Marine Corps Base, Hawaii. (September 12, 2024): At most military ceremonies, the troops form up in four ranks and conduct a “pass in review” in front of their commanders. But what is the historical significance of the time-honored tradition? In this photo Lance Corporal Hailey J. Riddle-Chan, Colonel Mark F. Schaefer, a commanding officer with Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, passes in review during a Change of Command ceremony.

The custom dates to the arrival of Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin von Steuben (That was his actual name) who we know as Baron Von Stueben. He was a Prussian General hired by Congress to help General Washington at Valley Forge. The winter of 1778-1779 at Valley Forge was extreme, even by Pennsylvania standards. After two years of fighting, and retreating, America’s Army was disintegrating. Von Steuben was charged with restoring order and discipline among the ranks and building a force capable of defeating the British in the spring. He formed a model company of soldiers and trained them to march, fire a rifle, use a bayonet, and execute orders quickly on the battlefield. His constant focus on military drill is credited with rejuvenating the Continental Army and he played a major role in the Army’s eventual victory.

The purpose of the Pass in Review drill is to allow an incoming commander an opportunity to inspect their troops to see how ready they are for combat. As they say, first impressions mean everything and the troops take extra pains to ensure their uniforms and equipment are sparkling and ready for inspection.

At the parade site, troops assemble into columns of four led by their squad leaders and platoon commander. The formation then parades at half-step past a reviewing stand loaded with dignitaries including their new commander. Upon reaching the viewing stand, the commander executes a salute while ordering “Eyes Right.”  Upon receiving that order, the troops in the first column remain stoically facing forward while troops in the interior ranks turn their heads and eyes toward their reviewers. Upon the command, “Eyes Front,” the troops snap back to facing front and continue the march to their assemble areas.

In essence, Pass in Review is an expression of pride and mutual respect between the troops and their new leader.