21st Century U.S. Marine Corps (USMC, Marines) Training Manuals: Drill and Ceremonies - Manual of Arms, Sword, Parades, Honors, History, Funerals and Memorial Services (CD-ROM)

This unique electronic book on CD-ROM has a complete reproduction of the U.S. Marine Corps publication, the Marine Corps Drill and Ceremonies Manual. This manual, reproduced in multiple parts, is designed to provide uniformity and standardization for all close order drill and military ceremonial evolutions. The contents, fully illustrated in color, include introduction to drill, individual instruction without arms, manual of arms with the M16 rifle, manual of arms with the handgun, sword manual, guidon manual, national and organizational flags, squad drill, platoon drill, company drill, battalion drill, regimental drill, inspections, organizational and parade staff, reviews, parades, presentation of decorations and individual retirement, change of command ceremony, relief and appointment of the sergeant major, activation and deactivation ceremony, honors, marine corps birthday cake cutting ceremony, mess night, funerals and memorial services, loading the ceremonial firing of the M16 rifle, manual of arms with the M1 service rifle, ceremonial property, history, customs and courtesies, and traditions of the mess night. One of the cornerstones of Marine Corps customs, courtesies and traditions is our execution of close order drill and ceremonies. These traditions are perpetuated from one generation to the next through constant use and practice. The esprit de corps of every Marine has been brought about by their ever-present feeling of pride, not only in their unit, but also in themselves. The preservation of traditional discipline, our customs and courtesies, and the heritage of our Corps is our duty. It is our further duty to see that the same high standard of discipline and esprit de corps is not only preserved, but also further strengthened. These intangibles must be passed on to the future Marines who will take their place among the ranks our Corps. The object of close order drill is to teach Marines by exercise to obey orders and to do so immediately in the correct way. Close order drill is one foundation of discipline and esprit de corps. Additionally, it is still one of the finest methods for developing confidence and troop leading abilities in our subordinate leaders. Ceremonial duties are written deep into our history as a Corps. It is no coincidence that among the units famous for ceremonial prowess and spit-and-polish are also to be found some of the worlds most redoubtable fighting formations. The hallmark of the world s fighting organizations, the Roman legions, the Spartans, the Foreign Legion, the British Brigade of Guards and many others is that they are as good on parade as they are in the field or in the attack. While we no longer use drill and formations to align the ranks as was done for the phalanxes of Rome or the squares of Waterloo, drill and ceremony is still the foundation of instilling and developing discipline in any size unit and the individual. The Marine Corps has long enjoyed a worldwide reputation for sharp appearance and soldierly performance of duties. Our reputation as a Corps is built upon the legacy of those that came before us and puts us on par with the finest military organizations in the world s history. This reputation has been enhanced by continually demonstrating that our execution of peacetime functions is excelled only by our performance in battle. The special distinction that the Marine Corps has today in regards to drill and ceremonies is best exemplified by the saying First on foot, and right on the line. This privilege bestowed on the Corps by the Secretary of the Navy on 9 August 1876, gives Marines the place of honor in any Naval formation.