Often referred to as The Marching Twenty-Four, the unit performs a unique silent precision exhibition drill.
The Silent Drill Platoon, which first performed in November 18, 1928, originally as a one-time show, received such an overwhelming response that it soon became part of the routine parades at Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C.
[1][2] The Marines execute a series of calculated drill movements and precise handling of their hand-polished 10.5 pounds (4.8 kg) M1 Garand rifles with fixed bayonets.
Experienced members of the Silent Drill Platoon, usually non-commissioned officers, have the opportunity to audition to become rifle inspectors.
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps.