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Marine Barracks Washington Is Looking for Its Next Drill Master

MARADMIN 125/26·March 24, 2026·2 min read·Official source
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Marine Barracks Washington (MBW) is looking for its next Drill Master and Assistant Drill Master. These are high-visibility billets on the Commandant's ceremonial staff, responsible for Arlington funerals, presidential cordons, sunset parades, and every major ceremony in the National Capital Region. Nomination packages are due by 1 June 2026.

Bottom line: If you're a GySgt, MSgt, or SSgt who wants to serve at 8th and I, your commander needs your nomination package by 1 June 2026.

Who it affects

This billet is for active component and reserve volunteers who meet all of the following:

Drill Master: GySgt or MSgt (or board-select for either). First Sergeants, MGySgts, and SgtsMaj are not eligible.

Assistant Drill Master: SSgt or GySgt (or board-select for either).

Additional requirements apply to both:

  • Height and weight standards, outstanding physical appearance
  • Comprehensive knowledge of Marine Corps drill and ceremonies
  • Minimum 36 months of obligated service upon receipt of orders (extend or reenlist as needed)
  • Strong moral character, leadership, and communication skills
  • Marines who recently completed a formal military school over 20 weeks, or who are currently in a screenable billet outside their MOS, will generally not be considered until those obligations are complete

What you need to do

If you're interested, tell your commander. Your commander submits the nomination, endorsed at the O-5 level, to MBW. The package includes:

  1. Commander's letter of recommendation (O-5 endorsed)
  2. Basic Individual Record and Basic Training Record
  3. Page 11, UPB, and Master Brief Sheet from your OMPF
  4. Latest fitness report
  5. Professional resume and biography
  6. Special duty assignment financial worksheet
  7. Personal letter from the candidate explaining why they should be selected

Submit the complete package to SgtMaj Juan P. Segura, Marine Barracks Washington, 8th and I Streets SE, Washington, DC 20390-5000, or electronically to jimmy.richards@usmc.mil.

Note: The POC email listed in the submission instructions (jimmy.richards@usmc.mil) differs from the named POC (SgtMaj Segura). Confirm the correct submission address with your S-1 or call MBW directly before submitting.

Finalists will attend a 5-day screening at MBW in late July 2026. MBW covers travel and TAD costs. Government quarters and messing are directed.

Key dates

  • 1 June 2026: Nomination packages due at MBW
  • 26 July 2026: Finalist travel to MBW
  • 27-31 July 2026: Screening at MBW
  • 1 August 2026: Return travel (earliest 0800)
  • 1 October 2026: TAD orders for 3-week ceremonial drill school (if selected)
  • January 2027: Estimated report date to MBW

The official version

This is MARADMIN 125/26.

Referenced orders: MCO 1326.6 CH-1 (SCREENMAN), MCO 1300.8 CH1 M (Personnel Assignment Policy), MCO 5060.20 (Drill and Ceremonies Manual).

For questions, contact:

  • SgtMaj Juan P. Segura: juan.segura@usmc.mil or 202-433-6764
  • Current Drill Master, GySgt LeAndre M. Hinton: leandre.hinton@usmc.mil or 225-333-1637
  • Assistant Drill Master, GySgt Brandon A. Parker: brandon.a.parker@usmc.mil or 804-625-8605

This is written by a reservist, for reservists. It is not an official publication of HQMC or MARFORRES. Always verify guidance with your command or unit S-1 before acting on any article or summary.

Resources & references

The documents this bulletin points to, with a plain-English note on why each matters. Links marked CAC required need a government login.

  • Screenable Billets and Independent Duty Assignments order (MCO 1326.6 CH-1)Reference

    This order governs the selection and screening process for Type-2 screenable billets, which this MARADMIN directly references as the baseline eligibility criteria nominees must meet for the Drill Master assignment.

  • Marine Corps Personnel Assignment Policy (MCO 1300.8 CH1 M)Reference

    This order sets the personnel assignment policy that requires nominees to have a minimum of 36 months of obligated service before receiving orders to Marine Barracks Washington.

  • Marine Corps Drill and Ceremonies Manual (MCO 5060.20)Reference

    This manual establishes Marine Corps drill and ceremony standards, and this MARADMIN requires nominees to have a comprehensive understanding of its contents as an eligibility criterion.

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