Would you willingly volunteer (i.e. not volun-told) to march in the parade in Washington DC?

2018-02-08T11:28:37-05:00

It has not been my experience that Soldiers want to participate in Parades and Ceremonies for the most part - but maybe that's just my experience. I'm curious as to the actual polls numbers for voluntary participation.

I meant to include Reserve and NG in the "Active Duty" options. "Currently Serving" would have been a better choice of words, but I can't edit it now! You'll figure it out.

=)

Response by Maj John Bell made Feb 8 at 2018 11:33 AM

2018-02-08T11:33:45-05:00

If I could not find something better to do, like repeatedly slamming my fingers in a car door, I guess I'd volunteer. No I take it back, I'll sit in the dark on a concrete floor, in a cold room for all the rehearsals and the actual parade instead.

Response by PO1 Don Gulizia made Feb 8 at 2018 11:41 AM

2018-02-08T11:41:45-05:00

It depends on the reason behind the parade. If it is a "show of force" than no, I would not volunteer. If it is to show appreciation for our service members, than yes I would. For the poll, I'll use the official response from the White House that was reported by WaPo: "He has asked the Department of Defense to explore a celebration at which all Americans can show their appreciation."

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 8 at 2018 12:27 PM

2018-02-08T12:27:48-05:00

I'd march if it was appreciated by the citizens. Post 'Nam, no way in hell. Today, sure. Next year, we'll see. If you ever been in a parade, it's boring. Same view the whole time. Same noise the whole time. Like doing a pass in review, only much longer and usually with fewer turns. And the MIL next to you really needs to pee bad. That you remember more when the other stuff fades in memory.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Feb 8 at 2018 12:34 PM

2018-02-08T12:34:41-05:00

Never liked this type of show or most local “Look at us” type event. If it were up to me all those sports and bands would be reduced or eliminated.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2018 12:45 PM

2018-02-08T12:45:30-05:00

TDY to the nations capital, take a little leave while there and see the sights... not volunteering isn't going to stop the event, however volunteering seems too much like willingly supporting a bad decision.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Feb 8 at 2018 12:53 PM

2018-02-08T12:53:23-05:00

I don't ever remember getting a lot of choice about doing this kind of stuff, but why not. It in Washington DC and while it may be the Swamp, there is plenty to see and do there.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Feb 8 at 2018 12:54 PM

2018-02-08T12:54:55-05:00

Not Scientific but a Good Survey. I Hated Dog and Pony Shows when I was in Uniform. When given the Choice which happened Occasionally I always Opted Out. As MAA COMSPAWARSYSCOM it wasn't an Option but Thankfully not required Very Often, 2 Retirements and 1 Inspection that was Plenty.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Feb 8 at 2018 1:57 PM

2018-02-08T13:57:44-05:00

Of course I would

Response by SFC Dennis A. made Feb 8 at 2018 3:18 PM

2018-02-08T15:18:09-05:00

When we returned from the Gulf one our first weekend home (2nd or 3rd) we had to go down town Augusta GA and march in a parade in honor of our home coming. Of all the places I wanted to be, marching in a parade was not one of them. But that is what we were told to do, so that is what we did.

Response by SGT David T. made Feb 8 at 2018 3:45 PM

2018-02-08T15:45:24-05:00

I would not. Mainly because I didn't/don't like ceremony things like this.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Feb 8 at 2018 4:12 PM

2018-02-08T16:12:59-05:00

I think it's a horrible idea, but I'd do it. The TDY alone would make it worth it. If they're going to throw away money on Freudian showpieces, might as well have some of it come my way...

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Feb 8 at 2018 4:36 PM

2018-02-08T16:36:21-05:00

I grew up there but I could see someone who had never been liking the idea of getting to hang out in the Nations Capitol for a day or two.

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Feb 8 at 2018 5:56 PM

2018-02-08T17:56:03-05:00

Huge waste.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Feb 8 at 2018 6:53 PM

2018-02-08T18:53:07-05:00

Assuming this was a "honor the troops" type of parade then yes I would volunteer. I have no interest in a "show of force" for people who are not my enemy.

But to answer the 2nd part of your question, I'm one of those Marines who took great pride in being voluntold to be a part of some ceremony or formation. I loved the spectacle and being a part of our traditions. So there is a chance I would willingly volunteer to march in Washington.

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Feb 9 at 2018 7:38 PM

2018-02-09T19:38:11-05:00

Try this question out on Vietnam and Korea vets. I bet you get plenty of volunteers.