Posted on May 10, 2017
Rider Pitts
5.36K
34
22
3
3
0
Considering most, if not every branch, has a band. As in bands that involves instruments from Piccolos to Tubas. This is an opinionated question. Do you believe that bands are necessary? And what is your opinion of the people who are in them?
Avatar feed
Responses: 16
1SG Civil Affairs Specialist
1
1
0
Bands, along with the ceremonies and events they support are part of our traditions as a military service. They have their place.
The men and women in these bands are often quite talented and I know that they put in serious work to maintain and refine their craft, like any of us do.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SPC John Parmenter
0
0
0
A really good book was published a year ago regarding history of the 298th U.S. Army Band. Interestingly, that unit supported the Post-WW II Potsdam Conference & served in occupied West Berlin longer than any other -- 1945-1994.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SGT Dave Tracy
0
0
0
They have their place I suppose. Their historical origins; the "atmosphere" they provide; the relatively low cost PR factor of a military band playing at major functions.

And if the shooting starts, they can still put down the tuba and pick up a rifle...or add a soundtrack to the battle! ;-)
(0)
Comment
(0)
MCPO Roger Collins
MCPO Roger Collins
>1 y
15450b56
Sure, why not? Like these guys.
(0)
Reply
(0)
SGT Dave Tracy
SGT Dave Tracy
>1 y
For their time, sure, but today perhaps we need to draft Metallica or 5 Finger Death Punch to give fighting troops the motivational music they need in the heat of battle.

I suspect if the fife & drum showed up on the battlefield, both sides would pause the fight long enough to scratch their heads and wonder just what the hell was going on!
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
MCPO Roger Collins
0
0
0
How do they help with our lethality? Expensive and unnecessary in my opinion. There are other options available for pomp and circumstances. Bah Humbug! Now to all AD military on staff playing jock.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SPC Erich Guenther
0
0
0
Edited >1 y ago
I don't know if we need multiple Military Bands per service or One for each Army Post for that matter but I think a Military Band playing marches is always a morale booster and in some cases a sense of pride.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SSG Medically Retired
0
0
0
They have their place. The thing I have a problem with is the stories you hear like the one from a year or two ago concerning the brand new airman that went from E-1 to E-6 in less time than it takes me to go to the bathroom.
(0)
Comment
(0)
SN Greg Wright
SN Greg Wright
>1 y
It's no different than Doctors coming in as O-6's. When you have skills no one else does, they've gotta entice you somehow.
(3)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close