Army Plans 6,600-Soldier Parade for Potential Trump Birthday Celebration

Comprehensive military strategies for a possible operation A military procession held on President Donald Trump’s birth anniversary In June, the request included over 6,600 troops, no fewer than 150 vehicles, 50 helicopters, seven units of musicians, and potentially a few thousand civilian personnel, as reported by The Associated Press.

The planning documents, acquired by the Associated Press, are dated April 29 and 30 and have yet to be made public.

These plans outline the Army’s latest strategy for their upcoming 250th anniversary celebration at the National Mall, along with an additional component—a substantial military procession that President Trump has desired for a considerable time but which remains under consideration.

The Army's anniversary coincidentally falls on Trump’s 79th birthday on June 14.

Although the slides don’t provide any pricing details, organizing a procession of that magnitude would probably require an investment of dozens of million dollars.

Expenses would encompass the transportation of military vehicles, equipment, aircraft, and personnel from various parts of the nation to Washington, along with the requirement to provide food and lodging for numerous servicemen and women.

Expensive expenses stopped Trump from initiating a parade during his first term, and the inclusion of tanks and other substantial military equipment in the Army’s recent proposals has sparked worries among city officials regarding potential street damages.

When asked about the possibility of a parade, Army spokesperson Steve Warren stated on Thursday that no definitive choices have been finalized yet.

Colonel Dave Butler, an additional spokesperson for the Army, also mentioned that the Army is enthusiastic about the upcoming plans for its anniversary celebration.

We aim to turn this into a celebration that the whole country can join us in enjoying," stated Butler. "Our objective is for Americans to recognize their Army and its soldiers. A parade could very well be included as part of these festivities, which we believe would be a fantastic enhancement to our current plans.

Those acquainted with the documents, who chose to remain anonymous due to the fact that the plans haven't been finalized yet, mentioned these reflect what the Army intends should the White House approve the event. As for the White House, they didn’t provide an immediate statement regarding this matter when approached for comments.

No official approval has been granted so far. Recent weeks have seen modifications to the plans, with further changes expected in the future.

In a Truth Social post Thursday night that did not mention the June 14 plans, Trump wrote, “We are going to start celebrating our victories again!”

He pledged to redesignate May 8, currently celebrated as Victory in Europe Day, as "Victory Day for World War II," and to alter November 11, which is observed as Veterans Day, to become "Victory Day for World War I."

What elements could be included in a possible Army parade?

A significant portion of the machinery would need to be transported by railway or airlifted in.

Certain gear and personnel were set to feature in the Army’s anniversary festivities, an event that has been planned for over twelve months.

The festival planned to feature various events and exhibits at the National Mall, featuring a fitness contest, a rock-climbing wall, armored vehicles, Humvees, helicopters, and additional gear.

A parade, nonetheless, would escalate the number of participants including both equipment and troops. As outlined in the plans, up to 6,300 service personnel would take part in the march itself, whereas the rest would handle various duties and provide assistance.

The Army’s initial festival plans did not encompass a parade, however, officials verified last month that the Army had started discussions about adding one.

According to the plans, the parade aims to highlight the Army’s dedication over 250 years and anticipates involving troops from at least 11 different corps and divisions across the country.

These might consist of a Stryker battalion featuring two companies of Stryker vehicles, a tank battalion along with two additional companies of tanks, an infantry battalion equipped with Bradleys, Paladin artillery units, howitzers, and further infantry carriers.

The event will feature seven Army bands as well as a spectacular parachute jump by the Golden Knights. According to the documents, civilians taking part will comprise historical vehicles and aircraft, alongside two additional bands. Additionally, representatives from veteran associations, military academies, and reenactment societies are expected to participate.

As per the plan, the parade will be designated as a national special security event, with this request having been made by the National Park Service and currently awaiting approval.

It is anticipated that the evening parade will be succeeded by a concert and a firework display.

A document expresses worries over certain restrictions, such as accommodations for soldiers and "substantial reservations concerning security needs" as supplies move into town. The main uncertainty at this point is still which military divisions will take part.

Trump has long wanted a big military parade

During his initial term, Trump proposed having a parade After witnessing one during Bastille Day celebrations in Paris in 2017, Trump stated that following the impressive two-hour parade along the renowned Champs-Elysees, he desired an equally magnificent event on Pennsylvania Avenue.

The proposal was eventually discarded because of substantial expenses, estimated at around $92 million, along with various operational challenges.

Some concerns came from city officials who objected to incorporating tanks and other heavy armored vehicles, stating they would damage the streets.

Trump said in a social media post in 2018 that he was canceling the event Over the expenses and accused local politicians of exploiting prices.

This year, as the Army moved forward with plans for its birthday celebration in Washington, discussions about hosting a parade started afresh.

In April, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser revealed that the administration contacted the city regarding organizing a parade scheduled for June 14. This event was planned to extend from Arlington, Virginia—home to the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery—crossing over the Potomac River into Washington.

At the time, Bowser stated she wasn't sure if the event was being described as a military parade, but she also mentioned that having tanks traverse the city’s streets "wouldn't be beneficial."

"If military tanks were deployed, they would need to be supported with substantial funds, likely in the millions, for road repairs," she stated.

In 2018, the Pentagon seemed to concur. According to a memorandum from the defense secretary’s team, the proposed parade at that point was slated to feature exclusively motorized vehicles with no tanks included so as to reduce potential harm to nearby infrastructure.