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!
You are right about Marines (and Army as well) doing a better job of marching - you are a much more disciplined lot. As a submariner, we are a relaxed group and cherish our off time after months of isolation in a narrow tube. As a group I’d say we wouldn’t cheerfully want to put in time to relearn the art of marching crisply. I had a hard time getting my crew to smartly and in unison take one step forward for Pete’s sake....sorta like McHale’s Navy! Hate to admit it but that was back in the 70’s and 80’s in better times and I don’t think things have improved over the years, if you know what I mean. I know that sounds like a sad indictment but it was one of the reasons I retired after exactly 20, giving up an E9 spot back at the E-Ring.
Having said that, this morning I read an informal Military Times poll found that a vast majority of the publication’s readers oppose the idea of a military parade in Washington, D.C.
Eighty-nine percent of Military Times readers responded by answering “No, it’s a waste of money and troops are too busy.”