Requesting Ceremonial Support
How to Request Armed Forces Ceremonial & Musical Support for an Event
Military bands, color guards/joint color guards, drill teams may take part in public events sponsored by non-federal organizations. Requests for static displays and military equipment will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Most ceremonial support is patriotic in nature and may include a color guard and/or a band. Typically this type of support would consist of 15 to 20 minutes of patriotic music prior to the start of the event and is designed to establish a patriotic mood or tone that initiates the formal portion of a civic, military, or governmental event.
Participation in public programs will only be allowed when the support is in the best interests of the Department of Defense, the Military Services, and does not interfere with mission or training programs. This means that if an event is approved and a military operation arises, the support previously approved may be cancelled in order to support that operation.
For the National Capital Region, the U.S. Army Military District of Washington (MDW) facilitates requests for the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard elements. MDW Approval and tasking authority is exercised according to governing regulations and practices.
Complete a request for Armed Forces Participation in Public Events - DD_2536 - Ceremonial Support (Non-Aviation)
Submit the DD_2536 to the Public Affairs E-mail
Requests Inside the
National Capital Region
How to submit a request:
Complete a request for Armed Forces Participation in Public Events - DD_2536 - Ceremonial Support (Non-Aviation)
Submit the DD_2536 to the Special Events E-mail
Requests outside the
National Capital Region
& from Federal Agencies
How to submit a request:
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- Veterans of Foreign Wars convocation
- Major sporting events accessible to public through television broadcast
- Musical clinics or workshops
- Congressional Youth Leadership Council's National Young Leaders Conference
- Civic/business associations/organizations annual conferences/conventions
- United Maryland Realtors Association annual meeting
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- Fundraising events
- Events that benefit a particular business or company
- Events for a narrow segment of the populace, e.g. a family reunion
- Individual retirement, promotion, farewell or induction ceremonies
- Support for or during a religious service (although on-post chaplaincy mission is supported)
- Events that are not open and free to the public
- Events that would be detrimental to the interests or values of the armed forces
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- Submit requests as early as possible.
- A minimum of 60 days in advance.
- Requests received within the 60-day minimum time period are not likely to be supported due to the availability of ceremonial support units.
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- If the event is within the National Capital Region, there is no cost associated with support to a public event.
- Armed Forces participation in public events may only be provided at no additional cost to the government.
- A sponsor must pay, when necessary, for non-local transportation, lodging or meals, in order to bring a performing military unit to locations outside the National Capital Region
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- Requests inside the National Capital Region - Submit DD Form 2536 Here
- Requests outside the National Capital Region & Federal Agencies - Submit DD Form 2536 Here
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How can I get additional assistance or reach out to the MDW Communication Office or Ceremonial and Outreach Directorate teams?
- Organizations in the NCR: usarmy.mcnair.mdw.mbx.jfhq-ncr-pao-web-events-omb@mail.mil
- Organizations outside the NCR and Federal organizations: usarmy.mcnair.mdw.mbx.jfhqncr-special-events-request@mail.mil
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- If you are located outside the National Capital Region, please consider the following:
- Coordinate with recruiting brigades located near you for ceremonial events.
- Consider assets available by the National Guard in your area. A reserve unit may be able to support:
event support request forms
| Title | Type | Size | |
| docx Conmy Hall Request Form | docx | 48 KB | Download |
| pdf DD2535 - Aviation Support | 176 KB | Download | |
| pdf DD2536 - Ceremonial Support (Non-Aviation) | 89 KB | Download |