Do military band reservists drill with their band before basic training?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 12:29:25 -0400

I was recently passed to enlist as a musician in the army. I am enlisting Friday, and I was wondering if I drill with my unit before basic (I have been promised that as my first station) and if so, what do i wear to drill as I don't have a uniform? TIA for your answers!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2018 1:36 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 13:36:23 -0400

Some units allow trainees to attend drill before their ship date. Back in 92 I signed up in Jan but did not ship until August and I attended every drill got issued by supply one uniform and was paid for each drill. I have seen other units in our building also have new recruits at drill in civilian attire as well.

Response by SPC David Willis made Mar 28 at 2018 1:42 PM

SPC David Willis — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 13:42:01 -0400

I don't have an answer for your question, but a question of my own. Do you try out for the band in the army or something and whats that like? I feel like its the only job you need to be proficient in before you go in or they wouldnt take you.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2018 2:14 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 14:14:43 -0400

Yes, you should be able to drill with your unit.

After you enlist, your recruiter and your unit’s UA should get in touch and they will establish your expectations with you and your Band.

Bring your instruments.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2018 11:59 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 23:59:36 -0400

42R (9B and 9X) former Active duty and currently in the Guard here ... Supply will likely issue you something to wear, but I would show up dressed conservatively. When I came to my guard unit, I wore nice jeans and a button down shirt. I brought my instruments and practiced during the downtime. Good luck to you and congratulations on your first successful audition.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2018 5:31 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 17:31:37 -0400

I am in the Guard and I enlisted in July and went to Basic in December 2014. I had to go to a few RSP drills and then I also went to one drill with my band. The uniform for RSP was gym shorts and a T-shirt so that’s what I wore to my band drill too. I probably should have dressed up more but it didn’t really matter since I had already auditioned with them.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Sep 11 at 2018 11:10 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Tue, 11 Sep 2018 23:10:04 -0400

Military Band members never receive sufficient thank you!

Thank you for your music!

There is no free ride and your skillful contributions make it a tad easier!! SPC Private RallyPoint Member

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2018 12:48 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Sep 2018 00:48:29 -0400

Since you are a Pre-Basic Soldier in the USAR, you are actually not required to attend weekend Battle Assembly (unless this has changed). However, if you do show up, you can get the ball rolling on all kinds of paperwork that will need to be done. Also, you will get paid. As for what to wear, just wear something appropriate like jeans and a plain colored shirt. The unit can start the process to get you uniforms.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2018 8:17 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Sep 2018 08:17:50 -0400

Most reserve units will let new recruits drill with them for a while before they ship to basic, usually they wear civilian attire, back in my day when the supply SGT could keep uniforms on hand he issued me one set of BDU's to wear since I started drilling in Jan but did not ship to basic until August. It depends on the unit commander and what he will allow.