 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Alphie
Date: 2003-03-24 19:55
Just curious. Do they bring military bands with the troups to the Gulf and what do they do besides playing occationally? Do they have other duties than music?
Alphie
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Author: larryb
Date: 2003-03-24 20:33
apparently, they do everything except play music. see the thread started down below...
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Author: ken
Date: 2003-03-24 21:37
Here's the abridged version. If you're referring to U.S. active duty service bands and strictly related to wartime then like everything else in the U.S. Government it's an overly complicated question with more than one right answer. Bands in each branch of service have specific missions unique to their own service. Music is of course; the core but some direct their efforts and budgets to a wide variety of areas; some internal support such as troop morale functions; military parades/formations, reveille/retreat and dignitary ceremonies and retirements. Others place more emphasis on grassroots/public outreach; community concerts, clinics, recruiting, recordings and touring. The "premiere bands" in the U.S. Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force (Coast Guard has only one band) are NOT deployable, (also permanent, non-transfer career positions) unless issued special orders and/or create their own missions at the unit level. This also includes each service’s "Academy Bands" (also categorized as premiere bands), West Point, Annapolis and USAF. Each service has a contingent of "Field/Fleet Bands" ranging from 12 bands per service up to around 40 (i.e. Navy=8, Air Force=12). ALL Field/Fleet Bands are deployable. Their main job or "primary duties" are of course, as performing musicians but they also shoulder "secondary" duties that is combat or support connected in the event of a U.S. armed conflict. When the President/Congress says GO these services will swap their horns for a rifle and switch roles. However, Air Force Field Bands are unique as they are deployable but DO NOT have secondary duties as fighting soldiers. If they are ordered or rotated overseas in an established combat zone their role is limited to playing only, i.e. parades, ceremonies, funerals (taps) and officer/enlisted social functions (Bob Hope stuff). That's the gist of it. v/r Ken
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