PHOTOS

MARINE BARRACKS WASHINGTON, D.C.
8TH & I

Marines with Alpha Company execute sword manual during Sword Ceremonial Drill School at Marine Barracks Annex, Washington, D.C, Aug. 8, 2025. During this course, Marines receive vigorous training on fundamentals of marching and sword manual for the upcoming parade season and ceremonies.

GySgt. Matthew O'Toole, Drill Master, provides timing with drumsticks while a Barracks Marine executes his drill sequence for the final evaluation of Ceremonial Drill School at Marine Barracks Annex, Washington, D.C., Aug. 7, 2025. This assessment is the culminating event of CDS, a course designed to teach the intricacies of ceremonial drill in keeping with the high standards upheld at Marine Barracks Washington.

A student at Guard Academy, Guard Company, Marine Barracks Washington, conducts taser qualification in Washington, D.C., Aug. 7, 2025. The training certifies Marines in the proper use and effects of non-lethal force as part of their law enforcement responsibilities.

Marines with Marine Barracks Washington practice executing “eyes right.” during Ceremonial Drill School at Marine Barracks Annex, Washington, D.C., Aug. 7, 2025. During the course, Marines will spend countless hours perfecting drill movements to ensure that every Tuesday Sunset Parade and Friday Evening Parade is flawless.

Marines with Marine Barracks Washington practice rifle manual during Ceremonial Drill School at Marine Barracks Annex, Washington, D.C., Aug. 6, 2025. During the course, Marines will spend countless hours perfecting drill movements to ensure that every Tuesday Sunset Parade and Friday Evening Parade is flawless.

Lance Cpl. Jordan, a Marine with Marine Barracks Washington, executes "Port Arms" during a Ceremonial Drill School evaluation at Marine Barracks Annex, Washington, D.C., Aug 6, 2025.

GySgt. Matthew O'Toole, Drill Master, discusses "Ceremonial At Ease" with students of Ceremonial Drill School at Marine Barracks Annex, Washington, D.C., Aug. 6, 2025. During the course, Marines will spend countless hours perfecting drill movements to ensure that every Tuesday Sunset Parade and Friday Evening Parade is flawless.

Lt. Col. Leverett, MBW Executive Officer, speaks to Marines with Alpha Company in formation at Marine Barracks Annex, Washington, D.C., Aug. 5, 2025. The formation served as an opportunity to pause, reflect, and recognize the hard work and dedication of Marines amid the long summer of parades, ceremonies, and events supported by the Barracks.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Damian Thomas, the Alpha Company commander, and Lance Cpl. Daft, the Alpha Company guide, execute "Officers of the Day" during a parade practice at Marine Barracks Annex, Washington, D.C., Aug. 5, 2025.

Marines with Ceremonial Drill School prepare to execute "Eyes Right" during Ceremonial Drill School at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Aug. 5, 2025. During this course, Marines will spend countless hours perfecting drill movements to ensure that every Tuesday Sunset Parade and Friday Evening Parade is flawless

Barracks Marines with Alpha Company stand at "Ceremonial At Ease" during their performance in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Jul., 19, 2025. Fleet Week Fort Lauderdale is an annual celebration where U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard ships dock in Fort Lauderdale, allowing the public to tour vessels and meet service members. By participating in ceremonies like this, Marine Barracks Washington connects the traditions of the Marine Corps with the American people they serve.

Barracks Marines with Alpha Company execute "forward march" during their performance in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Jul., 19, 2025. Fleet Week Fort Lauderdale is an annual celebration where U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard ships dock in Fort Lauderdale, allowing the public to tour vessels and meet service members. By participating in ceremonies like this, Marine Barracks Washington connects the traditions of the Marine Corps with the American people they serve.

US Marine Corps Lt. Col. Gavin Leverett, Parade Commander, and US Marine Corps SgtMaj. Eric Holcomb with GySgt. Matthew O'Toole, Drill Master, during drill practice at Marine Barracks Washington, Washington, D.C. on April 28, 2025. The hours spent perfecting each drill movement builds muscle memory and synchronizes the staff's movements with the intent of setting a commanding ceremonial atmosphere when parade season begins.

U.S. Marines with the Parade Staff, Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., pose for a photo in front of the Home of the Commandants at Marine Barracks Washington, April 26, 2025. As members of the Parade Staff, these Marines play a critical role in coordinating and executing the ceremonial excellence displayed during official Marine Corps events at the "Oldest Post of the Corps".

Marines with the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard execute “march on the colors” during drill practice held at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., April, 23, 2025. Marines at 8th & I rehearse daily in the months leading up to parade season.

Parade Staff execute "eyes right" during night drill practice at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., on April 21, 2025. Marines at 8th & I rehearse daily in the months leading up to parade season, including evening practices timed with the Friday Evening Parade schedule. The Friday Evening Parade has been a tradition at the "Oldest Post of the Corps" for over 60 years with this year's parade season holding significance as the Marine Corps celebrates its 250th birthday.

U.S. Marines stand at attention during night drill practice at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., on April 21, 2025. Marines at 8th & I rehearse daily in the months leading up to parade season, including evening practices timed with the Friday Evening Parade schedule. The Friday Evening Parade has been a tradition at the "Oldest Post of the Corps" for over 60 years with this year's parade season holding significance as the Marine Corps celebrates its 250th birthday.

U.S. Marines with the official U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard execute "march on the colors" during night drill practice at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., on April 21, 2025. Marines at 8th & I rehearse daily in the months leading up to parade season, including evening practices timed with the Friday Evening Parade schedule. The Friday Evening Parade has been a tradition at the "Oldest Post of the Corps" for over 60 years with this year's parade season holding significance as the Marine Corps celebrates its 250th birthday.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Eric Holcomb, Sergeant Major, Marine Barracks Washington, executes "report" during night drill practice at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., on April 21, 2025. Marines at 8th & I rehearse daily in the months leading up to parade season, including evening practices timed with the Friday Evening Parade schedule. The Friday Evening Parade has been a tradition at the "Oldest Post of the Corps" for over 60 years with this year's parade season holding significance as the Marine Corps celebrates its 250th birthday.

Marines with Marine Barracks Washington, executes "Honors" during night drill practice at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., on April 21, 2025. Marines at 8th & I rehearse daily in the months leading up to parade season, including evening practices timed with the Friday Evening Parade schedule. The Friday Evening Parade has been a tradition at the "Oldest Post of the Corps" for over 60 years with this year's parade season holding significance as the Marine Corps celebrates its 250th birthday.

Sergeant Aidan Florent, U.S. Marine Corps Color Sergeant of the Marine Corps, practices drill movements with a battle colors bearer during the annual Battle Color Detachment training evolution at Marine Barracks Annex, Washington, D.C., Nov. 25, 2024. The BCD consists of the Silent Drill Platoon, “The Commandant’s Own,” the United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps and the Marine Corps Color Guard. The BCD conducts this training in order to refine and reform drill movements and performances for this upcoming parade season.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Andrew Charles, Drill Master, reads the promotion warrant for Cpl. Joseph Smith during Smith's promotion ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., on Nov. 24, 2024. Promotion ceremonies mark significant milestones in a service member’s career, reflecting their commitment, mastery of skills, and leadership capabilities. As noncommissioned officers, Marines take on greater responsibilities after demonstrating exemplary leadership. The noncommissioned officer blood stripe is a symbol of pride and tradition, signifying the sacrifice and dedication of those who have earned the rank and the responsibility that comes with it.