A new report revealed the estimated number of U.S. service members slated to march in President Trump’s military parade later this year.
A Department of Defense official with knowledge of the parade’s planning documents told ABC News that approximately 5,000 to 7,000 service members will march in the parade.
In addition to the service members, the parade will also include “100 vehicles, 50 aircraft and 100 horses,” according to the official. The Nov. 10 parade will launch from the U.S. Capitol and conclude at the White House.
The cost of the parade could be up to $30 million, the House budget committee said. However, a U.S. defense official said the estimated cost stands at $12 million.
DATE SET. President Trump’s military parade is officially happening | @JenGriffinFNC pic.twitter.com/jS8QxrMrGG
— Fox & Friends First (@FoxFriendsFirst) July 30, 2018
Fifty Defense Department officials are said to be involved in the parade planning process. Approximately 3,000 civilian and military employees are expected to be involved in the parade’s support efforts, with many comprising security personnel.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford said that tanks would not be included in the parade due to potential “damage to local infrastructure.” Dunford also confirmed “a heavy air component at the end of the parade, to include older aircraft as available.”
The aircraft featured in the parade will reportedly include a combination of vintage and modern aircraft.
A U.S. Northern Command spokesman said: “It is anticipated that several thousand Armed Forces personnel will participate in the parade, as well as provide ceremonial support including musical units, marching bands and color guards, to render appropriate ceremonial honors to our Nation’s military members, Veterans and their Families.”
“The parade will honor the contributions of veterans, the current force and the future force. More details and specifics about the Veterans Day Military Parade will be announced at a later date,” the spokesman added.
The parade’s date of Nov. 10 is significant as it falls one day ahead of Veteran’s Day, as well as the 100th anniversary of the ending of World War I.
Pentagon spokesman Col. Rob Manning said: “The intent for the parade is to be in conjunction with that celebration, so that will be the theme, the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I on November 11.”
In February, President Trump said of the parade: “The generals would love to do it, I tell you, and so would I. I think it’s great for the country, being a cheerleader, and the spirit. It’s very important.”
“We have a great country and we should be celebrating it,” the president added.
