NAVY BAND XO DISMISSED....Band? Really?

PO1 Ken Johnson — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 12:51:58 -0500

Read the story of a LCDR who was the Executive Officer of the Navy Band being dismissed for Personal situations...

Got me to thinking. Wearing the uniform, ribbons and medals, rank, etc just like those of us who deployed on a regular basis, worked 29 hours a day 9 days a week at sea... Band? Really?

And we are looking for Force Reduction cuts? HELLO!!!!! I FOUND A FEW FOR YOU!!!!

Nothing personal against those musicians, but given the choice of a band or few FN, SN, AN, or even HN's I know where my vote goes...

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2014 5:09 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 17:09:07 -0500

That's likely the end of his career, PO1 Ken Johnson. I agree with you about the specialties, but every service member contributes in his or her own way. Band members do their bit as well. I happen to know someone in the Navy band. It's a pretty sweet assignment. The guy I know has spent something like 20 years in the same location. You can't beat that (for him, anyhow).

Here's a link to the story you mentioned, by the way: http://www.stripes.com/news/navy/navy-band-s-executive-officer-relieved-of-duty-1.318291

Navy Band's executive officer relieved of duty

Lt. Cmdr. Bruce McDonald had been the U.S. Navy Band's executive officer since July.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Dec 10 at 2014 6:45 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 18:45:08 -0500

Like CW5 Private RallyPoint Member I agree, dude did wrong, got caught and is being punished regardless of rank and billet.

I wouldn't be so quick though to dismiss any MOS. Everyone has their place and military bands are a huge part of our proud tradition. These folks represent our services and probably have as much spit and polish as the Old Guard and as much practice and proficiency with their "weapons of choice" as a Ranger Battalion. When push comes to shove, bands put down their instruments and pick up rifles, just like the rest of us non-combat arms folks.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 10 at 2014 7:02 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 19:02:42 -0500

Auauthorized bugle playing?

Response by SPC David S. made Dec 10 at 2014 7:55 PM

SPC David S. — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 19:55:09 -0500

Any body that goes through basic just to play a flute, while a little nutty, gets my vote. I know money is tight but if you look at history, the drummer boy always got it first as they were the comm in that day some where fairly young. So while not so important today they are a part of the military legacy. The LCDR, however shouldn't be cut any slack.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Dec 10 at 2014 8:05 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 20:05:12 -0500

You think that is bad. We have multiple bands and Tops in Blue. If you are picked up for the Air Force Band it is an automatic promotion to E6 right outta basic.