 Hello, I'm Command Master Chief Paul McCrory, the Command Master Chief of the Navy Ceremonial Guard. Serving in the Navy is already a selfless and challenging honor. Those that volunteer and are subsequently selected for the Navy Ceremonial Guard have a unique opportunity and should be ready to meet a different challenge that sets them apart. The Ceremonial Guard comprises of four specialty platoons with specific qualifications and standards that require incredible attention to detail. To prepare for this, sailors first go through a challenging, self-paced 12-week training program called Alpha Company, where they learn particular synchronized drill movements, condition their minds and bodies for standing ceremoniously at attention for prolonged periods of time, and the wearing of unique uniform items that are specific to the Ceremonial Guard. Those that accept and complete this challenge earn the honor of joining the ranks of the elite United States Navy Ceremonial Guard. Guardsmen will then go on to join one of four specialty platoons. Fire and Party Platoon. Our Navy's firing party is the finest example of what can be accomplished through patience and hard work. The firing party renders military honors at funerals for our fallen shipmates, firing three volleys at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as conducting gun salutes with cannons for many of our Navy's major ceremonies. Our firing party, with their rifles and synchronized shots, gives sailors the utmost honor and respect for a life of service as they are laid to rest. Casket Bearers Platoon. Strength and Honor. These are two of the many qualities that make up the United States Navy Casket Bearers Platoon. They laid to rest our fallen shipmates in Arlington National Cemetery, as well as presenting our nation's flag to the sailors' family and loved ones. Furthermore, the Casket Bearers conduct retirement ceremonies where the two-man flag fold is conducted with respect for the time and dedication of duty our shipmate has exemplified throughout their years of service. Finally, our Casket Bearers conduct wreath lane ceremonies at many of our capitals' memorials. They assist high-ranking officials in foreign dignitaries as they pay their respects to the United States and fallen sailors by placing a wreath as a symbol of reverence. Color Guard Platoon. The Color Guard represents the Navy by carrying the national ensign and Navy colors. They are an unmistakable sign of prestige for our Navy. The Color Guard represents our country and Navy by presenting national colors and joint service ceremonies as well as different forms of naval ceremonies to include funerals, sporting events, parades, presidential inaugurations, retirements, ship commissioning, and arrival ceremonies for foreign and domestic high-ranking personnel as well as countless other forms of ceremonies. Drill Team is the Navy's one and only elite armed exhibitionery platoon that specializes in dynamic rifle manuals with the 1903 A1 Springfield Rifle. The Drill Team's motto is Blood, Sweat, and Bones of Steel. This motto represents their values and their dedication to their work. Countless hours of intense practice and rigorous training refine their skills and make them the disciplined sailors they are, representing our Navy's ceremonial guard's unrelenting pursuit of motivation, dedication, attention to detail. In closing, each platoon specializes in its own unique craft and each has perfected their own drill and ability. But there are all essential pieces of the whole that makes the ceremonial guard what it is. An elite command of sailors always ready to answer the call to action to honor our shipmates, present and past, and serve our Navy and our country. We hope you take up the challenge.