It’s never wise to challenge the United States Marines. The Republic of Korea (ROK) Army Band learned this during a friendly drum competition. By the end of the performance, the Koreans were cheering our Marines’ stellar performance.

The III Marine Expeditionary Force Band faced off against the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army Band while waiting in a parking lot for a parade to start. Staff Sgt. James Holt, the band’s drum major, flipped a coin to determine which band would go first. The Koreans won that toss, but that’s all they won!

The Koreans went first and they did a terrific job with a sharp and defined performance, but then our Marines blew everyone away.

There was some friendly banter when our Japan-based Marines took a moment to decide what routine they would do. But, when they were ready, it became clear they were in it to win it! While playing their instruments, they immediately approached the Koreans until they were face to face.

Then our Marines started playing on the Korean band’s drums and their own! It is rather remarkable to see. The Korean band members were so impressed they began cheering and even dancing during the performance!

After the performance ended, Staff Sgt. Holt asked the crowd which band won the battle. It was overwhelmingly in favor of the United States Marines. Even the Koreans cheered for our guys, but Holt declared “It’s a tie!” as laughter is heard.

The video below will blow you away!

This impressive performance by III Marine Expeditionary Force Band quickly went viral with 2 million views within the first two weeks of it being posted to YouTube in 2014. Now, the views are almost at 7 million! Everyone seems to love our Marine band.

If you like our military bands, click here to watch the Army’s Six String Soldiers!

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