I'm only 16 right now, so this is obviously a long ways off, but I've been thinking about possibly joining a military band when I'm older. My parents bring up that I still have to go through basic training and might still be deployed overseas, though if it came down to it I might be able to do those, I was wondering about some of the other things I should know about the military bands. As for which ones, it would probably either be the Air Force or Army band, possibly the Navy though, but I don't think I'd be too interested in the Marines.

As for why I'd want to join in one of the bands, there's several reasons for that. First off, I'm really not a fighting type, I mean really. Squeamish, easily scared, and I'd be more likely to break down into a panic attack than take a life in my first encounter, not to mention I'm not exactly in peak physical condition. I'm also a bit of a humanitarian-for lack of a better word-and would probably get PTS if I was even a UAV operator in the Air Force knowing I was responsible for the deaths of others. In general, I'm not the type of guy who you'd want to even fire a gun, much less kill someone with it.

I've got several other reasons I'm considering it, but those are more personal reasons and mostly unimportant. So anyways, is there anything I should know about being in a military band? Strictness, basic training, etc.?

Also, I know that Army Band members are started out as specialists by default, but What about Air Force and Navy band members?

*Deep Breath*

I can answer some questions about the Army band, but I must clear something up first. If you are in the band you will deploy. The military is at war and being deployed is a 100% guarantee. You will deploy into a combat zone where there are people trying to kill you. Even though you will play for military ceremonies and concerts, you will also pull security. You will also travel in military vehicles. There is always a chance one will see combat and you must be prepared to fight. Just because your military job does not mean fighting does not mean you will not see combat. See Jessica Lynch for that example.

Now for the Army band. I know that before you join the Army band, you will audition. If you fail that audition, there is no risk to you. As the Navy goes, you must first join the Navy then tryout for the band. If you fail you will be given the job of "Needs of the Navy."

When you are not deployed, you will do lots of dog and pony show stuff like military ceremonies, concerts, private events for the higher ups, funerals ect ect ect. When you are deployed, you will do those things as well as security details like tower an gate guard.

Do you play the triangle?

I play the Alto Saxophone, Wallabies.

Thanks a ton Duty Honor Country, I guess this is a bigger thing than I thought. Who knows, I might give it a shot, two years is far enough off for a change in plans after all, and I could handle defensive stuff.

I'm still a tad curious about the Air Force band if anyone knows anything about that, I've considered the Air Force anyways, so that would be interesting.

The Marine Corps bandsman operate under the same principal as the Navy Band, enlist first. Their duties in combat include area security and stretcher bearer for the Corpsman. The Cardinal band at 8th and I operates differently.

As the Lieutenant said bandsman in all branches have combat duties.

I am currently serving in the Marine Band at Quantico. I have been in for 6 years and hate seeing people be misinformed. To be in the Marine band, you first audition, if you don't make it, then you don't have to enlist or you can change jobs or have another audition later. There are 12 field bands each with it's own mission. Five of the twelve have deployed and will probably deploy in the future. As far as being in "top physical condition," I'm sure each branch will bring you up to their standards, I know the Marine do for sure. Once accepted, you go through boot camp, combat training, then the School of Music, all and all it takes about a year before your first band.

No matter where you decide to go, don't enlist for just playing, because you will be tasked to do other things besides play. I have seen many good musicians do poorly because they were jaded because they couldn't just play.

Originally Posted by Lancer873

I'm only 16 right now, so this is obviously a long ways off, but I've been thinking about possibly joining a military band when I'm older. My parents bring up that I still have to go through basic training and might still be deployed overseas, though if it came down to it I might be able to do those, I was wondering about some of the other things I should know about the military bands. As for which ones, it would probably either be the Air Force or Army band, possibly the Navy though, but I don't think I'd be too interested in the Marines.

As for why I'd want to join in one of the bands, there's several reasons for that. First off, I'm really not a fighting type, I mean really. Squeamish, easily scared, and I'd be more likely to break down into a panic attack than take a life in my first encounter, not to mention I'm not exactly in peak physical condition. I'm also a bit of a humanitarian-for lack of a better word-and would probably get PTS if I was even a UAV operator in the Air Force knowing I was responsible for the deaths of others. In general, I'm not the type of guy who you'd want to even fire a gun, much less kill someone with it.

I've got several other reasons I'm considering it, but those are more personal reasons and mostly unimportant. So anyways, is there anything I should know about being in a military band? Strictness, basic training, etc.?

Also, I know that Army Band members are started out as specialists by default, but What about Air Force and Navy band members?

Based on all that I have just one question for you.
WHY do you want to join the military at all?

As you are looking into this field you should be atleast a semiproficient player?
Why not just join a civilian band and all these problems will be non problems?


If you are really hell bent on "doing your part" I guess you could ask to play at soldiers memorial services.
This you could do without doing something you by your own account above don´t want to do.. And by that I mean join the military.

//KJ.

Alternatively, become really good at playing and then join the President's Own...that will avoid that small matter of "boot camp" and "combat"...

Originally Posted by c/Commander

Alternatively, become really good at playing and then join the President's Own...that will avoid that small matter of "boot camp" and "combat"...

I hate those guys even worse than Divison Band Guys.

I hate those guys even worse than Divison Band Guys

Just curious why you hate Division Band Guys?