoon marched onto the parade deck aboard MCAS Miramar, occasionally twirling rifles and creating the illusion of rippling motion and echoing sounds during its performance.

According to Rocco, the Battle Color Detachment best represents Marine Corps discipline, at the same time entertaining an audience.

“It just makes me proud to see those young Marines perform,” said Rocco. “This is probably the first time most of the Marines have seen [them] perform, the Drum and Bugle Corps, the Silent Drill Platoon. [It’s] always a crowd pleaser, absolutely fantastic.”

The Drum and Bugle Corps performs in multiple venues across the United States. To find out about their schedule, visit www.drumcorps.marines.mil.

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