I'm going to cut against the grain somewhat and say that parades, changes of command, and the occasional retirement, do build esprit de corps.

I have stood in my far share of retirement formations when I was a troop, for a retiree who I had never even seen before the first practice. Those can definitely go away, but for those old hands who are retiring out of a unit, I believe it is certainly appropriate to render him a proper send off.

Very few Marines actually request a formal ceremony, with commander of troops, representative platoons, and a pass in review. For those that do, they typically have a good farewell speech, and that can be motivating enough, yet hard to quantify the exact effect. I would argue that the words of encouragement, thanks, and recognition (to the young men enduring the speech) serve to further solidify that bond we share. Should we emphasis close order drill training on a regular basis given the "long war"? I don't think so, but I can attest to the fact that Marines who seem to be challenged at drill aslo seem to be challenged when it comes to weapons-handling and other rote tasks. Perhaps those men could use it...

It's almost hard to put the feelings into words, but a ceremony done right, and well-rehearsed, can really good evolutions despite the hours spent practising.

I can remember clear as day the night that members of my platoon and I escorted the US Ambassador and Gen Shalishkavili from the USLO compound to the Paki compound a mile or so away in Mogadishu. The Pakistanis had it all laid out and spared no dog or pony that day. They must have had components of a drum and bugle corps, with an attachment of bagpipers, and they put on an impressive show for close to an hour before the VIPs engaged in a dinner meeting.

Even then, I can remember watching the lower ranks loitering on the fringe of the ceremony. I could sense a level of pride swelling up in them, to the point that even sentries manning bunker posts were no longer maintaining observation, but mesmerized by the music and pageantry. When the music ended with what seemed to be the national anthem of sorts, the Pakistanis were at rigid attention. Long after the final note, it seemed as if their spirits were lifted, and the back-slapping continued until we left. Hell, my spirits were lifted, so let's not put away the ceremonies yet...