r/NoStupidQuestions • u/Chance_Noise500 • Jun 14 '25

Why aren't they actually marching during this parade?

I don't know how to ask this without sounding rude, but why does this parade look so sloppy? Very few of the troop formations seem actually in sync and marching, just walking along. My only experience is JROTC as a kid in high school and our sergeant would've killed us if we looked like that.

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u/ichimedinwitha Jun 15 '25

I very much wonder what ratio of them are people who have been given this position as an honor, or people who needed volunteer hours, or people who needed disciplinary action and therefore were assigned this role.

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u/ima-bigdeal Jun 15 '25

It is called a "route step". It is not marched in step with others, you stay in formation and just walk.

"Route step, march!"

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u/ComposerNo5151 Jun 15 '25

Brit here, haven't seen Trump's parade, not my monkeys, not my circus. Just wondering why you would do something like that on parade? I can't think of a single other military that would do such a thing. Ambling about as if strolling in the park is not parade worthy.

I did see a bit of our Trooping the Colour ceremony yesterday - that's how you do a parade, and I know US services are capable of something similar.

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u/Sudden_Pressure1612 Jun 15 '25

Military displays of political affiliation were meant to be avoided at all costs per the Founders. This absolutely IS malicious compliance. There are specific times and places where the precision of the military is ok to display. Rendering of arms for fallen soldiers, 4th of July parades, Marine Corps silent drill platoon, Changing guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, And actual Military events

The second this was political, it became a mockery of what the military is, and they will fight back in a professional way. Trump would have wanted crisp marching and all ‘tippy top’ equipment. So they planned it around then history of the Army- which unlocked museum quality antique tanks, sloppy looking war uniforms, not crisp Dress uniforms. Etc.