[New Jersey Realist]

If you served in the Navy, for instance, you would know that after boot camp very few sailors remember how to march. As the Chief of the Boat I was proud my crew could form up at quarters but I would never have attempted to have them march without weeks of refresher training. Sailors have better things to do with their free time - like liberty, spending time with their families, etc. and not working out on the grinder. Ships work still needs to be done.

[Chainmail]

I suppose that I know a little about the navy - and yes, really good chance that sailors with a job to do would not have a lot of recent familiarity with marching. (During my 27 year career, I served aboard Gators a lot and as a Captain, ran CINCLANTFLT's naval gunfire ranges and qualification system - and served as Division Officer for the sailors there)

Yet, if given the chance to carry the navy flag in front of the nation, what do you bet that they'd revive their long-dormant marching skills and make a great display for the country?

I've seen navy units march and while they would never be confused with Marines, they did great.

Can't believe that there's so much unseemly whining on the FreeRepublic. Do the parade!