Gunny
Gold Member
This is one thing I will agree on with the Marines, while marching is not something the Navy is noted for or for that matter spends a lot of time doing, I don't think the Marines care much about that when they are calling that Navy Aviator to give them Close Air Support or care much about those Navy marching skills when that Navy SAR crewman is pulling that Marine out of the drink or yelling for that Navy Corpsman. While all those marching skills teach teamwork and look real nice on a grinder or passing in review I sure hope you Marine types are not using that as a argument here as one more reason for that young to join the Marines.
Nope. We've hijacked the thread and interjected you into it.
And no, I really don't care how well you march. One, I'd probably put myself in for a psych eval if I ever saw any squids actually marching ... in cadence.
Two, your reasons are exactly right. CAS is my friend. So is the Doc. Never needed SAR.
The purpose of close order drill is to provide simple formations from which combat formations can readily be assumed
move large numbers of troops from one place to another in an orderly manner
provide troops the opportunity to handle individual weapons
instill discipline through immediate precise response to orders
and to instill confidence in leaders by allowing them the opportunity to give commands and drill troops.
In other words, it's not just for the parade.