Lieutenant Col. Robert Rice, commanding officer, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, passes the noncommissioned officer sword to Sgt. Maj. Carlos Ruiz, incoming sergeant major, 3rd Bn., 5th Marines, during a relief and appointment ceremony here, Sept. 20, 2013. Relief and appointment ceremonies are one of the many traditions upheld in the Marine Corps today, which involves the passing of the noncommissioned officer sword from the outgoing sergeant major to the oncoming. The passing of the sword signifies the transfer of responsibilities and accountability from one senior enlisted Marine to another.
130920-M-GO800-397.JPG Photo By: Cpl. James Gulliver

Sep 24, 2013
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON CA United States - Lieutenant Col. Robert Rice, commanding officer, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, passes the noncommissioned officer sword to Sgt. Maj. Carlos Ruiz, incoming sergeant major, 3rd Bn., 5th Marines, during a relief and appointment ceremony here, Sept. 20, 2013. Relief and appointment ceremonies are one of the many traditions upheld in the Marine Corps today, which involves the passing of the noncommissioned officer sword from the outgoing sergeant major to the oncoming. The passing of the sword signifies the transfer of responsibilities and accountability from one senior enlisted Marine to another.


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1st Marine Division