When stationed overseas, United States Marines will live, work and collaborate with the armed forces from the country in which they reside. The joint effort is often critically important in shaping countries’ relations or conducting successful missions. And sometimes, the troops might find themselves engaged in a little friendly competition, too.
A video from the Marines’ official YouTube channel shows an impressive drum line battle between the U.S. and the South Korean Army, and both sides certainly showed some skill.
The III Marine Expeditionary Force Band (III MEF Band) faced the Republic of Korea Army Band in a friendly drum-off during downtime in between travels. (Marines/YouTube)
The III Marine Expeditionary Force Band (III MEF Band) faced the Republic of Korea Army Band in the friendly drum-off. The video, captured by Sgt. Benito Hijar, can be seen in its entirety here:
Each side had the opportunity to show off their abilities, with South Korea stepping up first. The five-man team put on quite the show and offered 30 seconds of solid rhythm.
Not to be outdone, the Marines quickly responded with an impressive line of their own.
The III Marine Expeditionary Force Band (III MEF Band) faced the Republic of Korea Army Band in a friendly drum-off during downtime in between travels. (Marines/YouTube)
The III MEF Band even wound up right in the faces of their South Korean counterparts in a creative display of synchronization. The Marines marched up to the Korean line in unison as they kicked off their response.
The Marines came in at a slight advantage with six musicians at play, and the talented group quickly asserted their musical dominance.
The III Marine Expeditionary Force Band (III MEF Band) faced the Republic of Korea Army Band in a friendly drum-off during downtime in between travels. (Marines/YouTube)
The amiable contest quickly turned into a dance party, as well, with the South Koreans jumping along to the Marines’ beats. After the U.S. side completed their more than one minute-long performance, it was then time to declare a winner.
Each side cheered and hollered in order to vote for the champion, with Marines clapping for South Korea and vice versa in a display of solidarity. The official result: a tie.
The entire III MEF Band is an extension of the III MEF, which is primarily stationed at Camp Courtney in Okinawa, Japan. The band often performs in events with Japan and South Korea and is the solo musical representation of the Marines in the eastern hemisphere. They were also awarded the 2018 Marine Corps Band of the Year honors.
