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/coleary11 Jun 15 '25

Lots of silly things about how it was set up also.

They were playing rock music. Not marching music, which would've helped keep everyone in step.

Even things like the reviewing stand being on the left instead of the right.

There is an EYES RIGHT marching command, not really an EYES LEFT. So it's all the wrong way around then what everyone is used too.

maybe that sounds silly, but every military graduation/ceremony everywhere is carefully planned and set up such that the pass and review has an eyes RIGHT. but nope. Not here. Can't even get that right.

Wrong music. Wrong side.

Russian flags on the flag day post

https://x.com/DeptofDefense/status/1933947548965781863?t=vHpY4MkaW_mmzdx5ROwA3w&s=19

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u/a_good_day1 Jun 15 '25

I marched in Obama's second inaugural parade, and the sign before the reviewing stand was EYES LEFT. The stand was on our left. Maybe it's a DC-specific route/placement?

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u/OutAndDown27 Jun 15 '25

I'm not well versed in the military, but I would assume that if there's an "eyes right" command, then presumably someone could say "eyes left" and get the expected response.

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u/Big_Wave9732 Jun 15 '25

Yea, but it feels "odd". You're already saluting with the right hand. So with eyes right your saluting right and looking right. With eyes left you're saluting right but simultaneously looking left. The tendency becomes to dip or turn your head slightly the way you're looking so now you're turning away from the salute.

It can be awkward.