The United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, a 24-man rifle platoon, often referred to as "The Marching Twenty-Four", perform unique precision exhibition drill. The purpose of the highly disciplined platoon is to exemplify the professionalism associated with the United States Marine Corps. The Silent Drill Platoon first performed in 1948, originally as a one-time show, and received such an overwhelming response that it soon became part of the routine parades at Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C.

On March 8th, 2008 the Temecula Valley Young Marines and the San Bernardino Valley Young Marines caravanned down to MCRD, San Diego. They were going to try and meet up with the other units from the 3rd Battalion to watch the Commandants own Band and the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. Before the two units drove down to MCRD they met up at Temecula Valley’s training area for a picture and a little meet and greet . The Two units then drove down to watch this awesome show. They met up with the Eagle Young Marines and then the Wildomar Young Marines. The Young Marines were seated on the parade deck and watched the Commandants band perform first. The bands music was great their marching precision and their movements were at level that could not be matched. After the band great performance came the Silent Drill Platoon these Marines quietly marched onto the parade deck and awaited their orders. The precision of these Marines amazed our Young Marines you could see it on their faces. As the Colors were presented everyone stood and rendered a proper salute , , . The performance of the Silent Drill Platoon was well worth the two hour drive to see them. When the Silent Drill Platoon’s performance was over LTJG Boudreau Temecula Valley’s Training Officer went over and asked if our Young Marines could get a picture with the Silent Drill Platoon’s color guard. The answer was “yes sir you will just have to fight the crowds”. CO Guiles got both the Temecula Valley Young Marines, the San Bernardino Valley Young Marines and Wildomar Young Marines together. Temecula and San Bernardino were able to make it through the crowds. Unfortunately the Wildomar Young Marines were cu off and could not get through. CO Guiles set the units up in front of the Silent Drill Team and snapped a couple of pictures with them at that same moment about everyone else around the Silent Drill Team took the Young Marines picture as well .  CO Guiles had both units form up and march across the Parade Deck to the Chow Hall. The Units arrived at their designated chow time of 1615 at MCRD’s, Duncan Hall dinning facility. The Young Marines enjoyed a great dinner at the chow hall , , . After Chow the units split apart went back to their home town. It was a long day but a very fun day and one that some Young Marines will not forget.

Semp Fi, Young Marines

To see more pictures of the days event please click here