US Marines assigned to the DC-based Silent Drill Platoon have been placed in pre-trial confinement following allegations of hazing.
At least five Marines of the SDP were confined, though one has since been released (but could still face charges) after an initial hearing. Given that the platoon is a 24-man rifle exhibition unit, this potentially pulls over one quarter of the force away from duty.
According to CNN, the Naval Criminal Investigation Command has initiated an investigation into the alleged hazing incident, which came to light after a Marine told authorities about a video depicting Marines hitting one of their own.
The unit is beloved by locals and visitors in Washington, DC, as they perform rifle drills both in DC and around the world.
The SDP is based at Marine Barracks Washington, and has been performing since 1948, when a one-time show ultimately turned into a world-renowned unit.
SDP members must be males between 5’11’’ and 6’1’’ in order to be accepted, with uniformity and precision being key factors in the selection process.
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