request for ceremonial & music support
We invite you to request support from the following Marine Barracks Washington entities:
- “The Commandant’s Own” United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps
- The United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon (Only available between mid-March and November each year)
- Marine Corps Color Guard
- Chesty XVI, the Marine Barracks Washington Mascot
Requests for support from “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band also uses the DD2536 process, but must be submitted to Mr. Bill Perry at william.a.perry@usmc.mil for consideration.
Most ceremonial support is patriotic in nature and may include a color guard and/or musical element. Typically, this type of support consists of a Color Guard Ceremony and a small exhibition, or show, featuring patriotic music prior to the start of your event. It is designed to establish a patriotic mood or tone that initiates the formal portion of a civic, military, or governmental Patriotic Openers.
Participation in public programs will be allowed when the support is in the best interest of the Department of Defense; the Military Services; is not contrary to law, regulation, or policy; and does not interfere with mission or training programs. This means that if an event is approved and a military operation arises, the support previously approved may be cancelled—even on short notice—to support that operation.
how to submit a request for ceremonial & music support
To request the Drum & Bugle Corps:
1. Complete a request form: DD2536, Armed Forces Participation in Public Events - Ceremonial Support (Non-Aviation) dtd Jan 2023
2. Submit the DD Form 2536 to the MBW S-3 (Operations Section); call 202-433-6360 and request the best email for DD 2536 submission.
What we can support
- Major sporting events accessible to public through television broadcast
- Musical workshops, competitions, and clinics
- Civic/business associations/organizations annual conferences/conventions
- Veterans outreach programs
unsupportable events
- Fundraising events (Musical units can support some fundraising events with Patriotic Openers, however no fundraising announcements can be made while Uniformed Service Members are on site)
- Events that benefit a particular business or company
- Events for a narrow segment of the populace, e.g. a family reunion
- Individual retirement, promotion, farewell, or induction ceremonies
- Support for, or during, a religious service
- Events that are not open and free to the public
- Events that would be detrimental to the interests or values of the Armed Forces
when you should submit a request
Requests should be submitted 60-90 days in advance; however, it is encouraged requests are submitted upwards of 90-days ahead for events happening outside of the National Capital Region and/or during the 15 August to 31 October time period each year. Requests received inside of the 60-day time period are not likely to be supported due to the availability of ceremonial support units. Requests received inside of 30 days will not be considered due to insufficient planning time.
potential costs associated with support
If the event is within the National Capital Region (defined as within 60 miles of Marine Barracks Washington), there is no cost associated with support to a public event.
For events outside of the National Capital Region, Marine Barracks Washington can only support an event that is at no-cost to the government, which requires the requestor to provide an unsolicited, non-conditioned gift of travel expenses per the Joint Travel Regulations.
- These events require a gift offer acceptance package.
o Under $12,000 can be approved by CO, MBW and follow the standard timelines stated above.
o Over $12,000 must be approved by Commandant’s Legal; allow an additional two weeks for processing.
- Events that occur between 15 August and 31 October must be fully funded (MBW Comptroller has the check in hand) prior to 15 July due to Fiscal Year Closeout Processes
- Rough Cost Estimates can be created using the following links:
U.S. Government Service Administration (GSA): https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-a-trip
more information
If you are located outside the National Capital Region, please consider the following:
- Coordinate with Reserve Units located near you: https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/view-all
Aviation flyover / display
All requests for aerial support must be submitted to Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps. For more info:
https://www.marines.mil/Community/Asset-Requests/Aviation-Requests/