WASHINGTON –
For many Service members, serving in any capacity during a presidential inauguration is an opportunity that may only come once during their career. For U.S. Army Maj. Clarisse Scott, originally from Elliott, S.C., that opportunity has become a reality.
"This is my first ever inauguration," said Scott, serving as Joint Task Force -- National Capital Region joint team parade officer in charge during the inauguration. "It's a privilege to perform these duties for such a historical event."
Supporting the commander-in-chief on Inauguration Day is something she will never forget and always be able to share with her family and friends, Scott continued.
Scott is one of more than 70 soldiers from the 53rd Transportation Battalion, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., tasked to support the presidential inauguration scheduled for Jan. 21, 2013.
"Our mission is to plan, coordinate and synchronize the inaugural parade in support of the Presidential Inauguration Committee to honor our commander-in-chief," Scott said.
Scott's office ensures everyone participating in the inauguration parade is processed through the various staging and assembly points, before they walk the parade route on Inauguration Day.
Participation by the armed forces traditionally includes musical units, marching bands, color guards, salute batteries and honor cordons. Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, Sailors and Coast Guardsmen also provide invaluable assistance to the Presidential Inaugural Committee and the Joint Congressional Committee on Inauguration Ceremonies.
The Secretary of Defense authorized nearly 200 Service members assigned to JTF-NCR by Inauguration Day to coordinate Department of Defense support in and around the District of Columbia. In addition to JTF-NCR Service members, an expected 5,000 Service members will participate in ceremonial roles, both in the public eye and behind the scenes.
"When my team and I arrived in August, we just jumped in and started planning by going through all the data that was provided from past inaugurations," Scott said. "I've been able to put the training I received overseas to coordinate large scale operations to good use planning this inaugural parade."
"We are expecting close to 10,000 individuals in this year's inaugural parade, 1,500 of whom will be marching military personnel," said Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington, JTF-NCR commanding general.
Though the crowds aren't expected to be the record-breaking numbers of 2009, officials say more than a million people may gather along the parade route from the White House to the Capitol building.
"It's going to be amazing seeing the parade all come together on inauguration day," said Scott. "It's going to make all the hard work my team put in worth it."