New in 2023: A woman-led Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon
By Irene Loewenson
Dec 28, 2022
Then-1st Lt. Kelsey M. Hastings serving as a marching platoon commander at a retirement parade for Gen. Gary L. Thomas at Marine Barracks Washington on Oct. 15, 2021. (Marine Corps)
When the Marine Corps’ elite Silent Drill Platoon begins its busy parade season in late spring 2023, a woman will be in charge for the first time.
Capt. Kelsey M. Hastings assumed command of the 24-person platoon, one of the Marine Corps’ most prestigious ceremonial units, on Nov. 21.
Marines in the platoon perform precision drills while carrying 10.5-pound M1 rifles with fixed bayonets, and they maintain tight pacing without verbal cadence or commands. During the summer parade season, they regularly perform at ceremonies around Washington, D.C.
For now, the Marines stationed at the Marine Barracks Washington, the center of the Corps’ ceremonial activities, are mostly engaged in training.
https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2022/12/28/new-in-2023-a-woman-led-marine-corps-silent-drill-platoon/
