The Ceremonial Marchers of Company A are comprised of 1st and 2nd Platoons and handle hundreds of ceremonial commitments throughout the National Capital Region each year. These include Marine Corps funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, Armed Forces Wreath Ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Arrivals at the White House, the Pentagon and the Washington Navy Yard. Additionally during the summer parade season, marchers perform in the Sunset Parades held at the Marine Corps War Memorial and Evening Parades held at Marine Barracks Washington.

Ceremonial Marchers are selected on screening trips to the Recruit Depots and Schools of Infantry. Their selection is based on a rigorous checklist of military appearance and composure and a thorough background qualification.

Upon arriving at Marine Barracks Washington, the Marchers undergo an intense period of training in the exacting standards of ceremonial drill. This period, known as Ceremonial Drill School can last upwards of a month and upon completion, marchers are fully qualified to participate in all ceremonial commitments at the Barracks.

The Marines of Company A are, first and foremost, infantry Marines by trade. Upon leaving the Barracks, the Marines report to Infantry Battalions throughout the Marine Corps and deploy throughout the world. In order to prepare them for this transition, Company A completes all annual training requirements to include rifle, swim and martial arts qualifications and conducts field operations to train the Marines in fire team and squad-level tactics. The training is tailored to the operational tempo of today’s Marine Corps and is heavily focused around Military Operations on Urban Terrain and other skills supporting the Global War on Terrorism.

The Ceremonial Marchers proudly represent the Marine Corps to the National Capital Region and the world-holding themselves to the highest standards of proficiency and conduct in everything they do.