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U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Ford Higgins, platoon commander, United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Marine Barracks Washington, poses for a photo with his family following a performance at Greater Atlanta Christian High School during Marine Week Atlanta in Norcross, Ga., Aug. 28, 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) - U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Ford Higgins, platoon commander, United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Marine Barracks Washington, poses for a photo with his family following a performance at Greater Atlanta Christian High School during Marine Week Atlanta in Norcross, Ga., Aug. 28, 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)

Hometown Hero

The United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon performed in Norcross, Georgia, showcasing their renowned precision and discipline while honoring the Corps’ 250-year legacy. The event held special meaning for the platoon’s commander, Capt. Ford Higgins, a Norcross native, who returned to his hometown to lead the performance at his alma mater. Higgins expressed gratitude to former teachers and coaches for shaping his path, while his father reflected on the pride of seeing his son lead such a prestigious unit. The Silent Drill Platoon’s visit was part of Marine Week Atlanta, one of several nationwide events connecting the public with Marines during the Corps’ anniversary year. Known for their exacting rifle drills executed without commands, the platoon represents Marine Corps professionalism, tradition, and excellence at ceremonies nationwide.

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U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cameron Holmes, the primary rifle inspector with the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, poses with the ceremonial “silver buttons” after the Friday Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., June 27, 2025. Once gold, the buttons have been polished repeatedly, turning silver over generations. These buttons are passed down through each rifle inspector, symbolizing discipline and unbroken legacy of the billet. Holmes is one of a select few to wear the silver brass, carrying the weight of tradition and the responsibility to uphold the Corps’ highest standards in every performance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Brianna Davidson) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cameron Holmes, the primary rifle inspector with the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, poses with the ceremonial “silver buttons” after the Friday Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., June 27, 2025. Once gold, the buttons have been polished repeatedly, turning silver over generations. These buttons are passed down through each rifle inspector, symbolizing discipline and unbroken legacy of the billet. Holmes is one of a select few to wear the silver brass, carrying the weight of tradition and the responsibility to uphold the Corps’ highest standards in every performance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Brianna Davidson)

The Weight of Silver: Marine Rifle Inspectors Carry More Than Tradition

WASHINGTON – The silver buttons worn by the rifle inspector of the Marine Barracks Washington Silent Drill Platoon are more than a uniform detail; they’re a symbol of tradition, discipline, and the Marines who have carried the role before. Originally gold, the brass buttons turned silver after decades of polishing. Today, they’re preserved in a glass case and passed from one rifle inspector to the next, each Marine adding their name to the legacy. For Cpl. Cameron Holmes, a rifle inspector from Stuart, Florida, earning the right to wear the “silver brass” represents both pride and responsibility. “There’s immense pressure to be as perfect as possible,” Holmes said. “You learn to turn that pressure and adrenaline into excitement.” Joining the Silent Drill Platoon demands exceptional skill, discipline, and mental fortitude. Rifle inspectors, in particular, must uphold the highest standards, ensuring every Marine on the parade deck performs with flawless precision. The silver buttons, worn by generations of rifle inspectors, stand as a visible reminder of the history and standards that define the Corps’ “Oldest Post.”

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Retired U.S. Marine Corps veteran Sgt. William Parks stands with the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon during a Marine Week celebration in Nashville, Tenn., June 4, 2025. Parks, recognized as the oldest Marine in attendance, participated in the ceremony honoring the service and legacy of Marines past and present. Marine Week offers communities the opportunity to connect with Marines through performances, static displays, and community outreach. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brynn L. Bouchard) - Retired U.S. Marine Corps veteran Sgt. William Parks stands with the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon during a Marine Week celebration in Nashville, Tenn., June 4, 2025. Parks, recognized as the oldest Marine in attendance, participated in the ceremony honoring the service and legacy of Marines past and present. Marine Week offers communities the opportunity to connect with Marines through performances, static displays, and community outreach. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brynn L. Bouchard)

A Marine's Last Day, Spent Among His Own

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. William Marvin Parks, a Korean War veteran and survivor of the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025, at the age of 94. Just one day earlier, he was honored as the oldest Marine present during a 250th Marine Corps birthday ceremony at City Hall in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, as part of Marine Week Nashville.

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U.S. Marines with the Silent Drill Platoon pose for a photo after the culmination of Silent Drill Selection, a six-week long course to determine the newest members of the Silent Drill Platoon on Jan. 10, 2025, Washington, D.C. The six-week long course consists of drill and cadences specific to Marine Barracks Washington, rifle spinning techniques, and much more. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Christopher Prelle) - U.S. Marines with the Silent Drill Platoon pose for a photo after the culmination of Silent Drill Selection, a six-week long course to determine the newest members of the Silent Drill Platoon on Jan. 10, 2025, Washington, D.C. The six-week long course consists of drill and cadences specific to Marine Barracks Washington, rifle spinning techniques, and much more. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Christopher Prelle)

Silent Drill Platoon: Past, Present, and Future

The legacy of the United States Silent Drill Platoon is upheld by a storied history of traditions and commitment built by generations of Marines, both former and current.

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The United States Marine Corps Color Guard performs during the Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Aug. 26, 2016. The guest of honor for the parade was the Honorable Ashton B. Carter, Secretary of Defense, and the hosting official was Gen. Robert B. Neller, commandant of the Marine Corps. (Official Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Robert Knapp/Released) - The United States Marine Corps Color Guard performs during the Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Aug. 26, 2016. The guest of honor for the parade was the Honorable Ashton B. Carter, Secretary of Defense, and the hosting official was Gen. Robert B. Neller, commandant of the Marine Corps. (Official Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Robert Knapp/Released)

Marine Barracks Washington Parade Season Draws to a Close

WASHINGTON-- Marines of the “Oldest Post of the Corps” performed their final parade of the summer season during the Friday Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Aug. 26, 2016. With the highest number of guests anticipated, it would make for a record-setting event of the season.Friday Evening Parades at the Barracks began over a half a

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Marines from Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., perform at the Noncommissioned Officer's parade Aug. 19, 2016. The guest of honor for the parade was Adm. John M. Richardson, chief of Naval Operations, and the hosting official was Gen. Robert B. Neller, commadant of the Marine Corps. (Official Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Andrianna Daly/Released) - Marines from Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., perform at the Noncommissioned Officer's parade Aug. 19, 2016. The guest of honor for the parade was Adm. John M. Richardson, chief of Naval Operations, and the hosting official was Gen. Robert B. Neller, commadant of the Marine Corps. (Official Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Andrianna Daly/Released)

Noncommissioned Officers Take Charge of Friday Evening Parade

WASHINGTON —Marines of Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., showcased their musical ballads and precision drill movements during the Friday Evening Noncommissioned Officer’s Parade at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Aug. 19, 2016. These ceremonial parades are held every Friday night during the summer and have become a universal symbol of pride,

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Cpl. Sean Breheny, rifle inspector with the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, gets promoted to the rank of corporal during a ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., June 4. - Cpl. Sean Breheny, rifle inspector with the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, gets promoted to the rank of corporal during a ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., June 4.

Estero native gets promoted to rank of corporal

A native of Estero, Florida was promoted to the rank of corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps during a ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Jun. 4.Cpl. Sean Breheny, 25, enlisted in the Corps April 2010, and attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C. He arrived at the Barracks Sept. 2010 and currently serves

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Salina-native commands Marine Corps’ Silent Drill Platoon

A native of Salina, Kan., served as the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon commander during a special Friday Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington Aug. 3.Staff Sgt. Scott Wilkie led the precision drill team in front of thousands of spectators, including the sergeant major of the Marine Corps and more than 100 other Marine sergeants major.

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Marine from Marine Barracks Washington perform a pass in review during the Battle Color Ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., Aug. 25. - Marine from Marine Barracks Washington perform a pass in review during the Battle Color Ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., Aug. 25.

Battle Color Detachment brings Esprit de Corps to ‘Low Country'

Units from Marine Barracks Washington travelled to South Carolina to bring the Battle Color Ceremony to audiences at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, Aug. 25 and 26. The Marines, known collectively as the Battle Color Detachment and comprised of the Silent Drill Platoon, U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle

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Lance Cpl. Zachery Sturges catches his rifle during the Challenge Day tryout for the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon at Marine Corps Air Stations Yuma, Ariz., Feb. 15. Sturges was named 'Old Dog' for top second year marcher in the platoon. - Lance Cpl. Zachery Sturges catches his rifle during the Challenge Day tryout for the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon at Marine Corps Air Stations Yuma, Ariz., Feb. 15. Sturges was named 'Old Dog' for top second year marcher in the platoon.

Candidates compete for spot on Silent Drill Platoon

Selected from among thousands of Marines, less than a fraction of a percent will ever have a chance to march with the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon.Marines aspiring for a spot to march in this unit, otherwise known as “The Marching 24,” must first undergo the rigorous trials of Silent Drill School and compete for a spot during a thorough

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