Drill teams have represented the U.S. military for hundreds of years, displaying strict discipline and excellence as they expertly spin, maneuver and pass rifles, typically equipped with a bayonet. As the teams prepare to support the presidential inauguration, they came together Nov. 19, 2024, to demonstrate their skills during an Honor Guard/Drill Team Showcase at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia.

Honor Guard and drill teams representing the Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, Marines and Space Force all participated in the 2-hour event, each presenting a routine for Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) leadership and local media organizations.

“It’s truly impressive, the Honor Guard and the drill teams, they are truly disciplined,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Don Bevis, the deputy commanding general of JTF-NCR. “They have outstanding military bearing, they look super sharp and we’re also privileged to have all the services here today.”

“It’s been a tradition for the U.S. military to support (the inauguration), so it’s a real honor and our privilege to be part of the (inauguration) and demonstrate the professionalism of our troops. It’s our opportunity to show the nation their professional forces as we recognize our commander in chief as the civilian leader, and pay honor and tribute to that individual.”

U.S. Space Force Guardians opened the event presenting the Colors. Because the service is still very young, a drill team has not been established, but the Honor Guard will still represent the service during the inaugural parade and this showcase was a chance for them to continue to practice their skills in front of an audience.

Following the opening presentation, the U.S. Army Drill Team, the U.S. Coast Guard Silent Drill Team, U.S. Air Force Honor Guard’s Drill Team, U.S. Navy Ceremonial Drill Team and the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, respectively, performed a routine. Each performance varied in personnel and intensity to represent each branch’s unique talents.

“I think (seeing the other drill teams) makes us better because challenges and competition help breed excellence and continue performance and improvement,” stated U.S. Navy Lt. Stephen Acevedo, the operations officer with the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Drill Team. “If we see how another drill team is performing and we’re like, ‘Wow, we need to step up our game,’ and we take that energy back to where we practice, and we improve our performance.”

Only the best members from each service are selected to perform on drill teams as an additional part of their time on Honor Guard. They primarily support ceremonial events, including military funerals.

“At the end of the day, we do the drill performance for the crowds to raise awareness and to try to get them excited about the U.S. military, but our primary duty is in Arlington National Cemetery and performing ceremonies,” explained U.S. Navy Seaman Aiden Apel with the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Drill Team. “Being a part of the inauguration is a huge honor for me because it is not something a lot of people that are in my shoes even get to do. The inauguration is every four years and we serve for two years, so for it to fall on that time period is a great honor and I’m excited I get to be a part of it.”

While the showcase allowed these teams to be visible for a small audience, they will display the highest standards expected of service members when the public gathers in Washington to recognize the 47th commander in chief during the 60th Presidential Inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025.