JOINT BARRACKS ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, D.C. - A native of Norfolk, Neb., was selected to help lead the Marine Corps' Silent Drill Platoon at Marine Barracks Washington, Nov. 7.
Cpl. Alec Mizner, 25, assumed the positions of platoon guide and drill master after serving with the Corps' prestigious ceremonial unit for nearly three years.
"It truly is an honor and a privilege, and I don't take it lightly," Mizner said. "I will be the only non-commissioned officer in the platoon. I have to uphold the same high standards that the Marines before me set, and be a good example for the junior Marines."
As the platoon's guide, Mizner will serve as an intermediary between the junior Marines of the platoon and the platoon sergeant and platoon commander. Mizner will also take on the responsibility of handling many administrative duties for the platoon such as creating the platoon’s training schedules and maintaining accountability of the Marines.
After serving as the assistant drill master for a year, the Norfolk Senior High School graduate said he is ready to take on the task of creating and implementing the new drill sequence that the platoon will use in 2012. Mizner will travel with the platoon to Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., in February for three weeks. During that time, Mizner will be responsible for teaching the platoon the drill sequence he created.
"It's very different because I was the assistant drill master and squad leader before," explained Mizner. "I'm now in charge of 100 Marines, instead of 30. But I embrace the challenge and I pretty much have already finished the new sequence we will perform next year."
The platoon performs at every Evening and Sunset Parade for the Barracks, which are held on Tuesdays and Fridays from late April to late August, as well as professional sporting events and ceremonies nationally and abroad.
The SDP is featured in many Marine Corps recruiting advertisements, including posters and commercials, and performs at scores of events for thousands of spectators each year.