WEST WINDSOR, N. J.– The Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon will perform at the 13th Annual Mercer County Italian American Festival at Mercer County Park on Sunday, Sept. 30.
The Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon is a 24-man rifle platoon that performs a unique precision drill exhibition. The highly disciplined platoon exemplifies the professionalism associated with the United States Marine Corps.
The Marines execute a series of calculated drill movements and precise handling of their hand-polished, 10-and-one-half pound, M1 Garand rifles with fixed bayonets. The routine concludes with a unique rifle inspection sequence demonstrating elaborate rifle spins and tosses.
These Marines are individually selected from the Schools of Infantry located in Camp Pendleton, Calif., and Camp Lejeune, N.C., based on interviews conducted by barracks personnel. Once selected, Marines are assigned to Marine Barracks Washington to serve a two-year ceremonial tour. Beyond their ceremonial duties, the Marines still train in the field as infantrymen.
The performance will commence at approximately 3 p.m. at the festival grounds at Mercer County Park, Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, N. J.
To RSVP or to request more information contact Recruiting Station New Jersey Public Affairs:
Sergeant Samuel Nasso
(908) 313-4760 Or
Samuel.nasso@marines.usmc.mil