Silent Drill Team unifies Sailors, Marines

A couple of broken noses and bruises are typical outcome after long days of practice for the members of Marine Security Force Battalion’s (MSFB) Silent Drill Team. The history of the Silent Drill Team, originated from the Marine’s Silent Drill Platoon, which began in 1948, when the Marines performed their first drill-team show, in Washington D.C.

Since then the MSFB, based in Silverdale, Wash., has created a team to carry on the tradition. This group of elite service members represents the core values of both the Navy and Marines making this silent drill team unique.

Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (SW) Clarence Judd, Silent Drill Team member, said the team represents unity within their command.

‘‘This is the first time I’ve worked side-by-side with Marines and it is a reflection of our command,” said Judd, a Jacksonville, N.C., native. ‘‘This gives our team comradeship and a sense of pride. We work together each day jointly, and it really does bring us together.”

The MSFB Silent Drill Team travels around the Kitsap, Wash., area performing at numerous events to display their rifle and drill expertise. Currently, the team has 20 members and is growing. The silent drill team practice more than 100 hours per year to perfect their routine.

For Judd, his inspiration to join the Silent Drill Team was his parents.

‘‘Both of my parents served in the Marine Corps, and my father was part of the drill team,” Judd said. ‘‘Once I saw the opportunity for tryouts, I just had to take my chances and just do it.”

During a performance, Sailors and Marines execute a series of calculated drill movements and precise handling of their hand-polished 10.5-pound M1 Garand rifles. The routine concludes with a unique rifle inspection involving elaborate rifle spins and tosses.

‘‘It’s a very rewarding and challenging experience,” Judd said. ‘‘This team signifies a family, and it’s a lot of fun.”

For Sgt. Conrad Dowe, the purpose of the Silent Drill Team is to show the community what the military is all about.

‘‘When we perform, we get to show the community what we do and educate them about our jobs in the military,” Dowe said. ‘‘For me personally, being part of this team taught me a lot about leadership, discipline and teamwork.”

The Silent Drill Team exemplifies the professionalism associated with the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy. For Dowe, being part of the team means being dedicated.

‘‘Anyone on this team commits 110 percent to practice and during performances,” Dowe said. ‘‘Working with the Navy builds a better relationship within our command. We learn how to adapt and overcome challenges together.”