MARINE BARRACKS WASHINGTON, Washington D.C. -- WASHINGTON – The silver buttons worn by the Marine Barracks Washington Silent Drill Platoon’s rifle inspector are more than just a uniform detail; they're a symbol of earned precision, discipline, and the legacy passed down for generations.
To most, the buttons may seem like another detail of uniform, but they symbolize the weight of the position and those who held it before the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. Few today know the significance behind their uniform.
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Photo by Cpl. Christopher Prelle
U.S. Marines with the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon execute their "double inspection" sequence during a performance at the College Football Aflac Kickoff show during Marine Week Atlanta in Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 31, 2025. The year 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps, a milestone that highlights the legacy, transformation and enduring spirit of the Corps since 1775. Throughout the year, Marines across the globe will commemorate this anniversary by honoring the service and sacrifice of those who served before them and by remaining faithful to the motto Semper Fidelis. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher Prelle)
Sewn into the fabric of the historic Dress Blue jacket are gold buttons, each adorned with the eagle, globe, and anchor; symbols of every Marine’s commitment to country, Corps, and global service. Encircling the emblem are 13 stars, a tribute to the original colonies and the Corps’ birth alongside our storied nation.
These buttons started out as gold brass, but through decades of continuous polishing, they turned silver, earning their color name “silver brass.” Now, the buttons are passed from one rifle inspector to the next in a glass case, symbolizing an unbroken legacy of precision at the “Oldest Post of the Corps.” With each passing of the billet, the new inspector signs their name, adding their legacy to the record.
There’s immense pressure to be as perfect as possible; behind the scenes, in front of the platoon, and the crowd during the show. You learn to turn that pressure and adrenaline into excitement.Cpl. Cameron Holmes, Marine Barracks Washington, Silent Drill Platoon, Rifle Inspector
Each button reflects generations of inspectors who have shown the highest levels of readiness, ensuring that every Marine who takes the parade deck performs flawlessly. For Marines like Cpl. Cameron Holmes, the primary Silent Drill Platoon rifle inspector and a native of Stuart, Fla., earning the right to wear the silver buttons is a point of pride and a daily reminder of his responsibility to preserve the legacy of SDP as a representation of the Corps.
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Photo by Lance Cpl. Brynn Bouchard
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cameron Holmes, rifle inspector, and Lance Cpl. Eric Jones, rifleman, left, both with the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, conduct a drill sequence during a Friday Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Aug. 15, 2025. Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, hosted the evening's parade in honor of the Deputy Secretary of Defense, Steve Feinberg. The Evening Parade highlights the Marine Corps’ precision, discipline, and heritage before guests from across the National Capital Region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brynn L. Bouchard)
Holmes is one of the select few that have earned the privilege of wearing the “silver brass” as one of the rifle inspectors. “I try to stay as humble as I can when it comes to the job,” said Holmes. “To me, it's my job, it's my mission, it's where I have to be, what I have to do.”
The buttons worn by rifle inspectors, past, present, and future, don’t just shine in the spotlight. They carry the history of those who served before, and those who are yet to come.
Being a part of the Silent Drill Platoon is not just guaranteed and it must be earned through rigorous training, attention to detail, and a constant commitment to the Marine Corps' standards. Marines who earned the title begin their journey in boot camp, continuing through the Infantry Marine Course. The Marine at the top of their class are eligible to earn the title of rifle inspector.
Once earned, holding the billet of the rifle inspector is not demanding. Being a part of the Silent Drill Platoon, training days are long. A Marine must possess great reflex skills and muscle memory, as well as a great mental fortitude. One must hold themselves to the highest standards.
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Photo by Lance Cpl. Brynn Bouchard
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cameron Holmes, rifle inspector with the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Marine Barracks Washington, inspects Marines during a drill sequence at Boston Common in Boston, Aug. 21, 2025. The performance is part of Marine Week Boston, a community outreach event that brings Marines to cities across the country to showcase their traditions and capabilities. This year also marks the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps, a milestone celebrating two and a half centuries of honor, courage and commitment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brynn L. Bouchard)
“There’s immense pressure to be as perfect as possible; behind the scenes, in front of the platoon, and the crowd during the show,” said Holmes. “You learn to turn that pressure and adrenaline into excitement.”
Holding the title of the rifle inspector and earning the privilege of wearing the coveted buttons, keeps the tradition of this history unit alive and upholding the legacy and standards.
“What I do and strive to be, which I hope, is a perfect representation of the Corps’ highest standards I hope, the same as all prior rifle inspectors." Cpl. Cameron Holmes, Marine Barracks Washington, Silent Drill Platoon, Rifle Inspector
Holmes is strict on himself and his Marines when it comes to representing such a highly coveted billet. “Something that I stand by is staying true to who I am, what I believe in, and what I want to achieve. Knowing that I’m true to myself and my values, still get the job done, and still achieve the billet expectations that come with that is what means the most to me,” Holmes explained with passion.
The buttons worn by rifle inspectors, past, present, and future, don’t just shine in the spotlight. They carry the history of those who served before, and those who are yet to come.