The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, known as "The Commandant's Own", is a premier military musical unit of the United States Marine Corps based at Marine Barracks Washington in Washington, D.C.. Formed in September 1934 to augment the United States Marine Band, the unit provides ceremonial music for state functions, military parades, and public events across the United States. During World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt awarded the corps the scarlet and gold breast cord for its presidential support duties. Unlike members of the Marine Band, corps musicians complete Marine Corps Recruit Training and Marine Combat Training. Arranger Truman Crawford significantly shaped the ensemble's musical repertoire during his 30-year tenure from 1968 to 1998. The corps performs in red and white dress uniforms, playing G bugles, marching percussion, and front ensemble instruments during signature performances, including the Friday Evening Parades at Marine Barracks Washington and Tuesday Sunset Parades at the Marine Corps War Memorial.
