Armed Forces News

The Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon marches in front of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial on their way to perform for the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington April 12, 2014. (Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Bryan Nygaard)

When the Silent Drill Platoon begins its 2023 parade season, the 24-rifle unit will have its first female commander. Capt. Kelsey M. Hastings, an artillery officer and Naval Academy graduate, was slated to assume her new leadership role on Nov. 21. The platoon is a favorite among visitors to Washington, D.C. The Friday Evening Parade at the Marine Barracks in Washington, the Tuesday Sunset Parade at the Iwo Jima memorial in Arlington, Virginia, and other such events across the country, draw hundreds of spectators each year. During the performances, the team conducts precise drills with bayonet-affixed M1 Garand rifles.

“It is exciting to be selected as the Marine Corps Silent Platoon Commander,” Hastings, a Seattle native, said. “SDP is oftentimes the face of the Marine Corps, showing the world how elite and professional our organization is, and it is truly an honor. I look forward to working with my new Marines and being a face that a little girl can see and envision herself as.”

After completing the Marine Artillery Officer Basic Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Hastings went on to serve as a platoon commander, fire direction officer and battery executive officer with the Hawaii-based 1st Battalion, 12th Marines. She returned to the Marine Barracks two years ago to take and complete the three-week basic Ceremonial Drill School preparation course. She was a marching platoon commander in 2021, and a marching company executive officer last year.

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