CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- One of the most highly anticipated events on Camp Pendleton, California is its annual Battle Color Ceremony. The ceremony showcases Marine Corps Barracks Washington D.C. units, including “The Commandant’s Own", the Official Color Guard of the Marine Corps, the United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, and an elite cadre of 24 Marines marching.
Also known as the “Marching 24”, these Marines from the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon perform drill movements with WWII era M1 Garand rifles, the first standard-issue semi-automatic rifle for infantry Marines. Their precise movements, without preparatory commands, display the discipline and bearing of the Marines. Being one of the 24 is a hard earned title, as Lance Cpl. S.A. Dunn, From Kokomo, Indiana, knows well.
Dunn’s class started with 120 infantry Marines selected upon graduation from the School of Infantry. The school is two-and-a-half months of repetitive drilling and ensures the Marines are physically capable and proficient at drill. Only 17 from his course made it to the next phase in training.
“We would wake up at 0300 or 0400 and drill until 2100,” said Dunn. “We would wake up with our hands and whole body aching and would have to drill just as long as the day before.”
Repetitive drilling ensures the Marines retain the routines and can withstand the muscle fatigue from movements the body typically doesn’t do for long periods of time.
Once a member of the Silent Drill Platoon, members conduct ‘challenge days’ to compete for a spot on the Marching 24, which travels around the country and abroad performing. The challenge days start with 36 Marines, who will be critiqued on their rifle tosses, bearing, uniform inspections, and character.
“We go out in front our chain of command and sometimes even our Colonel and Sergeant Major of Marine Corps Barracks 8th and I. Then only the best 24 get to march the shows”
Dunn says the platoon looks for skill, but would rather have a Marine that is highly passionate.
“Character is key, we’d rather have character first, then drill can be taught and perfected,” he explained.
Dunn completed the Silent Drill School and has been a member of the Silent Drill Platoon since January 29, 2018. This made his recent performance on Camp Pendleton his 10th with the platoon and said the crowd at this performance was especially motivating.
“My experience at Camp Pendleton was great,” said Dunn, who enjoys interacting and taking photos with the crowd after shows. “The crowd really motivated us, it felt great knowing that many people are excited for us to perform.”
Dunn says that they have all been selected to the platoon for a reason, and because of that the camaraderie is great.
“I can tell you I will have these brothers for life”, Dunn concluded.