1775, The Journal of the Adjutant General‘s Corps Regimental Association, (ISSN Fall-Winter 1551-8205) is published by the Adjutant General‘s Corps 1775 2009 Regimental Association, a non-profit organization, The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association headquartered at Fort Dedicated to “Army Bands” Jackson, South Carolina, and CONTENTS is devoted to the advancement and professionalism of the The Adjutant General‘s Corps Regimental Association Officers 2 Adjutant General‘s Corps SECTION I: REGIMENTAL LEADERSHIP Regiment members. Articles Notes from the Chief of the Corps 3 appearing in the journal do Notes from the Chief Warrant Officer of the Corps 4 not necessarily reflect the Notes from the Regimental CSM 6 opinion of the officers and members of the Regimental SECTION II: AG AND HR PROFESSIONAL READING Association, nor the Army‘s AG Officer Branch Update 7 HR leadership. Articles AG Warrant Officer Branch Update 9 submitted by members or Bandmaster Warrant Officer Update 10 civilian employees of the U.S. military services are Enlisted Lifecycle in the Army Bands Program 12 expressions of personal Army Bands – Strategic Outreach for America‘s Army 14 opinion, unless otherwise HR Doctrine and Army Bands 16 stated, and should not be Army Bands Overview 17 interpreted as reflecting the Army Bands – Recruiting American Soldiers for the Future 19 official opinion of the Department of Defense. The United States Army Field Band (TUSAFB) 21 1775 is scheduled to be TUSAFB – Day One, Concert Tour 24 published three times a year. The Soldiers‘ Chorus in Arkansas 26 Articles for submission are The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps 27 welcomed and should be sent Deployed Army Bands 30 to the address below. The editor and publisher of 1775 33 OIF/OEF Band Lessons Learned also invites the submission of The West Point Band 35 photographs and illustrations Army National Guard Bands 37 to accompany articles. AC and ARNG Bands Salute to Puerto Rican Veterans 38 The editor reserves the AG School Commandant‘s Professional Reading List 39 right to reject any articles and/or to modify articles for SECTION III: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 41 clarity or space limitations. SECTION IV: AGCRA NEWS Requests for authorization to AGCRA Awards Program 43 reprint 1775 articles should be Showcasing Selective AGCRA Awards 44 sent to the address below. Latest AGCRA Award Winners 45 Contact Information: AGCRA Membership Update 46 VP, Publications, AGCRA The Sutler Store 48 PO Box 10026 Fort Jackson, SC 29207

Email: [email protected]

Visit us on the web at: www.agcra.com

1775 Fall-Winter 2009 1 The Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association Officers www.agcra.com Officers President: COL Robert L. Manning Senior VP: COL (Ret) Michael R. Molosso Senior VP: CW5 Scott B. Hagar Senior VP: CSM Darlene C. Hagood VP, Awards: CW5 (Ret) David A. Ratliff VP, Publications: COL (Ret) Robert Ortiz-Abreu, Jr. VP, Membership: SFC (Ret) Kenneth M. Fidler, Jr. VP, Sales and Sutler Store: CSM (Ret) Teresa Meagher Treasurer: CW4 (Ret) Richard Beard Adjutant: COL (Ret) Robert Ortiz-Abreu, Jr. Secretary: CSM (Ret) William W. Austin AGCRA Webmaster: SFC (Ret) Paul C. Hessert VP, Community and Corporate Affairs: Vacant VP, Plans and Programs: Vacant

Honorary Officers Honorary Colonel: MG (Ret) Patricia P. Hickerson Honorary Warrant Officer: CW5 (Ret) Daniel J. Logan Honorary Sergeant Major: CSM (Ret) Michael L. Armstead 1775 Staff and Support: Editor, Layout and Graphics Design: COL (Ret) Robert Ortiz-Abreu, Jr. Assistant Editor & Proofing: Selected AGCRA Officers Printing Services provided by American Printing, Columbia, SC 1775 is prepared with PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat 9 Professional Software

From the Editorial Staff: The mission of U.S. Army Bands is to provide music throughout the spectrum of military operations to instill in our Soldiers the will to fight and win, foster the support of our citizens, and promote our national interests at home and abroad. When we see the professionalism, dedication and pageantry of Army Bands performing, we may lose sight of the behind the scenes hard work, endless hours of practice, and selfless service of Army Bandsmen, and the fact that they are indeed proud members of the Adjutant General‘s Corps. We are therefore proud to dedicate this edition of 1775 to ―Army Bands‖. We hope you enjoy this edition of 1775 and solicit your comments and feedback at [email protected]. Bob Ortiz, VP Pubs & Editor, 1775 Colonel (Ret), US Army [email protected]

2 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association, www.agcra.com SECTION I: REGIMENTAL LEADERSHIP Notes from the Chief of the Corps By COL Robert L. Manning, Commandant, AG School, Chief of the AG Corps, and Chief, Army Bands music in the background. We presently have four bands deployed in Iraq; the 3rd ID ―Rock of the Marne‖ Band, the 1st Armored Division Band, and the I Corps ―America‘s Corps‖ Band from the active component, and the 34th ID ―Red Bull‖ Band - ARNG (Minnesota). In Afghanistan, we have the 82d Airborne ―All-American‖ Band. Since 2001, eleven active and two National Guard bands have deployed in support of OEF and OIF. If you ever observed a retirement ceremony, a Torchlight Tattoo, or a Fourth of July celebration on or near an Army installation, then an Army band was likely performing the patriotic music that inspired those in attendance. Our band Soldiers go where we go. Band operations are embedded within our AG/HR doctrine and the G1/AG is the senior staff advisor on band operations at the ASCC, Corps and Division levels. AG leaders serving in G1/AG shops need to understand the importance of coordinating with the G3 on music support Serving the Nation through Music! requirements and priorities. They must also be able to Soldiers and Civilians of the Corps, coordinate with PAOs on civil affairs, off-post, or community relations requests for band support and Chances are that regardless of your assignment in ensure band operations are included in operational plans the Army you may not be far from a Soldier/Musician. and orders, synchronizing band support with MWR This is because the U.S. Army with its 103 bands from operations. Lastly and probably most importantly, AG all components collectively serves as the largest leaders must be able to work closely with the respective employer of musicians in the world. sustainment commanders who have command and control Bands and Soldier/Musicians have played major of bands to ensure bands are being employed consistent roles in military history since the very beginnings of the with Army HR doctrine. These are but just a few of the country and are a critical part of the AG Corps. It is for many ways AG/HR leaders are involved with band this reason that we are both excited and proud to operations. dedicate this edition of 1775 to Army Bands. I am personally very proud of our Band Soldiers. I The mission of Army Bands is to provide music have visited many in CONUS and OCONUS and it is throughout the spectrum of military operations to instill always encouraging to hear how other Soldiers, Civilians in our forces the will to fight and win, foster the support and senior leaders comment positively with smiles on of our citizens, and promote our interests at home and their faces and a gleam in their eyes about our bands as if abroad through a strategic outreach of Soldier, Family to say, ―thank you for lifting us up when we needed it the and Recruiting support, public diplomacy, community most.‖ relations and education. Band Soldiers take this Our band Soldiers live Army Strong. Although mission seriously and perform it in keeping with the highly trained as musicians, they bring the same intensity highest traditions of military and musical and focus to other tasks. Band Soldiers have provided professionalism. They serve as a major force multiplier security for the all important Aerostat balloons in Theater for U.S. Army recruiting at special events and they are and have pulled convoy escort duties and even engaged ubiquitous at White House and Department of Defense the enemy in direct combat. They have performed functions that require the highest degree of consistently for world leaders and ―got that t-shirt many international diplomacy. But, this is only a small times over.‖ If it means performing the solemn music to sampling of their many contributions. lay one of our fallen comrades to their final rest, yes, this During this period of persistent conflict in support they have done too. of Overseas Contingency Operations, many Soldiers and Enjoy this edition of 1775 dedicated to Army Bands Civilians have faced the challenges of deployments. If and Band Soldiers and the next time you‘re at an event you ever departed on a deployment, served on a where there is an Army band, thank them for being part deployment, and/or returned from a deployment you of the team and making our lives better. probably heard an Army band performing uplifting Defend and Serve! 1775 Fall-Winter 2009 3 Notes from the Chief Warrant Officer of the Corps By CW5 Scott B. Hagar, Chief Warrant Officer of the Adjutant General’s Corps target a time to attend WOAC, WOSC or WOSSC at the earliest opportunity and not wait until you are promoted to your next rank. I encourage you to coordinate with your leaders and attend the required courses. Even though PME is not linked to promotion for active duty warrant officers it is imperative you attend to develop into the leader and technician the Army needs in the current and future fight. The PME backlog is not just an issue for AG warrant officers, but for all branches, so take time to encourage your counterparts in the other branches to attend. I‘m asking all AG warrants to provide CW2 Calderon in the AG School with any lessons learned you believe are relevant and critical to Greetings Adjutant General‘s Corps Warrant improving our techniques, tactics and procedures. Officers! As this edition of 1775 is dedicated to The ground truth reality information you provide Army Bands, I take this opportunity to pay special ensures our training, doctrine and business tribute to our 420C Bandmasters. During the last practices continue to evolve and your lessons few years of persistent conflict, Bandmasters and learned will be shared with the entire Army HR Army Bands have stood and delivered outstanding Community. Currently, the SSI Lessons Learned musical support. Regardless of the venue, Army Division (L2D) is collaborating with the 3d Bands superbly managed competing priorities and Expeditionary Sustainment Command (ESC), 1st delivered one great performance after another to Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB) and Soldiers, Families and communities. I am honored conducted an organizational visit with 14th HRSC to serve with such great AG professionals. in Nov 09. If your unit would like to set up an I have been in the position as Chief Warrant organizational visit, VTC or conference call, please Officer of the Adjutant General‘s Corps for over contact CW2 Paul Calderon at seven months and time has flown by. Throughout [email protected]. my travels I continue to be awestruck during every Accession Board: The September 2009 visit and WOPD at the absolutely astounding accessions board selected another 15 outstanding efforts of our AG warrant officers. I will continue to candidates to become active duty 420As. The pursue my goal of visiting as many Adjutant accessions for 420A remains one of the most General warrants and witness the outstanding competitive branches. There will be 30 applicants contributions you make and then tell your story. selected by three boards during FY 10. Boards will The Warrant Officer Advanced Course convene to select 420As during the months of Critical Task Site Selection Board Survey is January, May, and September 2010 at USAREC, scheduled for March 2010. Your input into this Fort Knox, KY. I applaud your efforts and support process will ensure that the Adjutant General in recommending only the best qualified non- School provides the most relevant program of commissioned officers to become warrant officers. instruction to meet the educational needs of the HR Please continue to make the tough calls and warrant officer. Please continue to submit your provide necessary coaching to our NCOs if they suggestions and provide feedback that is so vital to lack the required HR operational and leadership this initiative. CW3 Elisa Robinson will spearhead time to ensure that they will be able to pursue this effort and is expecting 420As to make their their goal of becoming a warrant officer. voices heard. The Adjutant General‘s Corps Regimental One of my primary concerns as I look at the Association (AGCRA) membership continues to state of the AG Warrant Officer Corps continues to increase our warrant officer population. AGCRA is be Professional Military Education (PME) our professional forum and provides opportunities attendance. Warrant officers must identify and for recognition and professional connection than 4 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association, www.agcra.com most other regimental associations. Please continue to renew or sign up for membership and most importantly, encourage other members of the AG Corps to join. Share the regiment‘s rich history and stories with your subordinates and give them insight into what AGCRA does for Soldiers. It is extremely easy to renew or sign up by visiting the Sutler Store for membership. Go to www.agcra.com to sign up. We need your help to share the AGCRA story and recruit new members. I encourage you to share your experiences and submit articles for publication to the 1775, The Journal of the Adjutant General‘s Corps Regimental Association. AG professionals throughout the Army are doing tremendous things and sharing their stories which benefits the entire AG Corps. Thanks so much for all your efforts in this endeavor. In closing, I would like to express my gratitude for what all of you are doing for the AG Corps and the Army. The dedication, enthusiasm, professionalism, and sacrifice you exhibit daily are inspiring. Leaders at every level realize what a critical role you have in the Army‘s formations. As our structure continues to transform, the warrant officer presence will continue to be critical to mission success. Always bear in mind that all that we do as AG Corps Soldiers is about taking care of Soldiers and Families. To our deployed AG warrant officers; stay low, keep your Soldiers safe and we look forward to seeing you back at your installations. I am very humbled and honored to be your voice and Chief Warrant Officer of the Adjutant General Corps. Defend and Serve!

< The 4th Infantry Division Band performing in Iraq. The Band is currently commanded by CW2 Marvin Cardo at Fort Carson, CO.

The Fort Drum and 10th Mountain Division WO Professional CW3 Daryl Vail, Commander of the 76th Army Development Conference was conducted 28-29 September Band, located at Coleman Barracks in Mannheim, 2009. Pictured left to right: CW2 Kjelshus, CW2 Falton, WO1 Germany, leads the band during a performance. Dabney, CW2 Ashford, CW5 Hagar, CW2 Garcia-Amadis, CW3(R) Hemminger, CW2 Pazmino, and CW2 Haynes 1775 Fall-Winter 2009 5 Notes from the Regimental CSM By CSM Darlene C. Hagood, AG School & Regimental CSM (AGCRA) membership in all components. We conducted a number of conferences to improve communication within the Corps and with the sustainment community. The bottom line is, we are getting it done and it could not happen without you and your dedicated support. I want to give a special thanks to all of our outstanding instructors that we have at the AG School, the NCO Academy, the 369th Adjutant General Battalion and the School of Music. You provide the MOS skills foundation for our leaders in the field to build upon. Greetings AG Corps Family. HR Leaders, I need your help in ensuring Time flies when you‘re having fun. Where our Soldiers and NCOs are getting their proper has the year gone? It is hard to believe that I counseling. When I visit locations I ask the have had the honor of serving as your question, ―when was the last time you were Regimental and School CSM for a year now. counseled?‖ Too many Soldiers say they are During this time I have had the opportunity to only being counseled for deficiencies or not at visit many of you out in the field as I traveled to all. Leaders, this is our business. How does over 20 installations including Germany, PVT Hagood know what she is doing right or Kuwait, and Iraq. You are all doing great need to improve on? How does she know what things and providing superior customer service to do for professional development as a Soldier around the world. or NCO? How does her supervisor get to know This edition of 1775 is dedicated to our Army about her, her family, her issues or concerns if Bands. They add a special touch to every no one ever sits down and talks to her? These ceremony and event they perform at. You are things are accomplished during counseling true professionals of your craft. I want to say sessions. When you say or hear that old thanks to all of our Army Band Soldiers for the phrase ―We don‘t grow Soldiers like we use to‖, outstanding performances you provide to ask yourself what are you feeding the ones in Soldiers and Civilians around the world, from your garden? I thank you in advance for the President of our country, to our newest ensuring Soldiers and NCOs under your care Soldiers. You have a way of making us tap our are counseled according to regulation and as feet, clap our hands and even dance. But I needed. You never know when counseling will thank you most for helping us to take a mental save a life. break from the issues of our duty through the As we look ahead to 2010 you all should sounds of beautiful music. Thank you. stand proudly with your heads up and be We achieved a great number of milestones proud of your service to our Corps, our Army, this year. We transformed NCOES, to support and Our nation. I honor each of you for all you today‘s operational environment. We are do every day to take care of our Soldiers, and merging 42A and 42F to help support the their families. Thank you and God bless you, transformation to multifunctional Human God bless our Soldiers in harm‘s way, and God Resource professionals. We deployed the first Bless the USA. Be safe, be a blessing, and be Army Reserve HRSC, the 310th HRSC from SC grateful in all things. to Kuwait. We have increased our Adjutant General‘s Corps Regimental Association “Defend and Serve” 6 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association, www.agcra.com SECTION II: AG and HR Professional Reading Dedicated to “Army Bands” AG Officer Branch Update By LTC Neal McIntyre, AG Officer Branch Chief Happy New Year fellow Adjutant General‘s Corps and Human Resources professionals! Due to the degree and rate of change within our community, our team of AG Branch Career Managers is committed to use every medium available to push to you information of value in the areas of human resource management and professional development. In addition to telephonic and email conversation, we will use the recently restructured HRC webpage, as well as our professional quarterly publication 1775, to share information about current programs and assignment process information with you. We encourage any feedback that will assist us to better serve and communicate with you; our Army has asked a great deal of you and you continue to deliver. I encourage you to establish early communication with your Career Manager. Our responsibility to you far exceeds simply working your next assignment. Your Career Manager is prepared to discuss and provide an assessment, review your ORB for accuracy, as well as discuss broadening and professional military education opportunities. Armed with that information, the two of you will be better prepared to discuss realistic options, opportunities or constraints. You may not always like the answers we provide, but it should be clear what led to it. Adjutant General Corps Officers compete well for promotion during FY 09 As the Commander‘s SME for personnel services and support, leaders within the AG Corps continue to be selected for promotion at a very competitive level when compared to our peers within the Force Sustainment Division and across the Army. This is without a doubt due in large part to recognition and appreciation of your significant impact and commitment to the mission of supporting Soldiers and families. Our Career Managers are often asked ―what should I do in order to be/remain competitive for promotion.‖ Unlike in times past, you can be certain there is no single career path or assignment sequence that serves as the sole solution to this question. However, you can be equally confident that your Career Manager stands ready to advise and assist in navigating through PME, KD and broadening assignments to this end. I encourage you to maintain open dialogue with your career manager so that your interests and goals are known and therefore appropriately considered. With the intent of reflection and encouragement, provided below are FY 09 AG promotion statistics for selection to Major thru Colonel:

Division Selection AG Promotion Selection Rates for FY 09 Rates

FY09 MAJ Board AZ PZ BZ DBL BZ Zone Select % Zone Select % Zone Select % Zone Select % 14 7 50% 95 90 95% 89 7 8% 92 5 5% FSD 93.9%

FY09 LTC Board AZ PZ BZ Zone Select % Zone Select % Zone Select % 26 7 27% 61 53 87% 63 4 6% FSD 78.1%

FY09 COL Board AZ PZ BZ Zone Select % Zone Select % Zone Select % 35 1 3% 44 26 59% 48 4 8% FSD 64.0%

1775 Fall-Winter 2009 7 Additional notes to consider: HRC BRAC to FT Knox, KY Review DA PAM 600-3 again, not for the purpose of By now most of you are aware of the planned being prescriptive in nature, but rather to familiarize move of HRC to Fort Knox, KY, as directed by the yourself with the full spectrum of Key and Developmental Base Closure and Realignment Commission opportunities an AG officer can take advantage of. (BRAC) in 2005. Although all of the leadership Additionally, this document serves as an excellent mentoring within HRC fully intend for this transition to be tool as you provide counsel to your officers. transparent to the field, we‘d like to share some of Manner of Performance continues to be the ―bottom the more significant muscle moves that will be line.‖ Regardless of assignment and/or duty description, critical during the execution timeline. performing your duties with the utmost degree of Effective 15 Feb 10, the Soldier Support professionalism and technical expertise continues to be the Branch of the Force Sustainment Division, located key to career success. With very few exceptions, officers at HRC-St. Louis, (which manages AGR and Non- selected for promotion to the level of Field Grade Officer AGR, AG and FI officers, Lieutenant thru during this past year have all left justified evaluations, no Lieutenant Colonel) will integrate with the teams referred reports, ―yes‖ checked for all values and attributes, of AG and FI Branch Career Managers located at and manner of performance which produces a ―heart beat‖ HRC-Alexandria (A) in order to form a unified trend in their evaluation sequence. The 2nd and 3rd Soldier Support Branch. This initial stage of Quarter, FY 10 board schedule follows: integration will not require geographic LTC Army/MAJ SELCON, 17 FEB - 12 MAR 10 relocation. However, HRC-St. Louis will align SSC Army, 30 MAR - 16 APR 10 itself under the Soldier Support Branch Chief, ROTC PMS, 1-13 MAY 10 currently located at HRC-A in preparation for Phase I of geographic integration, which will occur The Joint Qualification System (JQS) in Jun 10 at Fort Knox, KY. As stated earlier, our Joint Officer Management is governed by Title X of the ultimate goal throughout will be to maintain the US Code. According to the DoD JQS website, JQS provides a highest level of career management service and multi-level joint qualification opportunity over the course of support throughout this transition. an officer‘s career through traditional joint duty assignments or the accumulation of equivalent joint experiences. The ISAF “Afghan Hands” website provides officers the opportunity to nominate The International Security Assistance Force themselves for past assignments/duties for consideration as (ISAF) ―Afghan Hands‖ manning has begun to take ―joint experience‖ and accumulate points toward achieving shape. I anticipate having opportunities in the the various levels of joint qualification. Listed below are the future to assign officers to this mission. These minimum criteria for points awarded under the current billets will initially be filled through one-year Joint system: Manning Document (JMD) taskings, preceded by 1) Any experience/duty assessed by the Chairmen, 16 weeks of intense language/cultural awareness Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) to have direct relevance to the training. Many of these requirements will be short definition of joint matters. notice, so if you are interest please contact your 2) Retroactive assignment/duty since September 11, Career Manager. 2001. AG Corps Merger To apply for joint experience points, visit the JQS Self On 16 Sept 09, MILPER Message #09-213 Nomination website at : was published stating all currently serving https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/jmis/JQSindex.jsp Adjutant General‘s Corps (42H) officers, who originally Career Field Designated or Functionally Submit one complete nomination for each change in Designated into Functional Area 43 prior to 1 Oct duty title, assignment, or location, to include extended 08, now have the option to wear the Adjutant temporary duty assignments. Each experience will be General‘s Corps branch insignia. Previous policy evaluated separately for potential joint experience points. required FA 43 officers wear their former branch Once an experience nomination has been submitted, it is insignia. reviewed by the HRC Joint Policy Section. If/when validated it will be submitted to the Joint Staff for consideration by the JQS Experience Panel, representing all of the Services. This panel convenes quarterly and will provide its recommendations to the CJCS. If the experience is approved, JQS points will be entered into the officer‘s Joint Officer History to be compiled toward qualification for the next level within the JQS. If disapproved, the officer will be granted one additional opportunity to submit the disapproved experience/duty with a revised joint experience summary and additional supporting documentation. 8 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association, www.agcra.com AG Warrant Officer Branch Update By CW4 George S. Toves, AG Warrant Officer Branch Manager assignment location to both CONUS and OCONUS, while a few more vacancies still exist. Sometime between Fall 2009 and Spring 2010, those assignments will be filled as we work through some analysis before publishing RFOs. Since we are short CW4s, our CW3s will be filling a majority of those positions and assignments. As you enter into the zone for promotion you must start to think about what your goals are and map out your career path to move into the senior positions upon promotion. Your promotion often requires a permanent change of station and you must be willing to move when called upon. The senior Greetings Fellow AG Professionals! Once positions are very rewarding and open up more again, thanks for what you do! We certainly opportunities later in your careers. appreciate your continuous dedication and Sometimes it‘s difficult and challenging to sacrifice, keep up the great work! balance Army requirements with a WO‘s Congratulations to our September 2009 preference. My intent is to fully consider Soldier Warrant Officer selectees. Welcome to the Warrant and Family needs, and I assure you I will strive to Officer Adjutant General‘s Corps of ―Quiet support your professional development, career Professionals‖. Your next challenge will be to path, and balance your preference with an objective successfully complete the Warrant Officer of supporting Army requirements based on current Candidate School and the Warrant Officer Basic manning guidance. Everyone should recognize as Course. Accessions Branch will be scheduling your professional Soldiers we must all share the burden course dates in the near future. For those of you of deployments, and provide some relief to those enrolled in the Married Army Couples Program, I who have multiple deployments in TOE will coordinate with your spouse‘s assignment assignments. Those of you serving in TDA manager for Joint Domicile assignments. I ask for assignments must take a hard look at where you your patience as we prioritize these assignments want to be assigned next, understanding that it based on Army requirements. Good luck to you will be to a TOE unit. and I will see you during your WOBC course. Once My aim is to stabilize our warrants and not again, congratulations! move them before 36 months. There are exceptions to this, for instance if you are nominated for a SFC Julia Armstrong special duty assignment. Korea is a different tour SFC Vanessa Dilling length based on Accompanied Command SFC Porsha Grant Sponsorship or Unaccompanied tours. SFC Anthony Moody MILPER Message 09-214 FY 10 Promotion SFC Nadeshka Negron Selection Board is out on the net. Those eligible for SFC Jacob Tisdale this board have previously received my notification SSG Ashanti Carter and information regarding preparation for a SSG Matthew Collins successful board. Please ensure you update your SSG Taryn Dinsmore ORB, OMPF, and take a new photo as well as SSG Chendi Goodman closing out any required evaluations. Early SSG Katrina Jones planning is critical and essential to a successful SSG Carlos Lucero promotion. If you need any assistance at all, don‘t SSG Rocky Sampson hesitate to let me know. That‘s what I‘m here for. SSG Joshua Sargeant Some critical dates extracted from the SSG Brandon Williams MILPER Message are noted below. I wish each of We have been working on WO assignments you the best during this upcoming board … I'm for 2010, some are already on AI to designated sure I will be congratulating each of you in the 1775 Fall-Winter 2009 9 near future. Summary of critical dates include: A. 11 Jan 10 – All Mandatory/Optional OERs received by HRC (Error Free). B. My Board File Closes – 14 Jan 10. C. All Correspondence to the board president must be received by the DA Secretariat not later than the day before the date the board convenes to be considered. D. 21 Jan 10 – Board Convenes. E. O/A 05 Feb 10 – Board Recess. F. 21 Apr 10 and earlier separation dates are not eligible for consideration. One of my charters for the next two years is to get all CW2(P)s and CW3s enrolled in the Warrant Officer Advance Course for FY 10 and FY 11. We only have a total of 20 Active Duty slots, 10 seats for class 001 (8 Feb – 31 Mar 10) and 10 seats for class 002 (6 Jun – 29 Jul 10). We‘re working on getting more seats in the future. I will enroll you for these courses in order of merit by DOR. If you cannot make the scheduled course dates due to deployment or OPTEMPO mission requirements, you will need to let me know as soon as possible. Once again, thank you for what you do in support of our Corps, our Army, and especially for Soldiers and Families. Keep up the great work AG professionals, Defend and Serve!

POC Info: Army Human Resources Command ATTN: AHRC-OPC-G (CW4 Toves) 200 Stovall Street, Alexandria, VA 22332 (703) 325-0165 (DSN 221) Bandmaster Warrant Officer Update By CW5 Robert Nixon, Bandmaster Warrant Officer Proponency Officer, AG School Warrant Officers, Leaders of Today and Tomorrow command the same unit as a WO1 until their retirement as a senior CW4 or even CW5. For The US Army Bandmaster Warrant Officer of active duty warrants, we now have several today and in the future needs to be a skilled leader, an executive officer positions (XO) for WO1s, so the excellent musician, and a professional small unit bandmaster of the future will normally serve in commander who is able to use all available resources an XO position before moving on to a command (Soldiers, equipment, training time, funding) to position with another band. A typical career for accomplish all unit missions in support of the higher a bandmaster includes multiple command command guidance. Army Bands are found in the assignments, with a mixture of TRADOC Reserve and Active components, and are currently installation bands and deployable Division located in CONUS and OCONUS. As separate units, bands. Most bandmasters serve well past the they are allocated mostly to training installations, 20 year mark, and continue to see high states, divisions, and some higher command levels. promotion rates to the senior levels. With such The mission of Army Bands is to provide music a unique career field, especially with duties as a throughout the spectrum of military operations to commander for perhaps 20 or more years, it is instill in our forces the will to fight and win, foster the critically important to the success of our bands support of our citizens, and promote our national that each and every Soldier selected for warrant interests at home and abroad. Our bands accomplish officer training meets high these missions by providing music to support Soldiers standards and receives the and families, enhance Army recruiting, and proper training to prepare community relations. them to be successful Specifically for MOS 420C Bandmasters, their commanders and leaders. responsibilities normally include commanding Army Warrant officers have Bands, often for their entire career. The vast majority deployed with their bands of bandmasters are in the Army Reserve and Army throughout OIF and OEF, National Guard, where most new warrant officers will from both active duty bands 10 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association, www.agcra.com and RC bands. Just as our predecessors have done in ceremonies. Both active and Reserve conflicts since WWI, today‘s deployed bandmasters Component (RC) bandmasters will attend this serve in harm‘s way, responsible for their Soldiers and course together, as we strive to maintain high units in challenging conditions. Whether they‘re standards in all our warrant officer leaders. deployed or at home station, as commanders, warrant Also under discussion are changes to the officers play a key role in how well bands perform their active duty warrant officer education system mission. (WOES), such as adding more MOS specific Based on the annual mission for new accessions, training earlier than WOAC or after the 420C is the smallest warrant officer field in the active Warrant Officer Staff Course (WOSC), and Army, usually with only two or three new accessions tying active duty promotions to WOES. If per year. For the RC band, there usually will only be approved, this would require completion of an opening for a warrant officer position when the WOAC for promotion to CW3, completion of current commander retires. Selecting the best NCOs WOSC for promotion to CW4, and completion for bandmaster accession involves screening for of the Warrant Officer Senior Staff Course technical musical skills such as ceremonial and concert (WOSSC) for promotion to CW5. Due to band conducting, in addition to regular prerequisites ongoing deployments and a backlog of officers that apply to all warrant officers. Successful needing the appropriate WOES, this bandmaster applicants typically have a college music requirement was dropped in the past, but degree, several years of NCO leadership experience, could become a requirement again in the and up to 12 years of Army experience. The Army‘s future. Future change is the one constant as goal is to access new warrant officers with less than 12 the Army continuously evaluates all phases of years time in service, to better maximize the amount of training, to better provide the relevant warrant officer service from these Soldiers. Active duty training that keeps our leaders prepared for CW4 and CW5s can serve for 30 years of warrant future military operations. Current warrant officer service in addition to their prior enlisted time. officers should always continue to seek to After completing Warrant Officer Candidate complete their next higher level of both School and being appointed as a WO1, new warrant civilian and military education, to remain up officers attend the Army School of Music in Norfolk, to date in their field and competitive for VA, for the Warrant Officer Basic Course (WOBC). further promotion. This training is focused on both technical musical and Commanding and leading Army Bands tactical skills, and mostly taught by senior warrant are unique opportunities to serve the Army officers. Changes in the length of WOBC starting in FY and our nation musically; from basic training 10 will provide less training time for the active duty to retirement ceremonies; from Hometown bandmaster. This change from previously being 21 USA to the White House; and literally in war weeks of training to just under nine weeks means that and peace. Our bandmaster warrant officer the warrant officers of the future need to have even leaders of today and tomorrow need to be more skills at the entry level than in the past. Critical technical experts and strong leaders who are skills that all students must demonstrate in WOBC able to contribute to the mission success of our include musical conducting and knowledge of military Army.

1775 Fall-Winter 2009 11 Lifecycle of Enlisted Soldiers in The Army Bands Program By CSM Joseph A. Camarda, CSM, Army Bands There are currently 103 Army Bands around vacancy, which usually includes two phases: the world employing nearly 5,000 Soldiers as 1) Sending in a resume and recording, and , musicians, vocalists and sound engineers making 2) Performing a live audition before a panel. the Army band program one of the largest musical It might appear that the two systems are in organizations on the planet. The men and women competition with each other, however this is not of Army Bands are afforded uniquely rewarding the case. If anything, the potential to win a and endlessly challenging careers. Their mission vacancy at a special band and reclassify to MOS is to use their gift of music to inspire hope, 42S is an added incentive for those currently patriotism, and joy. It is a mission that affords serving as MOS 42R. Approximately 15% - 20% of them considerable opportunity for travel and MOS 42S began their career as a MOS 42R. interaction with people from all nations, Once accepted into the Army band program, backgrounds, and ethnic groups. With it also Soldiers in MOS 42R attend basic training, comes an expectation to dedicate their life to the followed by Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at pursuit of musical excellence and service to our the U.S. Army School of Music (ASOM) at the Joint country. Expeditionary Base in Virginia Beach, VA. Special A career as a musician will typically begin in Bandspersons (MOS 42S) are exempt from AIT and childhood when an individual begins to develop are assigned directly to one of the four special their aptitude for music through countless hours of bands immediately upon completion of Basic practice and private instruction. Musicians spend Training. thousands of hours developing their craft The ASOM is the center for all 42R-specific throughout high school, college and in the civilian training and is currently under considerable job market before enlisting as an Army transformation in order to serve the dynamically Bandsperson (MOS 42R). In recognition of this changing needs of the 5,000 Soldiers in the Army special ability, the Army enlists musicians under band program. The school prepares new recruits the Army Civilian Acquired Skills Program by solidifying pre-acquired skills, detecting and (ACASP), which gives musicians the advanced filling any gaps in their musical education, rank of Specialist upon entry into the Army. expanding their knowledge of military customs and Musicians selected for MOS 42S (Special courtesy, and developing the specific musical and Bandsperson) are further awarded promotion to Soldier skills critical to mission accomplishment as Staff Sergeant upon arrival to their unit. an Army Bandsperson. Career musicians will re- Currently, 46 percent of Army Bandspersons (MOS visit the ASOM to attend the Advanced Leader 42R) and nearly all Special Bandspersons (MOS Course (ALC) and Senior Leader Course (SLC). 42S) have four or more years of college at the time of enlistment. The Army‘s average age at the time of enlistment is 20.5 years old versus 27 years old for the average Soldier entering the Army Bands program. The most common occupations before enlistment are:  College Student  Music Educator  Freelance Musician or Professional Performer For MOS 42R, the enlistment process requires that an applicant pass an audition after they have qualified for military service by working The Army School of Music is located at the Naval with a recruiter. Auditions can be conducted by Amphibious Base, Little Creek, Norfolk, Virginia officers, senior NCOs, or brigade recruiting liaisons The Noncommissioned Officer Education in person or by using VTC or other remote- System (NCOES) is the cornerstone of NCO connection technologies. Applicants for MOS 42S development; ALC and SLC are at the heart of (Special Bandsperson) must compete for a specific NCOES. These courses prepare NCOs to operate 12 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association, www.agcra.com successfully in any environment by instilling in them the knowledge, skills, attributes and vision to lead Army Bands into the future. As the U.S. military mission evolves in reaction to persistent conflict around the world, so does the necessity for Army Bands to provide a full spectrum of musical support and entertainment for our military and civilian communities worldwide. As the Army races to keep pace with new technology and ideas, so do the Soldiers in Army Bands. Although it is understood that Army Bands are a critical component of the military ceremony and dedicated to preserving tradition, our audiences have also come to expect the most innovative concepts of entertainment and popular music from our musicians. Accordingly, ALC and SLC focus on the individual and collective development of an instrumentalist into a leader of performers. NCOES is the center for leading-edge tactics and techniques on the utilization of Army Bands to better serve the military mission for our country. ―Make your passion your profession‖ is the call to action for recruiting the extremely talented and educated musicians for Army Bands. Although many of our Soldiers qualify for careers as commissioned officers and warrant officers, most choose to serve the nation through music as an instrumentalist or vocalist in the enlisted ranks. Retention in Army Bands is generally outstanding with MOS 42R ranking 12th out of the nearly 100 enlisted MOSs in early 2009. This is indicative of the desire our Soldiers have to remain in the enlisted ranks and a testament to the quality of leadership in Army Bands today. Assignments and enlisted utilization for MOS 42R includes the following types of units:  Army Band Small: 39 Soldiers  Army Band Medium: 60 Soldiers  Army Band Large: 64 Soldiers (* Requires C1 ASI) * The C1 Additional Skill Identifier (ASI) indicates exceptional MOS proficiency. Other assignments and nominative positions include:  Brigade Recruiting Liaisons  Detailed Recruiters  HRC Career Advisor (PDNCO)  Instrumental Instructors  Training Developer/Writers  NCOES Small Group Leaders  Platoon Sergeants (AIT) Promotions in Army Bands are highly competitive and comparable to the rest of the Army. Enlisted progression begins at Specialist and goes up to Sergeant Major (USAR & ARNG) and Command Sergeant Major (RA) based on evaluations, MOS competence, diversity of assignments, continuing education and successful performance in the most challenging positions.

Army band training photos provided by the U.S. Army School of Music

1775 Fall-Winter 2009 13 Army Bands – Strategic Outreach for America’s Army By COL Thomas H. Palmatier, Commander and Conductor, The U.S. Army Field Band

This issue of 1775 will share with the Army‘s type performances in the combat zone, to support HR community the wide variety of ways that Army for ceremonies, to music for troop deployments Bands support America‘s Army. From performances and redeployments, to providing music for for Soldiers in a Forwarding Operating Base in Iraq memorials and funerals. Soldier Support has or Afghanistan, to ceremonies on The White House changed dramatically in the last decade as the lawn; from a recruiting presentation at a university, Army has been engaged in combat operations to a Basic Combat Training graduation ceremony; around the world. Prior to that time, ―Soldier from graveside at a Soldier‘s funeral, to a marching Support‖ was in reality ―Commander Support‖ pageant in the country of an important ally; all and consisted almost exclusively of music for Army band activities can be characterized as ceremonies. Since the start of OEF/OIF Strategic Outreach. operations, Army Bands have supported a One might immediately ask how an element as decreasing number of ceremonies and a small as a Music Performance Team (MPT) of five dramatically increased number of missions to MOS 42R Soldiers, led by a SFC or SSG, can be entertain Soldiers. For the HR professional, this characterized as performing a strategic function. means that you must ensure Band Operations are While Army Bands do most of their work at the closely integrated and synchronized with other ―grass roots‖ level, all of their missions are derived MWR activities. FM 1-0 specifies this as a key from senior commanders‘ priorities. The following task for the G1 and your success in sustaining the chart gives an idea of some of the main ―pillars‖ of Warrior Spirit within friendly forces requires you how bands support Strategic Outreach. to use all of your available tools. The most familiar function performed by Army The MPTs of Army Bands are capable of Bands to most of us is Soldier Support. This bringing music into places that civilian encompasses the entire range of events from MWR entertainers can‘t (or won‘t) go. The bottom line is G1s are doctrinally responsible for Band Operations; don‘t cede that responsibility to the STB commander or G3, preventing you from using one of your most valuable tools to support Soldiers. LTC Mike Masley, former Division G1, 10th Mountain Division and MND-C G1 in Iraq, writes more about this on page 16. A closely related function is providing music in support of Family activities. As this era of persistent conflict persists, the MPTs supporting Rear Detachment activities are increasingly involved in supporting the many activities under the umbrella of Army Family Covenants. Band support of Army recruiting takes two very different forms. Army Bands support recruiting for the entire Army by gaining greater visibility for Recruiters with young Americans and those who influence them. A smaller part of what bands do is finding and attracting professionals to enlist and serve in Army Bands. CPT Sharon Toulouse tells more about the ways bands support Army recruiting on page 19. The U.S. Information Agency Alumni

14 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association, www.agcra.com Association defines public diplomacy as, ―The Croatians who attended the concert was the strategic planning and execution of informational, impact it had on the image of the U.S. in that cultural and educational programming by an nation. Indeed, the Honorable Ralph Frank, then advocate country to create a public opinion U.S. Ambassador to Croatia, stated that the environment in a target country or countries that media images of American Soldiers serenading will enable target country political leaders to make Croatians ―broke the news cycle and made a real decisions that are supportive of advocate country's difference in the image of the U.S. in Croatia.‖ foreign policy objectives.‖ In other words, public Since their inception, Army Bands have been diplomacy is not just getting ―good press,‖ its the most visible groups of Soldiers in civilian purpose is to influence the behavior of decision- communities at home and abroad, performing makers who are important to U.S. interests. 4,000 public performances each year. Many of the Strategic leaders have often used Army band home front performances are done by Reserve performances to positively influence the political Component bands which comprise about 70% of climate in foreign countries. the Army band force. Ms. Heather Santos‘s article Retired SGM John Cathcart recalled an about The U.S. Army Field Band, the Musical incident from over 40 years ago: ―In the spring of Ambassadors of the Army, on page 21, provides a 1965 I was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division look at how The Field Band tells the Army Story. Band that deployed to the Dominican Republic. Army Bands play a key role in education. Aside from boosting morale and appealing to the This takes two forms. Bands ―embed‖ key local populace, the Division Band marched in a messages and senior commanders‘ strategic parade behind the CG (MG York) in full combat gear communications into their performances and also to convey a message to the rebels that Americans educate the American public as well as host were not to be intimidated. The parade route nation populations about America and its Army. (known as ―The Corridor‖) was infested with snipers Additionally, Army Bands play an integral role in along its entire length. We met no resistance during supporting music education in America. This the march into the capital city of Santo Domingo. educational outreach not only supports music This important supply route, cutting the city in half, education, it contributes to a positive view of the was reestablished.‖ Army among young people, educators, and GEN Palmer, XVIII Airborne Corps parents. Commander and his staff understood the utility of While some of this issue of 1775 deals with Army Bands in military operations as evidenced by information about Army Bands of specific interest their call to deploy a second band to the Dominican to HR professionals, such as personnel life cycles, Republic to assist with civil affairs and public the real reason Army Bands are in our Corps and information efforts. Indeed, the Corps Band was our Army is to support Strategic Outreach. It is among the last XVIII Airborne Corps units to vital that HR Leaders understand how bands redeploy from the island. One must conclude that support the senior commander‘s intent and the band‘s value in post-conflict activities and in contribute to the success of America‘s Army. influencing popular and political opinion had been recognized. In the spring of 2004, the world media was in a ―feeding frenzy‖ over news of abuse of prisoners by Soldiers in Abu Ghraib Prison in Iraq. European media coverage was saturated with photographs of Americans abusing Iraqis and the image of the U.S. Army was negative in many countries for the first time since World War II. Just a few days after the story broke in the world media, the U.S. Army Above. US Army Europe Band Europe Band was scheduled to perform an open air performing in Liberation concert in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. Embassy Square, Zagreb, Croatia, 2 May officials were apprehensive about the potential for 2004 anti-American demonstrations but approved going Right. SSG Jennifer Kemper singing at a concert in Zagreb, ahead with the concert. More important to Croatia, 2 May 2004 America‘s strategic interests than the thousands of 1775 Fall-Winter 2009 15 HR Doctrine and Army Bands By LTC Mike Masley, Director, Training Division, AG School Field Manual (FM) 1-0 provides the fundamental principles to support the Army Band‘s four missions: (1) support the recruiting mission, (2) provide comfort to recovering Soldiers, (3) support host nation relations and information operations, and (4) contribute to a positive climate for Army Families across the full spectrum of operations. Remembering that doctrine described in FM 1-0 is not a single road map to success, the intent of this article is to document a recently proven, doctrinally correct, command and control relationship for the Division G1, the 10th Mountain Division (Mtn Div) Band Soldiers Division Special Troop Battalion (DSTB) and the Army celebrating Thanksgiving during their tour in Iraq Band Commander. information operations, the Division G1 served as the The command and control (C2) of the 10th Mountain division staff proponent for technical and staff Division (Light Infantry) Band, while assigned as the Multi- support at MND-C coordination meetings. The C2 of National Division-Center (MND-C) Band initiated with the the MND-C Band resided with the DSTB Commander Band Commander to the DSTB Commander to the Division and his staff. The DSTB staff was responsible for the Commander. However, the technical oversight initiated life support, security and transportation of the MND- with the Band Commander to the Division G1 to the C Band. Because of the two relationships with the Division Chief of Staff. DSTB and the Division G1 it was critical for the Band In the MND-C deployed environment the band became Commander to communicate with both elements on a one of the Division Commander‘s assets to provide comfort regular basis. to recovering Soldiers and support host nation relations and As the MND-C Headquarters came to its final information operations. Synchronization meetings and 60 days in theater, the 1st Brigade Combat Team was targeting meetings held at the division level became the already redeployed and initiating six battalion Division G1‘s responsibility to coordinate and ensure the changes of command and a brigade change of proper use of the band. At the bi-weekly MND-C command prior to the division headquarters return synchronization meeting, the Division G1 was responsible from Iraq. In all cases band support for the changes for ensuring the MND-C Band provided comfort to Soldiers of command was requested. When the request was through the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) received the Division G1 and the Band Operations synchronizations line, while simultaneously engaged in Cell began planning the redeployment of two Musical supporting the division Lines of Effort (LOE) to secure the Performance Teams (MPTs) to support the changes of population. command and the division headquarters welcome The MWR support was synchronized thru the Division home ceremonies. Much like the first two mission MWR Office within the Division G1, in coordination with sets, the MND-C G1 and the Band took the lead on the Band Operations Cell. The 10th Mountain Division technical support as they conducted deliberate (Light Infantry) Band conducted dining facility planning, and the DSTB provided the command and engagements, concerts and performed at changes of control, movement and redeployment support of the responsibility to support the morale of the command. two MPTs. Supporting the MND-C LOE to secure the population fell In all cases the MND-C Band provided world directly in the doctrinal role of support host nation relations class musical support to recovering Soldiers, host and information operations. As MND-C engaged the Iraqi nation‘s support through information operations and population to ensure security, the MND-C Band played a contributed to changes of command and supported a vital role. Through the synchronization process, the positive Army climate for Families. During the entire Division G1 and Band Commander coordinated band process the Command relations ran through the support to Iraqi social and political functions that drew commanders, and the technical and staff coordinating crowds out into open secure areas. This ability of the Band functions were the responsibility of the Division G1. to bring normalcy back to a region was a combat multiplier that allowed for the population to rebound after combat operations and return to normalcy. Not only did the use of the Band bring the population back to the streets, it provided the local community leaders the opportunity to get out the coalition and local community leaders message and instill a sense of pride through the use of music. In both cases of providing comfort to Coalition Soldiers and in supporting the host nation relations and 10th Mtn Div Band performs during Christmas in Iraq 16 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association, www.agcra.com Army Bands Overview By CPT Scott McKenzie, The United States Army Band The musicians of the United States Army have a mission from band to band is essentially the same, unique and important mission. They are a Commander‘s there are some organizational differences. For the most potent, non-threatening weapon of peace, and Active Component, Army Bands come in four varieties: because of the nature of their mission, they are invited to Special Bands, Army Band Large, Army Band places where other Soldiers are not. During these times Medium, and Army Band Small. of asymmetric warfare on non-traditional battlefields, Army Bands possess highly specialized skills that give them power to win hearts and minds like no other units in the Army. Despite their relatively small size, Army Bands provide music to the Nation‘s and the Army‘s senior leaders that make a strategic-level impact. What is the mission of Army Bands? ―The United States Army Bands provide music throughout the spectrum of military operations to instill in our forces the will to fight and win, foster the support of our citizens, and promote our national interests at home and abroad.‖ In other words, bands provide music to Soldiers to build morale and esprit de corps and to uphold the standards of tradition and military customs. To the American The 1st Infantry Division Band performs at Miller Park, people, bands demonstrate the excellence and Home of the Milwaukee Brewers professionalism of their military by performing at The four Special Bands of the Army are: The concerts and patriotic events that stir the soul and United States Army Band ―Pershing‘s Own‖ and The promote national pride. Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps at Fort Myer, VA; The Given the wide range of musical missions Army United States Army Field Band at Fort Meade, MD; Bands support, Band Soldiers in today‘s Army are and the United States Military Academy Band at West required to be extremely versatile. Bands perform in Point, NY. The musicians of these four bands are venues ranging from the nation‘s premier concert halls to selected through a highly competitive audition process parade fields, cemeteries, and in the dining rooms of when vacancies open for specific instruments, voices, or senior leaders as they host VIP guests. They perform skills. Vacancies are advertised in national various popular styles of music ranging from rock, professional music publications and typically attract country, rhythm and blues, classical, and patriotic hundreds of candidates, both civilians and military. favorites. They bring a sense of reverence and honor to Those selected for a position attend Basic Combat solemn occasions, and, in contemporary operating Training and upon graduation are awarded the MOS of environments, they lift Soldiers‘ spirits and remind them 42S (Special Bandsperson) and report directly to their of home. Since 2001, 11 active and two National Guard band where they are permanently assigned. These bands have deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Soldiers are promoted to the rank of E-6 after four Freedom and Enduring Freedom, and many bandsmen months service and then compete for promotion are on their third or fourth deployments. through an internal process at each Special Band. In addition to their musical versatility, Band Most musicians remain with their band for their entire Soldiers must demonstrate operational versatility by careers. performing assigned collateral duties to keep the band While accelerated promotion and permanent functional. Bands are not assigned support positions assignment may seem like extravagant benefits, they such as personnel specialists and supply sergeants, they are necessary to remain competitive with the civilian must be largely self-sufficient. In addition to their market at the highest levels of musical skills. The primary jobs as musicians, Band Soldiers must run Special Bands are designated as such because they supply, operations, or personnel divisions. Each band perform at events of national and international has an extensive musical library and hundreds of significance with world-class expectations. Most of the expensive musical instruments and equipment, so musicians have advanced degrees in music and are accountability and maintenance can be challenging. therefore offered the advanced rank and salary for Soldiers performing administrative duties take care of their significant acquired civilian skills. Vacancies in Soldiers‘ awards, promotions, and other personnel Special Bands are rare, and the competition to win actions. these positions is comparable to those of the nation‘s There are 103 Army Bands stationed all over the finest symphony orchestras. world from the Active (33), National Guard (53), and Although Special Bands give America‘s Army a Army Reserve (17) Components, and although the great and unique capability, most of today‘s Army 1775 Fall-Winter 2009 17 Bands Soldiers are assigned to other types of bands around the world. Army Bands Large are positioned at four-star commands and include: The Army Ground Forces Band, Fort McPherson, GA: The Army Training and Doctrine Command Band, Fort Monroe, VA; and The United States Army Europe Band & Chorus, Heidelberg, Germany. These bands are capable of fielding several musical missions at once, and are commanded by commissioned band officers. Army Bands Medium include two Warrant Officer Bandmasters who serve as Commander and Executive Officer. Like Army Bands Large, they also have the capability to support multiple concurrent missions. Army Bands Small are the prevalent configuration for bands and are stationed at posts around the world below Corps level in both the Active and Reserve Components. Army Bands Small are also able to support concurrent musical missions including a small marching band, The 42d Infantry Division Band (NY National Guard) brass quintet, and two popular music groups. prepares to play for a ceremony in full battle gear in Iraq Standards for acceptance into the Army Band Command Sergeants Major: three in Special Bands, program are also highly competitive. Soldiers must pass and one at the Army School of Music who serves as an audition with an Army Bandmaster or Recruiting Commandant of the NCO Academy and senior enlisted Liaison before they may enlist as a musician. Band advisor for the Army Bands program. Most bands are Soldiers have typically played their respective commanded by Warrant Officers, who are recruited instruments for many years before joining the Army and from within the bands‘ enlisted ranks. Commissioned therefore enlist at the rank of Specialist under the Army Officers serve at the Special Bands, Army Bands Civilian Acquired Skills Program to compensate them Large, and the Army School of Music. There is also a for the training they have received prior to entry into Staff Bands Officer at FORSCOM who inspects bands the Army. After Basic Combat Training, Soldiers attend for readiness, serves as an advocate to their local Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at the Army School commands, and deals with mobilization and Reserve of Music on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Fort issues. Story in Norfolk, Virginia, where their Soldierization All Army Bands can provide music in a process continues. They receive intensive training on multitude of environments. When Bands deploy, their their primary instrument and participate in classes and mission remains the same: to perform music. Band practical exercises in drill and ceremonies, music Soldiers serve in theaters of combat, providing music theory, and warrior tasks and battle drills. for ceremonies and to lift the spirits of our warriors. Reserve Component Bands support their local This mission is imperative to combatant commanders; commands and the Army in exactly the same manner as GEN Peter Chiarelli, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, the Active Component. They represent the Army and partly attributed his low suicide rate to the 1st Cavalry the nation through musical and military excellence, Division Band and their mission when he commanded both at home and while deployed. In 2005, the 42nd that division in Iraq in 2004-5. Infantry Division Band of the New York Army National Soldiers serving in Army Bands are truly some of Guard deployed to Iraq becoming the first Reserve the most dedicated and capable Soldiers in the Army. Component Band to deploy to a combat zone since World Their superb talent and training allows them to War II. accomplish a unique mission that has tremendous With the exception of one Army Band Medium, impact in shaping the modern battlefield. Army Reserve Component Bands are all Army Bands Small. Bands, more than ever, are relevant and ready to In addition to the mission in their own areas of provide world-class musical support for the Army and responsibility, Reserve Component Bands backfill the our Nation. Active Component Bands during their two-week summer drills to ensure seamless musical support. SGM Woodrow English of Overseas Active Component Bands schedule block leave The United States Army years in advance to allow the Reserves time to plan and Band "Pershing's Own" prepare. performs 'Taps' in Arlington Army Bands offer varied opportunities for career- National Cemetery minded Soldiers. At the pinnacle of the enlisted ranks, Sergeants Major serve as senior enlisted advisors at Army Bands Medium and Large. The field has four 18 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association, www.agcra.com Army Bands – Recruiting American Soldiers for the Future By Captain Sharon Toulouse, The U.S. Army Field Band Music is powerful. Who hasn‘t been moved Affairs and visual information directorates. The emotionally, brought to tears, experienced chills by good news is that the technology available today is a piece of music? Music makes a movie more virtually limitless, allowing bands to reach more intense, scary, sad, or romantic by enhancing the individuals than ever thought imaginable. picture with its soundtrack. Try not to picture the All Army Bands are linked to the net, giant shark from Jaws when you hear John resulting in a multitude of opportunities, like Williams‘ famous two note melody. Try not to capitalizing social media and web sites, such as: picture a gleaming blade when the piercing, Facebook, Twitter, MusicalChairs.com, shrieking strings play during Psycho. And, try not Bands.Army.mil (Army Bands Online), to picture a proud, strong, American Soldier when GoArmy.com, InternationalMusician.org, the Army Strong theme is heard. Filmmakers have Monster.com, CareerBuilder.com, and discovered how to harness the power of music to CareerRookie.com. Bands can use these sources as intensify their art, as has the Army. The mission a means to market, promote and advertise all and capabilities of Army Bands make it a natural things involved with Army Bands and being a partner for the United States Army Recruiting Soldier (i.e., auditions, performances, support Command (USAREC) to tell the Army story. Army requests, and depictions of life as a Soldier). Bands are on the cusp of a new era. Changes are Additionally, with the use of USAREC Source Base occurring in the Army Bands program, historical Codes assigned to every Army band, bands can changes that will change the face of Army Bands now track the contacts made at each event, forever. Recruiting is an important part of that allowing them to fine tune their efforts by change. gathering data and analyzing the types and COL Robert L. Manning, Chief of Army locations of events that had the greatest success. Bands, recently published the first ever Recruiting Another modification by Army Bands in Action Plan for Army Bands, a plan that leverages recent years is the use of Music Performance Army Bands capabilities to support USAREC. Teams (MPTs). A common, but erroneous, belief Recognizing the intrinsic recruiting role bands play about Army Bands is that they only perform for the U.S. Army, COL Manning designated an marches at ceremonies or only perform classical official recruiting NCO position in each Army band. band literature in a large concert band setting. A common misconception about Army Bands MPTs were developed as a means to best serve the is that they only recruit musicians. This is not the Army and its needs. As the Army grew into a case. While Army Bands do in fact recruit brigade-centric organization permitting smaller musicians, they also have the ability to inspire and group deployments, so did the Army Bands. Each recruit individuals for all Army military Army band has multiple performance teams that occupational skills. With Army Bands can function concurrently, an aspect that implementing a new recruiting initiative, the Army Bands recruiting NCO position is critical. These NCOs are working closely with local recruiting stations to coordinate band assistance in area recruiting activities and outreach events. Often, recruiting stations will bring undecided or Delayed Entry Program recruits to concerts so that they may see Soldier-Musicians in action and instill in them an even greater amount of pride associated with being an American Soldier. Army band recruiting NCOs must also develop new recruiting missions for their band, as well as leverage every concert, every performance, every event into a recruiting opportunity for the Army. Marketing is also an essential part of this The 257th Army National Guard Band performing during position, thus requiring heavy support from Public halftime of an NFL Washington Redskins game 1775 Fall-Winter 2009 19 U.S. Army Field Band, primarily performs at high schools while out on the road. Army Bands have the unique ability to get into educational institutions that may not typically welcome military recruiters. The Volunteers always bring a recruiter along, often fostering a positive relationship between school and recruiter. The band has even incorporated them into their show. When bands perform in public, whether it‘s the concert band, one of their popular music ensembles, the jazz band, or the brass quintet, they are able to do something that most Soldiers cannot do; meet the public. Army Band Soldiers put a real live face on the American Soldier, especially in The 29th Army National Guard Band performs during a regions where Soldiers may be perceived by some 4th of July parade as an abstraction only seen on television. In much maximizes flexibility to support the varied needs of of our country it is a rare occurrence for community the Army. Deploying these smaller MPTs and members to actually meet and talk with a real, live leaving the remaining MPTs in the rear allows the Soldier. Army band performances create an band to support the critical needs of the rear opening for Soldier-Musicians to tell the Army detachment. story and create a unique recruiting opportunity. Currently, the most popular MPTs are the Music is powerful … a force to be reckoned ensembles performing rock/pop music. These with. USAREC can harness that power and use it groups hit the mark with the younger generation. as a means to inspire Americans across the Nation The average age of successful accessions into the and all over the world, to support our Soldiers, and Army is currently age 21. Army Bands‘ rock/pop to be inspired to become an American Soldier, to be ensemble MPTs are a great conduit to aid a part of the backbone of our Army, to become recruiters in reaching this elusive generation. Army Strong. Whether an activity or outreach event, recruiters CPT Toulouse is currently an Admin Officer can incorporate these ensembles as a means to for The U.S. Army Field Band with additional duty relate to younger demographics. Army pop/rock as Recruiting Advisor for Army Bands. bands are assisting USAREC and the Army Accessions Command by touring historically black colleges and universities right now. Bottom line, whatever type of music support is needed, an Army band can provide. Army Bands are already out there doing it, recruiting for the Army. One such example is The United States Army Field Band. The U.S. Army Field Band is unique when compared to other Army Bands in that the bulk of their mission is to tour the country, performing for millions of American for more than 100 days a year. Knowing the quantities of individuals The U.S. Army Field Band touches, the unit emphasizes the Army recruiting mission while on tour. Recruiters are invited to set up displays at every Field Band performance and event scheduled during their tours. The recruiters are identified to the audience, and concert goers are made aware of the opportunity to ask questions and seek more information about enlisting in the Army. The Volunteers, the rock/pop ensemble of The The Volunteers of The U.S. Army Field Band 20 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association, www.agcra.com The United States Army Field Band www.armyfieldband.com By Heather Santos The United States Army Field Band (TUSAFB), the premier touring musical representative of the United States Army, has been inspiring, entertaining and educating audiences of all ages for more than 60 years with a diverse and engaging musical repertoire delivered in dynamic performances. Since its formation in March 1946, the Field Band‘s four performing components — the Concert Band, Soldiers‘ Chorus, Jazz Ambassadors and The Volunteers — have appeared in all fifty states and in more than thirty countries on four continents. The Soldier-Musicians continue the Field Band‘s rich tradition in musical excellence, as they each travel more than 100 days a year with a touring schedule that includes formal public concerts, school assemblies, educational outreach programs, and festivals, as well as radio and television The Soldiers’ Chorus appearances. Army, this highly acclaimed 65-member As these internationally acclaimed ―Musical instrumental ensemble has performed all over the Ambassadors of the Army‖ make their way across world in a variety of settings from the most America, they share the Army story through music celebrated and historic concert halls to gymnasiums — concerts that reinforce and reenergize in the smallest towns. These instrumentalists patriotism, help celebrate the American spirit and regularly travel and perform with the Soldiers' support our troops at home and abroad. Chorus, and, together, they present a powerful mix The United States Army Field Band is one of of marches, overtures, and popular music, as well as the most versatile and inspiring musical instrumental and vocal solos and patriotic organizations in the world, and its members, selections. selected by highly-competitive audition, represent The Concert Band‘s prestigious the finest musical talent in America. We are proud instrumentalists have also been invited to perform members of America‘s Army: The Strength of the alongside many of the nation's leading orchestras, Nation. including the Boston Pops, Cincinnati Pops and the The Concert Band, the oldest and largest of Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Though the Field the Field Band's four performing components, has Band is not usually a marching band, they do distinguished itself as one of the leading concert assemble in formation to support one particular bands in the world. Putting a face to America‘s change of command ceremony—that of the President of the United States. The Soldiers' Chorus, founded in 1957, is The U.S. Army Field Band‘s vocal complement. This preeminent ensemble is made up of 28 vocalists whose backgrounds include opera, musical theatre, music education, and vocal coaching. Performing as a separate component or in combination with the Concert Band, the Soldiers‘ Chorus exhilarates audiences across America with concerts that highlight an TUSAFB Concert Band extraordinary choral repertoire in addition to 1775 Fall-Winter 2009 21 Broadway, opera and Americana music. Adding to entertaining thousands at jazz festivals or playing the experience of a Soldiers‘ Chorus performance is in more intimate settings in legendary jazz clubs. the always popular, always entertaining The Jazz Ambassadors‘ diverse repertoire includes barbershop quartet, ―Sound Off.‖ big band swing, Dixieland, as well as Latin and The depth and breadth of the Soldiers‘ Chorus contemporary jazz, and seeing them in action talent has earned these polished vocalists an demonstrates why they are, in fact, ―America‘s Big impeccable reputation on a global scale — Band.‖ outstanding reviews abound for the group‘s The Volunteers (photo on page 20) have been performances in such venues as four world fairs telling the Army story through music — rock, pop, and numerous educator conventions and choral country, R&B, and patriotic tunes since 1981, and conferences, as well as presentations for Kennedy they continue to inspire patriotism for millions of Center Honors programs, U.S. Army Birthday concert goers. This spirited, high energy six- Balls, the PBS National Memorial Day concert, and member group has rocked the Nation from coast to the rededication of the Statue of Liberty. coast and is no stranger to an auditorium full of The Soldiers‘ Chorus frequently performs screaming students, an outdoor crowd of 100,000 recitals at high schools and colleges with each visit festival goers, or the hospital bedside of a wounded including a concert and an open forum to answer Soldier or Veteran. questions about the many career opportunities in The Volunteers‘ performances are intensely today‘s Army. In fulfilling their mission, the delivered and reinforced by an unequivocal amount Soldiers‘ Chorus celebrates the United States of pride in what they do. And, what The Army‘s proud tradition of service. Volunteers give to the fans is unique — a blend of tunes from different styles, varying genres, and multiple generations. The U.S. Army Field Band is a vital element of the U.S. Army‘s strategic outreach mission — fostering patriotism in communities and creating strong ties between Americans and their Army through live concert performances and educational outreach activities. Often, the Field Band performs in geographic areas where there is no other Army presence. The Operations section plans and manages all of the Field Band events, from coordinating tour schedules to initiating sponsor contacts, to The Jazz Ambassadors—America’s Big Band establishing concert sites and assisting with The Jazz Ambassadors is the United States publicity. The three traveling components of The Army‘s premier big band. This 19-member U.S. Army Field Band — the Concert Band and ensemble, originally established in 1969, has Soldiers‘ Chorus, the Jazz Ambassadors, and The received numerous accolades for their stunning Volunteers — travel more than 100,000 miles and performances all over the world. Marvin Hamlisch tour over 300 days annually, performing for live declared, ―I can‘t think of better ambassadors for audiences of up to one million. our country.‖ The Tour Areas map (next page) shows the Comprised of seasoned professionals from United States divided into 5 regions. These areas across the Nation, the Jazz Ambassadors are a are dictated by the Department of Defense and landmark of talent and creativity. This compelling shared by military premier bands in the ensemble performs original compositions and Washington, D.C. area so that no single area is arrangements along with popular jazz standards, toured by more than one band at a time. Each all of which showcase the group‘s inventive and Spring and Autumn an area is toured by the Field artistic performers. Band, thus completing a national tour every 2 ½ Still swinging after forty years, Soldier- years. Musicians of the Jazz Ambassadors continue to Preliminary planning of itineraries usually captivate audiences across the spectrum in a begins one year prior to the tour, and the variety of venues. They are equally at home operations team advances every day of every tour. 22 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association, www.agcra.com to increase audience reach and further engage supporters of The Army Field Band, its music and its mission. The sites, launched in September 2009, have already amassed thousands of fans and allow followers all over the world to experience the bands and their music on a whole new level. This interactive method to outreach is all about connecting and sharing — initiating dynamic dialogues and facilitating immediate feedback, further enhancing the Field Band‘s desire and ability to tailor and improve products and find new and exciting ways to share the Army story. Each touring group has a two-Soldier advance The highly-trained and skilled team, or tour coordinators, who formulate tour professionals of the support proposals, organize logistics, collaborate with team are the backbone of The sponsoring organizations, arrange concert venues, U.S. Army Field Band. The and coordinate media resources. During the small support staff is made of advance trip of the tour, they compile detailed experts, Soldiers and civilians directions of every mile the components will travel, alike, with a broad and diversified charting each turn and annotating each potential skill set. A close-knit team, they hurdle the convoy of buses, vans and trucks ensure every day that the Soldier- carrying the musicians and their equipment will Musicians of The Army Field Band, have to navigate. are equipped with the resources to For many years, The United States Army perform their jobs. Without them, The Musical Field Band has been active in the educational Ambassadors of the Army could not carry their community—educational institutions and music message, the Army Story, to America. societies alike. The educational outreach The Field Band employs its own music coordinator is an integral part of the Strategic arrangers, who create professional quality musical Outreach team who organizes outreach adaptations for the components to perform. The programming, providing world-class instructive unit also staffs a library to ensure the Soldier- media materials to schools and conferences across Musicians are equipped with needed music. With a America. Additional educational outreach large fleet of buses and other mobile assets, it is activities include component, ensemble and solo the transportation professionals who safely move performances at educational institutions as well as the Soldier-Musicians and the equipment from high school and university clinic sessions that give town to town and city to city across the country. individual students a chance to learn from Army Logisticians ensure the unit is fully and readily Field Band Soldiers. Finally, invitations to guest supplied, while the instrument repair specialist artists and student performers ensure future keeps the instruments maintained, in tune and in generations will continue to enjoy the Army Field remarkable condition. Rounding out the support Band and its legacy. staff are personnel, finance, information systems, The Strategic Outreach team also maintains and administrative specialists who handle the the Field Band‘s website, where users will find a countless details that keep the military's most great deal of information, including concert traveled musicians rolling smoothly to a city or schedules, personnel rosters and bios and lots of town near you. extras, such as music and video downloads. Anything and everything about the Field Band can be found at www.armyfieldband.com. To complement the website, The Army Field Band has implemented an additional outreach initiative to enhance communications … on a global level. Capitalizing on new media, the performing components launched dedicated social media sites 1775 Fall-Winter 2009 23 The United States Army Field Band – Day One, Concert Tour By SSG Phillip Johnson , The U.S. Army Field Band

On one particular morning, a motor pool on away from home for almost one-third of every year. Fort George G. Meade, MD is filled to the fences NCOs who have served their career with the Field with vehicles. Most of them are commuter cars, Band have probably been on every interstate in the neatly packed and stacked into the gravelly east country. They are the military‘s most traveled end, while three gleaming white coach buses, musicians, and per their mission, they‘ve been engines idling, dominate the blacktop. The space bringing the Army story to the grassroots of around the buses is a sprawl of open car doors, America since 1946. trunks, and hatchbacks, with fast-walking Soldiers The Soldiers now leaving Fort Meade make and their luggage filling the space in-between. up two of the Field Band‘s performing components: Here and there, spouses gather in little groups and the Concert Band and Soldiers‘ Chorus. The cars catch up on family news, while their kids inspect belonging to The Volunteers and the Jazz the buses with cautious interest. The crest Ambassadors have been in the motor pool for displayed on the sides of the buses reveals the several days already. The Field Band‘s Operations name of this unit: The United States Army Field component will stay in garrison, making sure Band, Washington, D.C., sometimes called The things run smoothly with hotels, transportation, Musical Ambassadors of The Army. It‘s day one of sponsors, and concert venues, for this tour and the tour – the first of 40 days on the road. next. Two hours later, the buses pull into a familiar truck stop. The band does the best it can for lunch, supplementing fast food with relatively healthy items from their food bins. A few people take their instruments outside the buses and practice; there may not be time later. Thirty minutes and they‘re back on the road. Some of the newer members gaze out of the windows, taking in the scenery. A few of the older ones may do the same, but most have their heads down, reading, emailing on their smartphones, or working on their computers. This is a familiar highway to almost all of them, and this is the most convenient time to get some work done. Food bins and bottled water are slid under At 1530, the band reaches the hotel. Keys are the seats. Uniforms are hung in the windows. passed out on the buses as a Soldier from each bus Instruments are carefully stowed in the overhead unloads the luggage. By 1545, most band members compartments. The bays are filled with luggage, are in their rooms. They get less than 15 minutes spare uniforms and exercise gear. Photographs of Internet before the hotel‘s wireless network is are taped to the backs of seats. While some crushed under the weight of 70 laptops. The small Soldiers get their areas squared away, others are hotel fitness center is immediately filled, and the outside saying goodbye to their Families. The hallways are a cacophony of brass warm-ups, spouses and children are affectionate, but not woodwind orchestral excerpts, and vocal exercises. visibly upset. The younger children, the ones old After a quick dinner, the band is back on the buses, enough to understand their parents‘ absence, but this time in their distinctive uniform (unique to the not yet old enough to be used to it, cry a little. As Army Field Band, but similar to the new dress the buses pull away, everyone waves. blues). It‘s a short drive to the venue: a college For the Soldier Musicians of the Army Field auditorium, one the Field Band has played several Band, touring is a way of life. One three-year times in recent years. Tomorrow morning, a Field enlistment with them is enough to see nearly every Band brass quintet will come back here to give a state in the Union, and they can count on being recital and master class for the school‘s music 24 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association, www.agcra.com The U.S. Army Field Band many times, followed their schedule from www.armyfieldband.com, and know when they‘re performing nearby. The music students in attendance know about the Field Band by reputation, and some of them hope to audition for the band someday. For others, this is the first formal concert they have ever attended, and they were drawn more by patriotism than by their love for music. The program has something to offer all of them. Several traditional marches, an orchestral overture, two vocal solos, a contemporary work for wind ensemble and chorus, a set of American spirituals, a jazz percussion feature and several patriotic favorites round out the concert. department. The Commander gives a moving speech about As the buses pull up, the Field Bandsmen the amazing work being done by America‘s Army who serve on the set-up crew are already inside, around the globe. Veterans and their Families are putting the finishing touches on the stage. The recognized and saluted, and everyone claps along Soldiers‘ Chorus does a quick sound check. The as each of the Armed Service songs are performed. audio engineer sets his levels. The By the third encore, there are more wet eyes than instrumentalists get their music in order and warm dry. Emails from concertgoers sent to the Field up their instruments. Then the front doors open, Band over the next 24 hours will tell amazing and the first concert patrons pour in. As the house stories: a Vietnam vet who has never been fills up, the musicians gradually clear the stage. thanked by anyone until tonight; a Marine Corps Backstage and on the loading dock, the parents in widow who attended out of devotion to her late the group make their final evening phone calls, as husband; a Gold Star mother whose son was killed most of their children will be in bed before the last year in Afghanistan. concert ends. Days like this one are long. Tomorrow will be At 1900, the collective mumble of the much the same, as will the next day. It‘s a day audience dies down and is replaced by applause as many in the band have lived thousands of times, the Concert Band and Soldiers‘ Chorus file onto the and it‘s hard to be away from one‘s Family so much stage. The performers are seated, followed by the of every year. But The U.S. Army Field Band‘s concertmaster, and the principal oboe gives the mission is an important one, and no Field ensemble a tuning note. The last to enter is the Bandsman would ever say it‘s not worth it. Just as conductor, who is also the unit commander. He the music and message they bring to the American takes the podium, gives the first cue, and a people help to restore faith in America‘s Army, resounding timpani stroke starts the Patriotic seeing the quiet dignity and tears of pride in the Prologue. The music quickly builds, then recedes eyes of grateful Americans helps to keep The U.S. slightly behind the chorus, then builds again, Army Field Band steadfast in their mission. swelling to a roar. As quickly as the sound rose, it now fades, as the narrator from the Soldiers‘ Chorus recites the American‘s Creed, the Chorus singing America softly in the background. On cue, the snare drummer plays a drum roll. Everyone in the hall stands, and a local ROTC color guard marches on-stage and presents the colors. The American flag is posted, and in the next moment, the band is nearly drowned out by the sound of a thousand Americans singing The Star-Spangled Banner. No American can resist the electric rush of excitement and surge of pride that accompanies such a sound. Some of the people in the audience have seen 1775 Fall-Winter 2009 25 The United States Army Field Band – The Soldiers’ Chorus in Arkansas By SFC Erica Russo, The U.S. Army Field Band As ―The Musical Ambassadors of the Army,‖ members of The U.S. Army Field Band strengthen a special bond between the Army and the American public during each performance. This dedication to audiences held particularly true on November 3, 2009, when the Soldiers‘ Chorus brought the Army story to the Arkansas School for the Blind in Little Rock. In arranging this outreach performance, CPT Leonel Peña, officer-in-charge of the component, drew inspiration from a concert he witnessed while attending the Army Bands Captains Career Course. The 82nd Airborne Division Band demonstrated to him that ―any opportunity to perform for such a deserving audience is a worthy opportunity.‖ CPT Peña also integrated the talents of the Field Band‘s Chamber Clarinets in programming for this diverse audience, which ranged from ages 4 to 19. Ms. Alicia Reddick, vocal music educator at the Arkansas School for the Blind, stressed the educational value of this unique event, ―Performances take the classroom knowledge and then add the real thing. And when they make music together, it gives a real sense of teamwork.‖ With the different combinations of small vocal ensembles, such as the Barber Shop Quartet, the Chamber Clarinets, and the Soldiers‘ Chorus as a whole, students experienced multifaceted examples of musical teamwork. SSG Lauren Rester reflected upon the day‘s event. ―The kids were a great audience; they seemed excited to meet Soldiers and hear something out of the ordinary.‖ SSG Charis Strange, a singer with the chorus, agreed, ―Performances like this are always the highlight of my tour. Concerts are always meaningful, but when you have an opportunity to sing in such a personal setting, talk to students afterwards and answer questions, it makes me really grateful that I do what I do.‖

The United States Army Field Band Soldiers’ Chorus 26 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association, www.agcra.com THE UNITED STATES ARMY OLD GUARD FIFE AND DRUM CORPS www.army.mil/fifeanddrum By Staff Sergeant Jay Martin Located across the Potomac art music of the 18th- and 19th- River from Washington D.C. at Fort centuries. The Corps‘ individual style Myer, Virginia, is the United States Army‘s 3d has made it a staple of official ceremonies in United States Infantry Regiment and its Old Washington D.C. and a favorite of audiences across Guard Fife and Drum Corps. The 3d US Infantry the nation. Regiment (The Old Guard) is the Army‘s oldest The unit first gained international exposure active-duty infantry unit, tracing its roots to the when it participated in the state funeral for First American Regiment of 1784. The Old Guard President John F. Kennedy in 1963. A poignant serves as the official Army Honor Guard and Escort moment in the nation‘s history, it was even more so to the President of the United States conducting for the Fife and Drum Corps as it was at President military ceremonies at the White House, the Kennedy‘s inauguration that the Corps made its Pentagon, national memorials and elsewhere in our national debut. More recently the Corps performed nation's capital. In addition to the Fife and Drum as part of the military vanguard that escorted Corps, the Regiment is home to the U.S. Army Drill President Barack Obama from the U.S. Capitol Team, the Caisson Platoon, the Presidential Salute through the inauguration parade, an honor the Battery, the Continental Color Guard, and the organization has fulfilled at every inauguration Tomb Guard Platoon charged with maintaining 24 since Kennedy‘s in 1961. hour watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier In its role as part of the Army‘s Official at Arlington National Cemetery. Ceremonial Unit and Escort to the President, the Created in 1960 as an element of the 3d Corps performs at the White House and the United States Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), Pentagon honoring the arrival of foreign heads of the Fife and Drum Corps is the most unique of the state, dignitaries and military leaders. In addition United States Army‘s four Special Bands. The Fife to the Fife and Drum Corps‘ official ceremonial and Drum Corps, with its instrumentation of fifes, duties, it performs throughout the nation and bugles and drums, and historically inspired abroad. The Corps has performed at the Norfolk, mission, is the only unit of its kind in the American Hamilton and Nova Scotia International Tattoos, armed forces. The musicians of the Corps perform Super Bowl XVI, the Kentucky Derby, the on 10-hole wooden fifes, hand-made rope-tensioned Indianapolis 500, the Daytona 500, the 1980 drums, and single-valve bugles, all of which are Winter Olympics, and performances in Australia, modern adaptations of late 18th-century military Belgium and Germany. signal instruments. The recent addition of a The Soldier-Musicians of the Fife and Drum Baroque Trumpet Ensemble and Baroque Flute Corps are all active duty service members of the Ensemble has expanded the Corps‘ capabilities and United States Army. They come from all corners of historical mission. Uniforms of the Fife and Drum Corps are distinguished by the tricorn hat, white wig, and red colonial-style great coat. They are patterned after those worn by the field musicians of the First American Regiment of 1784, from which The Old Guard originated. The musicians‘ blue-trimmed red coats are reverse in color to those worn by the infantry soldiers, a custom adopted from the European armies of the time. This difference in color scheme allowed commanders to quickly recognize their musicians through the smoke and confusion of the battlefield. The Fife and Drum Corps‘ repertoire is taken from traditional field music, as well as popular and 1775 Fall-Winter 2009 27 our nation and from a wide variety of backgrounds. signal instrument and a means of entertainment. A number of Corps members have been involved in The Corps performs on 10-hole concert model fifes the fife and drum tradition since they were young as opposed to the more traditional 6-hole fife. This children, growing up performing in civilian fife and instrument offers the Corps greater flexibility in drum organizations. Rising to become top selecting music, and facilitates more accurate performers and leading figures in that community, intonation with the ensemble‘s bugle section. they elected to audition for The Old Guard and THE DRUM GROUP. Steeped in tradition, carry on that tradition not just as an avocation but the Old Guard Drum Line is a living example of the a profession. origins of modern rudimental drumming. The “It was 1989, I was 10 years old and a member of drum group is comprised of musicians that come the Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps. We came to D.C. to from many drumming backgrounds, including perform for The Old Guard and to see Twilight Tattoo. To traditional fife and drum corps, drum and bugle this day, that would be one of the best performances I’ve corps, Scottish pipe band, orchestral and jazz. It seen in my life. My senior year of high school a recruiter employs a blending of styles to include traditional contacted me about opportunities in the Army, I told him American rudimental drumming of the 18th and I’d only be interested in the Fife and Drum Corps. Maybe 19th centuries, Swiss, Scottish and some modern a day or so later he called back to tell me The Old Guard rudimental concepts. As a section, they continue to had an opening. Before I knew it I was at Fort Myer uphold the traditions of rudimental drumming by auditioning. I’ve been in the Corps 12 years now, that offering clinics and performing at percussion recruiter’s phone call changed my life.” exhibitions such as the Percussive Arts Society SFC Melissa Dyer, Fife Section Leader International Convention. Many of the musicians in the unit are also Unique in many respects, the drum line also graduates of the country‘s finest university music boasts the unit's first and only father and son team programs and conservatories. The diverse of SFC Richard Ruddle and SSG Andrew Ruddle. experiences and training of the 70 members of the Andrew joined his father as a snare drum Corps, along with its unique mission, make it instrumentalist in 2005. unlike any other musical unit in the United States “Being able to perform with my son has been a truly military. That variety of experiences is useful, as rewarding experience. Seeing him grow-up, contributing to the unit operates without support staff; the his musical training and then witnessing it come to fruition logistical, operational and administrative needs of is a very unique situation. Although working with your son the unit are met internally. While every person in comes with challenges, it has been a good thing for both of us.” the Fife and Drum Corps is foremost a performer, they also have secondary roles in the operation of SFC Richard Ruddle, Senior Instrumentalist, the unit. & Public Affairs Supervisor THE FIFE GROUP. In George Washington‘s THE BUGLE GROUP. The bugle has always Continental Army, fifes, trumpets and drums held an important role in the U.S. Army. sounded music that relayed signals on the Following the tradition of field music elements battlefield and in camp. The fifers of the Corps combining for special performances, bugles were preserve the tradition of the fife as both an infantry considered an integral part of the organization when it was formed. The bugle group performs on custom one-valve instruments pitched in B-flat. The single valve lowers the fundamental one whole-step allowing the bugle to function much like a trumpet with only a first valve. These instruments have proven to be effective at fulfilling traditional bugle roles, complementing the fifes and allowing the bugle to perform music with more melodic and harmonic interest when necessary. BAROQUE TRUMPET ENSEMBLE. As with many aspects of life in the American Colonies, musical traditions were influenced by European practices. These included the use of trumpets for civic celebrations, religious events and military 28 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association, www.agcra.com drill. The Baroque Trumpet Ensemble performs on trumpets inspired by instruments used during the 18th-century. The trumpeters in the ensemble are all members of the bugle section who have volunteered for the extra responsibility of performing in the Baroque Trumpet Ensemble. Together with the bugle group, the Baroque Trumpet Ensemble had the honor of performing opening night at this year‘s International Trumpet Guild Conference in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. THE BAROQUE FLUTE ENSEMBLE. The newest addition to the Fife and Drum Corps is the Baroque Flute Ensemble. Added to the Corps in 2007, this ensemble performs on one-keyed wooden flutes modeled after those made by the noted Dresden flute maker Carl August Grenser (1720-1807). The field musicians of the original Continental Army were often accomplished performers on other instruments such as the German flute. In addition to field music, they were on occasion called to perform in more refined social settings including dances, balls and dinners. Following this tradition of versatility in the ranks of martial musicians, the Baroque Flute Ensemble performs art music as well as popular dances and airs of the 18th and 19th centuries. 50 YEARS AND BEYOND. The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps remains one of the world‘s most distinctive military musical organizations. In 2010 The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps will observe its golden anniversary, celebrating 50 years of service to the United States Army and the nation. The Fife and Drum Corps will host several events to commemorate its anniversary. The events will include a military style tattoo featuring musical elements from the United States Armed Forces as well as civilian ensembles from across the country, a retrospective concert, a workshop for young musicians and the release of a compact disc recording. For more information regarding The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps please visit us on the web at www.army.mil/fifeanddrum.

1775 Fall-Winter 2009 29 Deployed Army Bands By CW5 John S. Fraser, Commander, 56th Army Band, America’s Corps Band

United States Army Bands have relationship between the citizens and been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi government of the United States and the Freedom (OIF) since 2003 and in support of citizens and government of any country with whom Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) since 2004. we share a relationship. The number of missed Currently, there are four United States Army opportunities to employ Army Bands in this Bands in Iraq, three at Army division-level and one manner is incalculable. Army Bands deploy for one at Army corps-level. As of December 2009, the reason: To musically support the (Division/Corps) 56th Army Band, America‘s Corps Band from Fort Commander‘s strategic vision. Lewis, Washington is serving as the United States Through Strategic Outreach, deployed Forces-Iraq Band; the 3d Infantry Division Band Army Bands provide almost an infinite variety of from Fort Stewart, Georgia is serving as the United live music in virtually every genre from modern States Division-North Band; the 1st Armored rock, to the entire gamut of rock and roll classics, to Division Band from Germany is serving as the swing, both country and western, salsa, martial, United States Division-Center Band; and the 34th classical, and traditional Americana, to patriotic, Infantry Division Band, Minnesota ARNG, is and ceremonial music. serving as the United States Division-South Band. Force Support. Regardless of service, In 2004, elements of the 25th Infantry branch, or country, Army Bands in theater have Division Band provided interim band support to supported birthday celebrations of the Marines, our Forces in Afghanistan in support of Operation Navy, and Air Force, as well as our own Army Enduring Freedom. In 2005, elements of the 10th birthday celebration. Deployed Army Bands have Mountain Division Band did the same. US Army supported Army Branch celebrations, and unit Bands have had a permanent presence in organization days. They have also supported the Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Australia/New Zealand ANZAC Day observances, Freedom since 2006. Leading the way in 2006 was as well as the British Remembrance Day the 10th Mountain Division Band. After 12 observances. No traditional American holiday goes months, they were relieved in 2007 by the 82d unsupported either, in multiple iterations by the Airborne Division Band, who was subsequently various theater commands and organizations. In relieved in 2008 by the 101st Airborne Division what is uniquely an American event, Army Bands Band. The 82d returned the favor and relieved the have supported at least two American Citizen 101st in 2009 and are currently on station getting Naturalization Ceremonies during this writer‘s the job done. tenure. On a somber note but with the utmost Army Bands in each theater of operations importance, Army Bands have supported the enjoy the same opportunity to accomplish our core unfortunate but inevitable memorial ceremonies MTOE mission: for too many of our fallen comrades. Family Support. Through today‘s advanced “To provide music throughout the spectrum of technologies, family support is being conducted by military operations to instill in our Forces the all deployed Army Bands. Some examples include will to fight and win, foster the support of our audio/video recordings of musical selections to be Citizens, and promote our national interests at home and abroad.” Each Division and Corps Commander and more importantly, their staffs, as well as Band Commanders, must consider employment of Army Bands in a strategic sense vice in an operational or tactical sense. In addition to providing morale support performances for our own Forces, Army Bands in a forward theater of operations, through music performance, have the unique ability to influence the very future of a people, the future of a culture, the future of a nation, and the future 1AD Band in Iraq. SFC Tim Gladders is the Drum Major 30 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association, www.agcra.com aired at important events at home post. Webcast is also being used to bring a Christmas concert from Iraq to the United States in real time. Of course, Army Bands are supporting their own Families through unit newsletters with command team updates, stories, photos and through frequent communications with loved ones at home. Public Diplomacy. Deployed Army Bands have provided professional musical support for the embassies of the US and United Kingdom at their home missions as well as at their satellite locations. Not only have Army Bands directly supported the operational and diplomatic missions of the embassies but they have provided morale support performances to our comrades in the Department of State. Army Band support of these The 82nd Airborne Division Band Brass and Percussion State Department missions range from high- Ensemble building new bridges in theater visibility, VIP-intensive events to quiet, behind- Transportation is a consistent mission the-scenes events. challenge. With the exception of bugler support for Community Relations missions, while memorial ceremonies, routine band missions are a deployed, are key in fostering the support of our low priority for aviation assets. Getting from one host nation citizens, as well as promoting our ―fixed wing‖ site to another is generally not a national interests. Army Bands ensure that the problem. However, getting to a ―non-fixed wing‖ future relationship between our peoples, site by either rotary wing or ground transportation governments, and cultures has a memorable and can be a logistical nightmare. Army Bandsmen positive foundation. This can be as sophisticated would like to go on every mission with everything as master classes at local schools of fine arts or as they own, but when considering rotary wing and simple as teaching a handful of Boy and Girl even some ground transportation, the load must be Scouts to play recorders (flutaphones). kept small and light. Fifteen hundred pounds of Education is intertwined in everything equipment is about the limit. Back in the day Army Bands do. Not only are Army Bands engaged before Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) in the musical education of our host nation youth vehicles, it was a challenge moving a brass quintet and adults, but we also find ourselves educating by up-armored HMMWV convoy. There is simply our own Forces with respect to what exactly we no place to put a tuba in a road case. Now, with bring to the ―fight‖. We have found that it is the advent of various iterations of MRAPs and up- incumbent upon all Army Band members to armored Light Medium Tactical Vehicle (LMTV) educate leaders on how to use our unique this is less of a challenge. capability to directly enhance the mission or, Maintenance of musical instruments above through morale performances, indirectly enhance the user level is non-existent in theater, unless an the mission by rejuvenating our Forces through Army Band had the foresight to train an NCO to music. accomplish this task. Army Band personnel are Recruiting in a combat theater may seem prohibited from performing instrument like an unusual mission in an unusual venue. Any maintenance tasks for which they have not been Army Band leader who has been around a while adequately trained. The result of this amateur knows that there is much untapped musical talent effort could result in permanent damage to the in our Forces that has gone unnoticed. While we precision mechanisms of musical instruments and usually do not actively recruit in a combat theater, musical support equipment. Instrument repair is a we find that potential Army Bandsmen come to us master-craft that takes years to learn. There are with interest in the Army Band program. I training opportunities available from a few days at attribute this to having much more direct contact a military repair facility to a year at only a few and interaction with our Forces here in a combat colleges in the country. Most civilian instrument theater than we do in a CONUS-based garrison repair technicians learn the old-fashioned way, environment. through apprenticeship to master-craftsman. 1775 Fall-Winter 2009 31 Army leaders supporting bands must ensure that Once individual skills are regained to standard, adequate facilities and resources are provided for then the collective training can begin; and 2) Army the band to conduct a preventive maintenance Band mission requirements and demands for Army program. This would include as minimum: Band participation does not decrease after instrument repair kits authorized by MTOE: a redeployment. Actually, just the opposite is true. clean working environment; a deep sink for Army Bands are more in demand following the washing out brass instruments; plenty of redeployment of their command as well as all maintenance supplies; and additional equipment organizations that they would otherwise support. and supplies as determined by the Band It is primarily for these two reasons, among Commander. many others that a redeployed Army Band‘s Band leaders at all levels must ensure that musical instruments and support equipment must proper care is taken and maintenance performed be repaired or replaced as quickly as possible upon to prevent premature aging of instruments. redeployment. Those with the foresight to identify Inevitably, many musical instruments will be musical instruments to replace prior to damaged beyond repair through excessive wear redeployment should do so while the unit is still and tear in a performance environment for which deployed. This will ensure mission capability professional musical instruments were never without long interruption. intended – the deployed theater. Band Leaders Application of Doctrine as it pertains to must plan for instrument repair and replacement operational control (OPCON). Sometimes there are through the Reset process. This process has been mis-interpretations on how Army Bands should be very challenging for Army Bands as all musical employed. Army Band Commanders are experts in instruments and musical support equipment are all band matters including employment of their commercial off-the-shelf products. bands. By Army doctrine, Army Band operations is The ARFORGEN process, as the parent plan a HR core competency that requires the G1‘s of which RESET is a part, must be modified for attention. Whether in a garrison or a deployed Army Bands. Army Bandsmen must be without environment, the G1 or deployed C1 of a command their musical instruments for the shortest time responsible for an Army Band must take ownership possible. There are several reasons for this. The of that band. Along with the Band Commander, two most critical are: 1) Quick loss of highly the G1/C1 works through all Band matters, perishable individual and collective musical including operations, under the guidance of the skills. As with any physical requirement, the command Chief of Staff. longer one does not exercise specific muscle In closing, Army Bands deploy for one reason: groups or skills, the longer it will take to regain “To provide music throughout the spectrum of those skills. For Army Bandsmen those skills are military operations to instill in our Forces the specifically established and delineated by will to fight and win, foster the support of our regulation and assessed by Band Commanders. Citizens, and promote our national interests at home and abroad.” Army Bands should not be deployed with a preconceived plan for missions that they have not been trained for. Army Bands certainly have the capability to contribute to the common self-defense of their home base, while in a convoy, or when visiting a remote FOB when and only when the tactical situation dictates. Army Band‘s and Army Bandsmen‘s unique individual and collective skills for which we recruit them and train them should never be ignored, taken for granted, or wasted. Army Bands bring a unique capability to the area of operations which no other unit possesses and which should be exploited to the fullest. HR leaders should always be encouraged to take ownership of your command‘s Band and be the lead Army Band performances are a significant Soldier morale booster in theater staff advocate for Band operations. 32 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association, www.agcra.com OIF/OEF Band Lessons Learned By CW4 Glen W. Nardin

NOT YOUR FATHER’S ARMY BAND Army Bands of the 21st century are organized, trained, and equipped to conduct concurrent operations in supporting multiple objectives with targeted music styles. Final Draft ATTP 1-19, Army Bands, Nov 09

The mission of Army Bands today varies little forward operating base. Bands quickly adapted to from the bands first employed in early American the space restrictions making the movement in one history. Throughout this nation‘s history, flight with personnel and equipment. musicians were in the ranks inspiring Soldiers; a Training. Primarily, past training focused musical impetus to common courage at the front around the large ensembles of marching and lines of conflict. Today, bands are with the Soldier concert bands. Led by junior or senior NCOs, today in areas of operation, rendering regular musical the emphasis falls on smaller performance team services. 21st Century Army Bands have adapted training. The training emphasizes deployment of to the operational environment in order to continue the unit and stresses the capability of delivering the centuries-long tradition. entertainment or protocol support to the remote Organization. The wind band as we know it areas of operation. The training focus shifted from today was popular since the John Philip Sousa preparing NCOs to be section leaders in the larger tradition from before the Spanish-American War. band to preparing NCOs to lead their fully Through the 20th Century wars, the band equipped performance teams. The biggest change remained intact as a 28 to 70-member company to is in raising the level of responsibility for leaders. march and entertain troops and civilians, and to Whereas the NCO section leader would mostly preserve the ceremonial traditions of the Army. receive the selection of music from the commander However, beginning in the 1950s with the advent of and proceed to rehearse his/her section, the NCO the electronic age, popular music gradually moved now develops his/her own music list and is away from the traditional acoustic wind band. responsible for the entire performance. The MPT With the introduction of sound reinforcement that leader develops the programs by arranging or enables the many musical genres available today, providing the music, rehearses his or her group, Army Bands rose to the challenge to continue the and leads that group through to mission entertainment tradition. Bands retained the completion. traditional parade field and concert abilities, but have developed an unprecedented diversity in music performance. Though the bands have always been able to break down from the large concert ensemble into smaller ensembles, today a modular system emphasizes the smaller ensemble. Based on lessons learned from Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Army Bands are now organized by numbers of Music Performance Teams, or MPTs. Allocation of MPTs form three sizes of bands designated by size as ―small, medium or large.‖ Each MPT has from 5 to 17 members — designed to fit the transportation limitations in a specific area of operation. The intent is to deliver live music where Soldiers are operating by armored convoy, UH-60 Blackhawk, or CH-47 Chinook. Musical Performance Teams (MPTs) are led by NCOs. Early in OIF, it took a pair of UH-60s two From L-R: SGT Ian Schmidt, SSG Jason Shade, and round-trips to lift a large band to a mission at a SFC Derek Pearsal, 10th MTN DIV, performing in theater. 1775 Fall-Winter 2009 33 If the NCOs are leading their MPTs, what is the command team doing? The shift for the command team is to focus on the myriad of duties of musical production and commanding. The large bands are still conducted by the commanding officer or senior sergeant, but you may also find them actually participating in some of the smaller ensembles — often under the direction of a junior NCO. The bands have to utilize every bit of talent on hand and no band Soldier is exempt from musical duties. Another new training focus is in developing singers for the popular music bands. The Army to Another 10th MTN DIV MPT in action. From L-R: SFC date does not offer a ―vocalist‖ MOS. Bandsmen Ken Wiesman, SGT Christopher Lawrence, SGT Julio earn an MOS and ASI with band instrument Sandoval, and SPC Angel Muniz. performance. Band vocalists (singers) are recruited from within the ranks of the band, or selected by Targeting the diverse music styles of America, its audition, and generously reassigned from within territories and possessions is an enormous task the local command. A vocalist ASI is in the and demands a diverse MTOE to match. If you development phase and when complete, will enable were to view the MTOE of the Sousa bands, you bands to produce more music off the top 100 charts. would see the same basic band instruments that New development in technical training also still form the basis of any band in America. includes a sound production technician who will be However, in the last decade, Army Bands bolstered responsible for running stage sound reinforcement, their equipment lists with the electronic gear lighting and recording techniques. demanded by today‘s music. Multiple electronic Concurrent Operations. Limiting musical keyboards, electric basses and guitars, and group sizes and equipment makes it possible to electronic drum set; sound reproduction move more efficiently and safely, but priority is to equipment, sound reinforcement equipment and sustain simultaneous or frequent subsequent even iPods (with pre-recorded accompaniment) will missions. The band is capable of concurrently be in that MILVAN on the way to Iraq, sustaining ceremonies and popular entertainment Afghanistan or the next area of operation. up to six or more missions at a time depending on The band‘s mission is to bring that American the details and the current personnel assets. tradition and rally the Army‘s esprit de corps to the Based largely on the individual talents of the Soldiers where they are and when they need it. To assigned personnel, bands can build a repertoire of target the right style and get it to men and women music like never before. The goal of Army Bands is in uniform located anywhere around the world is a not just to bring music to the troops, but also to monumental job. Invariably, U.S. Army Bands of bring the style of music they prefer and would the 21st Century are ready to complete the listen to back home. Our World War II bands may mission. have had the choice of playing swing interspersed CW4 Glen Nardin is currently Chief, Unit with marches and patriotic songs, but today‘s Capabilities and Integration at the Army School of Soldiers get a much larger cross section of Music. He is former Commander of the 1st Cavalry American music. The next Army band you hear Division Band, 2003-08. may select from rock, country music, blues, and rhythm and blues. They may be playing Latin salsa or a tropical mix, Charlie Parker bebop or New Orleans Dixieland. If that is not enough, the music may be Gospel singing, hip hop or an Oktoberfest polka band. The types of music are limited only by the Soldiers‘ ability to arrange and rehearse the style. Targeting. Target practice has a completely different meaning for Army Bands. 34 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association, www.agcra.com The West Point Band – More Than Just A Marching Band By SSG Mark Tonelli , West Point Band Of the Army‘s 103 Active Duty, Guard, and focusing on jazz and other popular styles. At 49- Reserve bands, the West Point Band is one of four pieces, the Concert Band performs classical music Special Bands and the oldest continuously and pops. Chamber ensembles, like brass quintets serving Army band. Its primary mission is to and jazz combos, are formed from the larger support the United States Corps of Cadets. All components to support functions where full cadet events requiring music involve support from ensembles are not needed. West Point‘s professional Army band-in- Life in the Band. What goes into making residence, which has been an integral part of life all the moving parts work in mounting hundreds of at the United States Military Academy since performances at West Point and throughout the 1817. country each year? What‘s it like to work in one of West Point Band members form a unique the Army‘s Special Bands? To provide an insider‘s group of musicians, chosen through a nationally look at life in the band are MSG Susan Davidson, competitive audition process. Many band Support Staff Operations; SFC Shawn Herndon, members have enlisted in the Army specifically to Concert Band Clarinetist; SSG Andrew Porter, perform in the West Point Band. They arrive at Hellcats Drummer; and SSG John Castleman, Jazz West Point with a considerable degree of Knights Trumpeter. professional experience and are often well-known Before a single note can be played, the band in the civilian music world. The majority of band needs a place to perform. That‘s MSG Davidson‘s members hold bachelors or masters degrees in job. As operations chief, she forms a critical link in music, and some hold doctoral degrees. A position the chain of requests and performances. Davidson in the West Point band is ―stabilized,‖ a comes to operations from the Concert Band, where permanent duty assignment. Many band she spent ten years as a French horn player. She members spend their entire military career at says about her current position, ―It‘s as much being West Point, retiring from the band. The band proactive as it is responding to the large number of rehearses regularly to prepare for performances requests we get for the band to perform.‖ Davidson at West Point, in the surrounding area, and at negotiates a complex web of requests from both on- prestigious music venues across the nation. and off-post as well as initiatives driven from Band Duties and Structure. The West within the band. They must all be considered Point Band consists of four components: the against existing commitments in which the band Concert Band, the Hellcats, the Jazz Knights, and has to achieve a delicate balance between Support Staff, with the three performing elements performance and preparation. ―It can be difficult combining to form the Marching Band. The to quantify the duties of my job. Each day is Marching Band is the face of the West Point Band unpredictable, and I may get some curve balls to the hundreds of thousands of people each year thrown at me,‖ MSG Davidson stated. who watch the sports world‘s oldest rivalry, the Every day of the year, a West Point Band Army versus Navy football game. In addition to performance is happening somewhere, and the providing music support at football games, the Marching Band plays pivotal roles in ceremonial The West Point Marching Band functions, including funerals, parades, and reviews. The band‘s duties in the early days involved drilling cadets, an unbroken tradition that continues today with the Field Music Group, the Hellcats. A drum and bugle corps, the 13-member Hellcats perform duties dating to the 1800‘s, from marching cadets to meals in the mess hall, to sounding Reveille and Retreat. West Point is the only remaining military installation where Reveille and Retreat are still performed live. The Jazz Knights are an 18-piece big band, 1775 Fall-Winter 2009 35 band‘s musical components rehearse several days a week to prepare. Music is often chosen in support of a concert theme. It may be selected by a guest artist featured with the band. The music may be received months in advance, or it may arrive very close to the performance date. It takes a seasoned professional to learn complex music on a moment‘s notice and make it sound polished. SSG Porter enjoys this aspect of his job in the band. ―Performing with the level of musicians we have in the West Point Band teaches me something every day. We have some of the best performers in the world in our ensembles.‖ The The West Point Band Hellcats high caliber of musicians is often what attracts SFC Herndon has been a clarinetist in the people to audition for the band, but a steady Concert Band since 1998. After receiving a paycheck in an uncertain economy is equally master‘s degree in clarinet performance in 1995, he attractive. SSG Porter observes that ―there is a joined the Army as a bandsman and was stationed lot of competition at auditions. Job security for with the 296th Army Band at Camp Zama, Japan. orchestras is no where close to what it used to be.‖ A year and a half later he auditioned for the West Before his job in the West Point Band, SSG Porter Point Band based on a recommendation from his was a civilian freelance musician, often logging a undergraduate clarinet professor, a West Point 70-hour work week as a performer and music Band alumnus. SFC Herndon, like many members teacher. ―As a performing musician, you very of the band, was attracted to the West Point Band‘s often have to balance freelance jobs, private ―stabilized‖ assignment. ―It‘s a great gig for lessons, and other sources of income to make ends a musician and unique in the Army with our meet. The West Point Band presented the perfect permanent duty status here at West Point. I get opportunity -- a full time job as a performer. Very extreme enjoyment in playing clarinet for a living. few musicians have the stability and peace of There is an incredible amount of talent throughout mind provided to us.‖ the band, and it motivates me to continue to try to SSG Castleman, the lead trumpet player in improve my skills.‖ the Jazz Knights, agrees with Porter. ―Full-time Those skills can often be non-musical, as the jobs for musicians are dwindling.‖ SSG band is a self-sustaining organization. West Point Castleman came to the West Point Band in 2008 band members can assume a variety of non-musical after seven years in the Air Force, a career move duties that are crucial to the band‘s success. These he is excited about. ―The best part of my job is duties include: Football Production Staff, Guest sitting back and listening to the great players we Artist Coordinator for the Concert Band, and have in the band. I really enjoy listening to the Resource Management. improvised solos in the Jazz Knights.‖ Notwithstanding the importance of secondary duties, musical excellence remains paramount, and band members take seriously the charge to continuously improve. There must be a good balance between what West Point bandsmen are hired to do as a musicians and their extra duties. This balance ensures the band remains a musical world class outfit as it continues to provide outstanding support to the Army as one of four Special Bands. For more information on the West Point Band, please visit www.westpoint.edu/band. There you will find the band‘s schedule of events, as well West Point Concert Band performing at Trophy Point as recordings in the Listening Room. 36 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association, www.agcra.com ―As Time Goes By‖ – U.S. Army National Guard Bands By SGM Jim Snyder Throughout the history Advanced Leader Course (ALC), and finally to the of the United States, Army Senior Leader Course (SLC). National Guard Bands have Each of these courses is two weeks in length with been present supporting future prerequisite courses being completed online communities and Soldiers. prior to entrance into the resident phase back at the Citizen Soldiers first Army School of Music. All training is geared toward appeared during the musical performance and leadership development. struggle for freedom from Soldiers are trained to be performers in various England and provided the musical ensembles. They are also trained to lead rhythm to march and train ensembles both in training and mission performance. the new militia for battle by All Army Bands (Active Duty, Army Reserve, using drummers and and National Guard) are arranged in similar fashion. buglers to execute troop National Guard Bands are built with 40 Soldiers; 39 formations and movements. enlisted, and 1 Warrant Officer Bandmaster and trains Fifes and drums were used and utilizes various music performance teams (MPTs). to rally the militia to defeat The MPTs include a Ceremonial Band, Large Popular the opposing forces while Ensemble (Show Band), Small Popular Ensemble drummers and buglers were used in directing and leading (Rock Band), Jazz Combo, and various small chamber the front ranks into battle. ensembles such as a Brass or Woodwind Quintet. In During the Civil War, 24 citizen Soldier musicians the National Guard, Concert Bands are also relied (buglers and drummers) became some of the first upon frequently for State functions and missions. recipients of the Medal of Honor for their heroics. They In today‘s Army Bands, keyboard, guitar, electric stood their ranks, led the charges and fought alongside bass, and drum set performers are often the hardest the infantry with very little training. qualified musicians to find. Also of interest to many, Unlike the first citizen Soldier Musicians, today‘s the Army Bands program is in the process of Soldiers receive some of the finest training in both developing great opportunities for vocalists; for both combat tactics and, yes, music. You might ask, ―What serious music and popular music idioms. Sound does it take to become a Soldier Musician in the National Technicians are also being sought to support these Guard?‖ Musicians enlisting in the Army National Guard various musical ensembles. With the MPT today must have sound musical skills and thus must first configuration, popular music is a mainstay in our undergo a difficult audition prior to enlistment. Any local Army Bands performance repertoire. Army, Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Navy, or Who may have the opportunity to join a National Marine Corps Band can assist with the audition. The Guard Band? National Guard Bands are made up of audition process and format is universal for the military traditional Soldiers who join right out of high school, services mentioned. The audition consists of performing during and/or after college graduation, along with a prepared piece, music scales, and sight-reading. those Soldiers who left active duty not only from the If the audition is passed successfully, potential Army, but from other services as well. If you are a recruits are then required to complete a Basic Combat Soldier leaving active duty you may join the ranks of Training (BCT) course. After Basic Training, AIT the National Guard very easily. Many do. musical training for all National Guard Soldier Musicians In today‘s National Guard it is common to see takes place at The Armed Forces School of Music. It is a Soldier Musicians achieve a career with over 30 years tri-service school which serves as an MOS producing of service and retiring at the age of 60. As civilian school for the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps Bands careers develop, Soldiers find themselves having to program. The school is located on the Naval Amphibious move to different States. That does not stop them from Base at Little Creek, Fort Story, in Norfolk, Virginia, and continuing their career in the National Guard as they training is currently four weeks in length. In FY 11, this can easily locate a Band in a neighboring State or training will increase to 10 weeks and for the first time it Territory. There is one Army Band in each state of the will include total integration of the National Guard, Army country except Nevada and Alaska. There also is a Reserve, and Active Duty Soldier Musicians. band in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and most Beyond basic training and AIT, NCOES is recently Guam. Army National Guard Bands are State progressive just as it is for all MOSs within the Army. controlled. All Army National Guard Bands use the All National Guard Soldier Musicians return to the same MTOE of 39 enlisted Soldiers and one Warrant Armed Forces School of Music for continuing NCOES Officer Bandmaster. National Guard Bands, like their beginning with Warrior Leader Training (WLT), where AC and USAR counterparts, provide music to instill in they learn basic warrior leadership skills. Next is our forces the will to fight and win. 1775 Fall-Winter 2009 37 ―Concierto en Honor al Veterano‖ –AC and ARNG Bands join together to salute Puerto Rico’s Veterans By Major Derrick Shaw, TRADOC Band men and women who are ideally suited to be Across the Army, many of our bands went to work ―influencers‖ of young people in the recruiting mission. on November 11th, 2009 to celebrate the service and In the marketing buildup for the event, the Puerto Rico sacrifices of the nation‘s veterans. In the historic venue National Guard communicated with virtually every known as El Paseo de la Princesa in Old San Juan, veteran‘s organization on the island and worked to make Puerto Rico, Army Bands joined together to perform a them the centerpiece of the celebration. concert that connected across the spectrum of outreach Second was a desire to help raise the visibility of and camaraderie and concluded with Tchaikovsky‘s the U.S. Army to the people of the Commonwealth. The heroic ―1812 Overture‖. The performance was hosted by event received exceptional coverage from networks such MG Antonio Vicens, Adjutant General, Puerto Rico as Univision and other Puerto Rican and Latin National Guard and featured Soldier-Musicians of the American media outlets. Location was also crucial to 248th Army Band (PR ARNG) seated side-by-side with achievement of the goal of heightened visibility. Many colleagues from a number of bands in the Active venues were researched prior to the final selection, but Component including TRADOC, Ground Forces, Signal El Paseo de la Princesa became the focal point due to its Corps, AMC, Pershing‘s Own, and the Army School of location in Old San Juan, proximity to the Governor‘s Music. Joined by four major civilian choruses, the residence, accessibility for the audience, and Salute Battery of the PR ARNG, a large audio-visual architectural and landscaping beauty. The City of San backdrop, and a fireworks display, these performers Juan, who also provided some of the funding, was a brought the crowd of thousands to their feet in a strong supporter of the entire event. powerful application of U.S. Army Bands. The leadership of all bands and elements involved The performance was conducted by MAJ Derrick were extremely flexible and helped pave the way for a Shaw of the TRADOC Band and CW2 Luis Santiago of great joint AC/RC effort. Army Bands can affect the 248th Army Band and featured a tribute to veterans outreach and recruiting missions in powerful ways. throughout our nation‘s history. Opening with ―Army This successful Veteran‘s Day event demonstrated these Strong‖ and a parade of state and territorial flags capabilities and supported a key aspect of U.S. Army underscored by ―Olympic Spirit,‖ the lineup also Accessions Command‘s intent to reach across included such highlights as ―Suite from Band of demographics and connect with all Americans. Brothers,‖ ―Ballad of the Green Berets,‖ and ―God Bless America.‖ The concert closed with ―Alma Boriqua,‖ ―Armed Forces Salute,‖ and of course the dramatic ―1812 Overture‖ led by CW2 Santiago. Of special note were performances by each of the choral groups and an exciting rendition of the traditional salsa tune ―El Cumbanchero‖ featuring soloists from many of the participating bands. The idea for the concert began in November, 2008 following a highly successful recruiting mission to Puerto Rico conducted by Soldiers from the TRADOC Band and Army School of Music. CW2 Santiago and SGT Rafael Velez of the TRADOC Band collaborated on the idea of a large concert to salute Puerto Rican Veterans in San Juan. As the project developed, MG Vicens became tied into the idea that this event could become a key means by which the Army could connect on a number of different levels. His support and buy-in to the event helped to elevate the mission concept from that of a small concert in a theater to a large-scale event at a major venue in the heart of Old San Juan. The first priority of the mission was to highlight the Veterans of Puerto Rico. Many veteran Members of the Sax Section before the start of the organizations in the Commonwealth have regularly Puerto Rico Veteran's Day Concert. Pictured from L-R: pointed out the isolation of their membership from the SGT Luis Rivera (Ground Forces Band), SFC Alberto more visible recognitions of service that occur in the Sanchez (TRADOC Band), SSG Antonio Orta continental U.S. This disconnection of Puerto Rican (Pershing's Own), and SPC Jose Rodriguez (Ground Veterans has often manifested in a disassociation of Forces Band) 38 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association, www.agcra.com Commandant’s Human Resources Professional Reading and Resource List By MAJ Rita Spence, AG School The Commandant‘s HR professional reading and resource list will provide a selection of readings and movies outside of the standard training curriculum that can add depth and breadth to a leader‘s development at any stage of their career. Joe Burlas, a writer from Army News Service, stated in a previous article, ―good leaders are always curious about how others have solved similar problems they face‖. Generals George S. Patton, Douglas MacArthur and President Dwight D. Eisenhower considered self-development important and accomplished it with their own focused professional reading program. All branches of the United States military have professional reading programs and recommend all leaders read at least two books a year. As HR professionals, we can never spend too much time researching our profession. There is no better way to ensure we have the knowledge and confidence required of America‘s most demanding occupation (Army Soldier) than to maintain a mental fitness through a career-long professional reading program. Army leaders encourage Soldiers to continue to enhance their war fighting skills, and learn more about their craft and heritage beyond the normal duty day by undertaking a voluntary, self-paced reading program in their spare time. The AG School Commandant‘s professional reading and resource list will complement and reinforce your leadership development programs by highlighting some of the leadership challenges endured both in the military and civilian sectors. The movies and articles should provoke reflection, discussion and debate. Professional reading lists should be diverse and interesting for the reader, therefore, we selected books of a diverse nature for our profession. The books on the Commandant‘s list are currently in print and available through commercial sources such as Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com. The web link for the articles are located on the reading list. Gettysburg (mini-series-DVD) is located at moviesunlimited.com. The 12 O‘clock (movie DVD) can be purchased on Amazon.com. The mini-series, Once an Eagle DVD set is located on www.ecrater.com. We will update the list annually and welcome any recommendations for books, articles or movies to add to the professional reading list. AG School Commandant’s HR Professional Reading and Resource List TITLE AUTHOR 1. Lexus and the Olive Tree Thomas L. Friedman 2. Imperial Hubris: Why the West is Losing the War Michael Scheuer on Terror 3. Leading Change: A Model by John Kotter John Kotter 4. The Pentagon’s New Map Thomas P.M. Barnett 5. HR from the Heart Libby Sartain 6. Lincoln on Leadership: Executive Strategies for Donald T. Phillips Tough Times 7. Building More Effective Organizations: HR Ronald J. Burke Management and Performance in Practice 8. The New Counterinsurgency Era: Transforming the John A. Nagl U.S. Military for Modern Wars 9. Muddy Boots Leadership: Real Life Stories and John Chapman Personal Examples of Good, Bad, and Unexpected Results 10. Never Surrender: A Soldier’s Journey to the LTG (Ret) William Boykin Crossroads of Faith and Freedom 11. HR Champions David Ulrich 12. The Future of Human Resource Management: Mike Losey, David Ulrich & Sue Meisinger 64 Thought Leaders Explore the Critical HR Issues of Today and Tomorrow

1775 Fall-Winter 2009 39 AG School Commandant’s HR Professional Reading and Resource List (Continued) TITLE AUTHOR 13. The Path to Victory: America’s Army and the Donald Vandergriff Revolution in Human Affairs 14. The Five Temptations of a CEO Patrick Lencioni 15. The Killer Angels: A Novel of the Civil War Michael Shaara 16. The Age of the Unthinkable: Why the New World Joshua Cooper Ramo Disorder Constantly Surprises Us and What We Can Do About It 17. The Gamble: General David Petraeus and the Thomas E. Ricks American Military Adventure in Iraq 18. Lead By Example: 50 Ways Great Leaders Inspire John Baldoni Results 19. Developing Adaptive Leaders: The Crucible of Leonard Wong Experience of Operation Iraqi Freedom 20. How the Army Runs: A Senior Leader Reference Army War College Handbook 21. The Echo of Battle: The Army’s Way of War Brian M. Linn 22. Who Moved My Cheese Spencer Johnson, M.D. 23. An Adjutant General Remembers MG Kenneth Wickham 24. G.I. Jive: An Army Bandsmen in WWII Frank Furlong Mathias 25. American Phenomenon John Philip Sousa 26. Once An Eagle Anton Myrer

HR Professional Articles and Movies TITLE AUTHOR 1. 12 O’clock High (Movie) Sy Bartlett 2. Gettysburg (Mini Series) Ronald F. Maxwell 3. Once An Eagle (Mini Series) Anton Myrer 4. Winning in Afghanistan: pp. 5-21 (Article) Ali Jalali 5. The End of Proportionality: pp. 53-64 (Article) Jonathan F. Keiler 6. United States-Iranian Relations: The Terrorism Gawdat Bahgat Challenge: pp. 95-108 (Article) 7. Crafting Strategy in an Age of Transition: Shawn Brimley pp. 27-42 (Article) 8. Contractors: the New Element of Military Force Mark Cancian Structure: pp. 61-77 (Article)

40 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association, www.agcra.com SECTION III: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

SUBJECT: Reply to LTC (Ret) Lyle Adams‘ Letter to the Editor, ―Yes, Horatio... It‘s Time to Rename the AG Corps,‖ 1775 Summer 2009

After reading LTC (Ret) Adams‘ letter to the Editor, I had a visceral reaction. First, I felt a little bit violated, but later, as I reflected more on his recommendation, I thought an educational approach to his suggestion might be most appropriate. In my opinion, LTC (Ret) Adams overlooked a great body of facts about AGs and Adjutants in General: 1. Horatio Gates did not invent Adjutants, nor was he the first one in history. Adjutants are documented in armies as far back as the Peloponesian Wars. Our current title comes from the Latin word ―adjutans.‖ In many armies of the world, The Adjutant has a much bigger role than what we envision today. In those forces, Adjutants function more like a Chief of Staff to a Battalion or Regimental Commander. In earlier times, the role of our ―The Adjutant General‖ encompassed broad Responsibilities as also being The Inspector General; The Chief of Intelligence; and many other key military functions, as well as the official mouthpiece for the commander. 2. AG Officers are part of the baseline Officer Corps. We are Title X Officers. We are not a ―Limited Duty Branch‖ created by another Title in the Public Law (i.e., Doctors, Lawyers, Dentists, Social Workers, Nurses, and Public Health Services. Those branches are generally limited in scope and some have no command authority. AG Corps Officers are only limited by the prohibition against women serving in combat units, and can be assigned against any position the Commander wishes. AG Officers are currently serving as General Officers; Commanders; Chiefs of Staff; Secretaries of General Staff; G-1s, S-2s, S-3s; Terminal Commanders (mail receipt and distribution); Public Relations Officers; Journalists; Computer and Technology Experts; Executive Officers to Political Appointees and SES Civilians; Musicians and Band Commanders; Liaison Officers; and of course, Adjutant General‘s Corps officers. 3. LTC (Ret) Adams has inferred that the overwhelming reference to ―HR‖ in current MTOE and TDA documents constitutes a rationale for renaming the officers of our historic Corps. For those of you who have only been in the Army a few years, wait a while and all titles eventually change. Job titles are kind of like the wind and the wind will sooner or later blow in a different direction. So too, all the Army‘s naming conventions will be washed away in a new round of modernization in the near future. The term ―Human Resources‖ (HR) sounds limited and too much like a commodity to me. Resource Management is a ―function‖ rather than an appropriate name for a Corps of officers. I believe that such a brand (HR officer) is limiting, rather than enabling. I also believe that most of the HR positions in Combat Arms and Combat Support Battalions and Brigades will always be filled by junior officers of the respective branch of that unit. In my nearly 15 years in Infantry Divisions, some of the best S-1s and Adjutants were Combat Arms NCOs and Officers. It is my opinion that none of them will be rushing out to get the title of Human Resources officer. They will always be known in their units as the trusted staff officer and Commander‘s confidant – ―The Adjutant.‖ I believe this title is not going away anytime soon. I believe LTC (Ret) Adams is right in positing that the Army is changing and the Branch is changing too. There is more of a difference between the AG officer of today and those of my time. Some major factors include the elimination of combat arms details during the Vietnam War. Second, the elimination of the Women ‘s Army Corps in 1976 that brought many fine and experienced female officers

1775 Fall-Winter 2009 41 into our branch. By the late 1970s and early ‗80s, at least half of our branch accessions each year were female. However, at the time I was AG Branch Assignments Chief from 1981 to 1984, nearly 2/3 of our field grade officers were former Combat Arms Officers, or former Combat Arms detailees who had served in combat units in time of war. On a proportional basis, we had as many DSCs, Silver Stars, and Bronze Star awardees as any of the Combat Arms branches. Combat Infantry Badges, Expert Infantry Badges, Parachute Wings, Pathfinder Badges, Ranger Tabs and Special Forces Tabs were a common sight on our uniforms. The changes in our branch composition is distinct, but surely not a rational reason to change our name. During my tenure as Assignments Branch Chief it was Army policy to create competent and broadly-experienced officers. We were a team with the AG School. The School Commandant stressed physical fitness and military skills. We made sure that any Officer Basic Course (OBC) graduate or AG Advanced Course graduate, who was physically capable, got a shot at Airborne School or an equivalent physically demanding course. We scooped up every excess or unused quota available to that end. Back then walking into your first assignment with ―Jump Wings‖ or a ―Ranger Tab‖ sewed on your BDUs gave instant recognition to AG officers as no different than their Combat arms counterparts. It also broke down the barriers to assignments in some of our Army‘s elite units. Finally, some gratuitous guidance from ―the Old AG Branch Assignments Chief.‖ If you want to be an AG officer or NCO, leaders in the best Army we have ever had, spend your time becoming a ―Man or Woman for All Seasons‖; a versatile officer who will be sought out to fill a myriad of important positions in the Army; an officer who regardless of Branch will be seen as qualified to do anything. The Adjutant General‘s Corps is a great body of men and women with a proud history. Stick out your chin, puff up your chest and know you are in the best of company. I strongly urge you to reject any ―Label‖ that marginalizes or limits you in your Army Career. Go Army! Go AG Corps! John W. Jackson LTC, AG, USA Retired

LTC (Ret) Jackson served in the Army from 1963 to 1988 and served in many diverse assignments. He was the first G-1/AG in the Army at the 9th ID (Motorized), and served as a Corps AG and a Corps G-6. He also served as Acting Chief of Staff for I Corps. After retirement, LTC (Ret) Jackson started a Consulting Corporation that has worked on many key Army projects including “Army of the Future”. LTC (Ret) Jackson retired a second time in 2003 and now lives in Palm Springs, CA, in the Winter, and in the Pacific Northwest in the Summer. He spends most of his free time today as a volunteer, teaching and working with “Gifted and Talented Children” - kids who may be the most neglected group of public school students in America.

Letters to the Editor of 1775 solely express the opinions of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the officers of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association, nor policy or guidance of the Army’s HR leadership. Letters to the Editor of 1775 can be e-mailed to [email protected]. 42 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association, www.agcra.com SECTION IV: AGCRA News AGCRA AWARDS PROGRAM CW5 (Ret) David A. Ratliff, AGCRA VP for Awards It has been several years since the Adjutant Period of Time. General‘s Corps Regimental Association (AGCRA) Horatio Gates Bronze - For Significant awards program was featured in 1775. Since then Achievement ―or‖ Service Over an Extended Period we have added new awards, adjusted some awards of Time. criteria and continued to recognize individual AGCRA Achievement Medal - For Achievement contributions to the Army and our Association, as and/or Service (considered the Chapter President‘s well as outstanding academic performance, award). physical fitness, and leadership in AG initial entry Honorary Medal - Senior Officers (LTC and above), or advanced courses. Senior Warrant Officers (CW4 and above), Senior The US Mint halted production of some of the Noncommissioned Officers (MSG and above), and Association‘s original medals and these have been Senior Civilians (GS 13 or above / equivalent) who redesigned. The Distinguished Honor Graduate normally would ―not‖ be members of the Adjutant from all basic and advanced courses receives the General's Corps, nor affiliated with the Adjutant Benjamin Harrison Medal (The Winfield Scott General's Corps, nor participate as members of the Medal went out of production). Adjutant General's Corps Regimental Association, Our newest awards honor two of our but are recognized for their extraordinary distinguished former leaders – MG William H. achievements and service which promote the Gourley medal for leadership and COL Frank C. objectives and purposes of the Adjutant General's Foster, Jr., award for writing excellence. These Corps awards are currently presented at graduation for Benjamin Harrison Medal - For obtaining the the AG Captains Career Course. The first Gourley highest overall class standing in Leadership, medal was presented in September 2008 and the Academics, and Physical Fitness for all AG School first Foster award was presented in June 2009 and NCOA HR Courses, except AIT. with COL (Ret) Foster presenting the medal. AGCRA Medal of Excellence - For obtaining the The AGCRA Executive Council views the highest overall class standing in Academics, Physical AGCRA Achievement Medal as an ―impact award‖ Fitness, and Leadership during AG AIT. and the Gates Medals as ―service awards‖. We Theodore Roosevelt Medal - For Excellence in receive many AGCRA award nominations for Physical Fitness. individuals who are not members of AGCRA. The LTG Timothy J. Maude Medal for Gates Gold and Bronze, the Achievement Medal, Distinguished Achievement - AG Corps and the Theodore Roosevelt Medal are awarded Regimental Officer and WO of the Year. only to AGCRA members. SGM Larry L. Strickland Medal for The Adjutant General‘s Corps ―Regimental Of Distinguished Achievement - AG Corps the Year‖ program continues to grow. We received Regimental NCO and Soldier of the Year. a record number of nominations this past year from Mr. John J. Dinnien Medal For Achievement across the Army. The Association provides the and Service - AG Corps Regimental Civilian of the medals, but this is an Adjutant General‘s Corps Year. Regimental and US Army program. Nominees do MG William H. Gourley Leadership Award and not have to be members of AGCRA. Each year the COL Frank C. Foster, Jr. Award for Writing criteria and packet submission date is announced Excellence - AG Captains Career Course awards. through official Army channels. Selection boards Detailed information on AGCRA awards can be are convened and the winners are recognized found at the Association‘s website at the following during the National AG Ball at Fort Jackson in internet address: http://www.agcra.com/awards.php June. Or you can write or e-mail the AGCRA VP for Information about each award follows and some awards at the following: AGCRA, PO Box 10026, are highlighted on the following pages: Fort Jackson, SC 29207, e-mail: [email protected]. Horatio Gates Gold - For Extraordinary Achievement ―and‖ Service Over an Extended 1775 Fall-Winter 2009 43 Showcasing Selective AGCRA Awards

HORATIO GATES GOLD or BRONZE HORATIO GATES HONORARY MEDAL History: MG Horatio Gates was the first Adjutant History: Same as the Gates Gold and Bronze. General of the Army. During the Revolutionary Purpose: To recognize the achievements and War a gold medal was presented to MG Gates by distinguished service of individuals who promote Congress to commemorate his victories over the the objectives of the AG Corps as set forth in the British in the Battles of Bennington, Fort Stanwix Constitution and Bylaws of the Association. and Saratoga. These three key battles prevented Persons Eligible: Sr Officers, Sr NCOs, and Sr the British from occupying the strategic Hudson Civilians who normally would not be members of Valley and isolating New England from the other the AG Corps, or affiliated with the AG Corps, when colonies. A replica of the original Gold Medal the recommendation is submitted. Also, eligible are honors Gates' service and leadership. persons in Human Resources positions who have Purpose: To recognize the achievements ―and‖ (for provided significant support to the AG Corps. Gold) ―or‖ (for Bronze) service of individuals who Individuals may only receive this award one time. promote the objectives of the AGCRA and/or the AG Cost: $40.00, borne by the recommending Corps, as set forth in the Constitution and Bylaws authority. of the Association. Persons Eligible: Any person who is a member in good standing of AGCRA and who is a member of the AG Corps, or other HR professional, or affiliated with the AG Corps, when the award recommendation is submitted. Personnel may not receive this award more than twice. Cost: $30.00 / $25.00, borne by the recommending authority.

AGCRA ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL History: At the request of many Chapter Presidents, the AGCRA created an award to recognize contributions to the Association and the AG Corps. Purpose: To recognize the achievements of individuals who promote the objectives and purposes of the AGCRA and the AG Corps, or Human Resources professional, as set forth in the Constitution and Bylaws of the Association. The AGCRA Achievement Medal is awarded for achievement of a lesser degree than required for award of the Horatio Gates Medal. Persons Eligible: Any person who is a member in good standing of the Association, and who is a member of the AG Corps, or affiliated with the AG Corps, or other Human Resources professional, when the recommendation is submitted. Personnel may not receive this award more than twice. Cost: $20.00, borne by the recommending authority. 44 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association, www.agcra.com AGCRA Award Winners August - November 2009

GATES GOLD CW5 Jeanne Y. Pace (2nd) CSM Billy Blackmon (2nd) nd ROOSEVELT MEDAL LTC (Ret) Judith F. Boyd (2 ) ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL CW2 Mei Van N. Gentry Mrs. Deborah S. Jacobs CPT Samone M. Chapman GATES BRONZE Mr. Richard A. Coutermarsh CW2 Juanita A. Vreeland CWO3 Travis W. Zinn (USMC) Mr. William B. Bluford CW3 Jennifer E. Wolf LTC David A. Smoot CPT Pedro Rosario 2LT Stephen R. Jones Mr. Ernest C. Robinson, Jr. SSG Salika H. Gray 2LT Timothy A. Patton MSG Barbara O‘Hara SFC Angela M. Parker 2LT James B. Wilburn III SFC Melissa Cannon SFC Shonda Harrington 2LT Gamaliel Rodriguez SGM Karen Staskal SFC Belinda G. Gaither- 2LT Levi J. Howze MSG(P) Todd Shirley Schmitt WO1 Camilla J. Henry MSG Pat A. Barber SFC Tamara L. Sorrell Mr. Lanny S. Hall WO1 Lasundra D. McCray CPT Ryan Kosowsky WO1 Ernest P. Pitzer LTC Steven R. Ranson MSG Cynthia B. Stanley SGM Michael R. Walker WO1 Rebecca Y. Steinfeld 1SG Patrick A. Thomas, Jr. SSG Alwyn B. Jones MSG Keith N. Dyer SSG Jose Gomez-Ortiz MSG Tiffany L. Howard CPT Chad M. Henderson MSG Roseanne Fisher 1LT Caroline B. Hidalgo 1SG Mark A. Clark CPT Maria C. Wallace CPT Mark R. Corn HARRISON MEDAL WO1 Dethra L. Woodberry SSG Denise Jackson 2LT Chinyere Asoh CW2 Mei Van N Gentry 2LT Dawn M. Magiera 2LT Daniel J. Underwood 2LT Latondra S. Sapp WO1 Dane M. Wilson AIT MEDAL OF EXCELLENCE SSG Patrick B. Allen SFC Javier Solivan PV2 Kesha McCarr SSG Jason R. Timothy SGT Joscelynn J. Pham PV2 Joshua Stewart 2LT Edys Batista CPT Chad M. Henderson SPC Raymond Griffin 2LT Amy Crane WO1 Melissa M. Rice SPC Lee DeForest 2LT Diana Duke 2LT Chinyere Asoh PV2 Kenneth Smalley 2LT Frederick Shear SSG Scott A. Rapach SPC Gokben Gurdemir 2LT Lakeisha Matthews 2LT Lauryn Wierda SPC Eruch A. Kimball SSG Jessica J. Stafford-Moore SGT Rhonda Covey PFC Richard Callis WO1 Laswahn M. Ortello SGT Alana Kratzner PFC Marcus Fisher SGT Ayrika Spence WO1 Lamika D. Brown SSG John Williams WO1 Renee L. Dudden SPC Owen Keville WO1 Donald W. Spikes LTC Neal McIntyre MAJ John W. Hankins COL FRANK C. FOSTER, JR. CPT Andre D. Watson AWARD FOR WRITING MG WILLIAM H. GOURLEY CPT Julie J. Fullem EXCELLENCE LEADERSHIP AWARD CW4 George S. Toves CPT Chad M. Henderson CPT Brian L. Hollandsworth SGT Toya M. Rivers 1775 Fall-Winter 2009 45 AGCRA Membership Update By SFC (Ret) Kenneth M. Fidler, Jr., AGCRA VP Membership Greetings, fellow AG and HR  Lone Start Chapter (Fort Hood) professionals. As I discussed with you in the  Potomac Chapter (Wash DC, N. VA) Summer 2009 issue of 1775, the AGCRA Executive  Rhein-Neckar Chapter (Germany) Council had adopted an aggressive Campaign Plan For those of you who have yet to visit our and Membership Drive in an effort to reinvigorate website, I encourage you to do so at and reintroduce the Association to the Army‘s www.agcra.com. Our Webmaster is making Human Resources (HR) Community. This improvements and additions in an effort to better Membership Drive is now in full swing and I am serve our members. There is a ―What‘s New‖ pleased to report to you that since the August 2009 feature along the left-hand side of the home page publication of 1775, our membership has again that chronologically lists the recent additions to the increased by over 350 new and renewed members website. For those of you looking for past issues of in just 90 days! We are averaging at least 100 1775, there are several back issues now available new/renewed memberships each month during this in .pdf format in the ―Members Only‖ section. period, with 140 memberships alone coming in There is also a link to the AGCRA brochure, which November. And so far in 2009, we have welcomed contains general information about the Association over 1,000 new and renewed members in just 11 to include Regimental Awards, Association months, which is over 200 members more than the Chapters, and a membership application. Feel free previous two years combined! So, as you can see, to reproduce this brochure as often as necessary as the efforts of the Executive Council, Chapter a tool to recruit new members to join our Officers and you in the general membership Association. population, are really beginning to pay off. The website also allows you to purchase This is a direct reflection of the pride and and/or renew your AGCRA membership through honor that each of you has in your Corps, your the Sutler Store link, by following these steps: Regiment, and you‘re Association. But there is still a. www.agcra.com. much work to be done whereas the Army has over b. Click on "Get/Renew Your AGCRA 49,400 AG/HR Soldiers and civilians assigned in all Membership" link. three components, yet only a little more than 3% c. Select membership level (based on are members of AGCRA. Please keep in mind that rank/status). the centerpiece of the afore mentioned Campaign d. Click "add to basket". Then click on "view Plan is the increased membership of senior HR basket" and "continue". leaders, and execute strategic communications e. Select "register and continue― (For First (STRATCOMs) with AG/HR leaders, Soldiers, Time Users of this New Website, this is not for civilians and retirees. AKO credentials). An underlying goal is to get the current f. Click on "submit and continue". members to update their contact info in the g. Click on "continue" to review order. Association‘s membership database, stay active as h. Click on "continue" to verify address and AGCRA members, as well as encouraging AG/HR click "continue" again. professionals who are not members of AGCRA to i. Select Payment Method. consider joining the Army‘s professional HR (1) Print form and mail in payment. Association. (2) Direct payment (secure credit card No message from your Membership VP would transaction with PayPal). be complete without recognizing those chapters (3) PayPal Express (pre-existing PayPal who have assisted in significantly increasing the customers only). overall membership of the AGCRA through hard j. Complete payment information. work, dedication, and pride. The following k. Select "Go Now". You will receive a Chapters are recognized for their efforts and message that your order has been approved. contributions during the past few months in PLEASE NOTE – The email address and contributing to the growth of our Association: password you select during the registration  Carolina Chapter (Fort Jackson) process is for Sutler Store use only and is not  Iron Mike Chapter (Fort Bragg) maintained by the AGCRA. Once your order 46 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association, www.agcra.com is successfully processed, you will receive an automated notification that provides your Member Number/User ID and temporary password for access to the Members Only section of the website. We do apologize for the inconvenience. Modifications to this process are being developed at this time. I know it has been mentioned previously, but it is worth mentioning again. In order to avoid unnecessary stress and frustration, it is critical that the information you enter during the on-line application process not only be correct, but accurate as well. The slightest mistake (misspelled word in address, incorrect number of digits in the zip code) may result in your credit card being rejected by PayPal. Your credit card account may be in good standing, but the slightest admin error may result in a disapproval of the transaction. Please ensure that the name on the application matches the name on the credit card (if the name on the credit card is John Doe, then the name on the application needs to be John Doe). For those who desire to join AGCRA or renew an existing membership the old-fashioned way, a membership application is also located in this edition of 1775. Simply fill it out and send it along with your payment to: AGCRA ATTN: VP-Membership (Ken Fidler) P.O. Box 10026 Fort Jackson, SC 29207 By the time you receive this issue of 1775, several of you may have received the automated email reminder that sends out an email notification to those members whose memberships will expire within 90 days, as well as to members whose membership has been expired for up to 90 days. Over 800 notifications have successfully been sent within the last six months, with none being returned due to faulty email addresses. So thank you for keeping your information current and up to date. There are still many members who have become inactive because they have let their membership expire. They will therefore no longer receive 1775 due to the high costs of publishing and mailing the magazine. If you know anyone in this situation, please urge them to renew their membership so that they don‘t miss an issue. In closing, the AGCRA Executive Council is making an all out effort to make the Association more visible to all AG/HR professionals. The AGCRA now has a presence on S1Net and FaceBook. We will be posting important announcements and the AGCRA Newsletters to both of these websites. We have also added photos and posted discussion board topics on FaceBook. For further assistance or information on membership, please contact your Chapter representative or email me directly at [email protected]. Defend and Serve! (Cut along dotted line and mail to: AGCRA, PO Box 10026, Fort Jackson, SC 29207) Become a Member of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association Application Type:  New Membership  Renewal Current Rank/Title: ______First Name:______Last Name:______Address: ______City, State, Zip: ______Email: ______Identify AGCRA Chapter you wish to be affiliated with:______Select your Membership Level Below: Regular Rates Junior Personnel PAYMENT INFORMATION All Officers, Warrant Officers, SSG and below, GS7 and below, _____ Personal Check or Money Order SFC-CSM, GS8 and above & Contractor Personnel Payable to AGCRA  1 YEAR $25.00  1 YEAR $20.00 _____ Charge to (check one):  3 YEAR $65.00  3 YEAR $50.00 _____ Visa ____ AMEX _____ MasterCard ____ Discover Lifetime Membership Rates Name on Card: ______ Age 18-29 $700.00  Age 40-54 $500.00 Card Number: ______ Age 30-39 $600.00  Age 55+ $400.00 Exp Date: ______

1775 Fall-Winter 2009 47 Items for Sale in the Sutler Store For more information or to purchase items, go to http://agcra.com/store/ Check out the AG Corps logo apparel available in the Sutler Store. Featured is the women‘s AG Corps ¾ sleeve Solid Dress Shirt available in Light Blue or White, and the men‘s AG Corps long sleeve Solid Dress Shirt available in Light Blue or Khaki. Additionally, new cool dry polyester Polo shirts w/AG Corps Logo are available in both women‘s and men‘s styles in an assortment of colors. Crewneck and Hooded sweatshirts w/AG Corps Logo are also available in Navy. For Golfers who want to show their AG Corps pride on the course, click on ―The Golf Store‖ tab on the homepage. AG Corps Golf items include: Golf Towels w/Grommet and Logo available in Red or Navy; a light weight Golf Wind Shirt w/Logo and zippered sleeves in two locations available in Navy; and AGCRA Golf Tees (3 ¼‖) available in Natural or White. All prices include shipping and handling. AG Corps Golf Windshirt (Navy) – $50.00 AG Corps Ceramic Mug (Cobalt) – $7.00 AG Corps Stainless Rollerball Pen – $10.00 Legend Pen (Defend and Serve) (Electric Blue) – $8.00 Executive Zippered Padfolio (Blue/Black) – $25.00 AG Corps Men’s Polo - Cool Dry Polyester (Navy, White, or Red) – $25.00 AG Corps Women’s Polo - Cool Dry Polyester (Navy or Red) – $25.00 AG Corps Men’s Long sleeve Solid Dress Shirt (Light Blue or Khaki) – $35.00 AG Corps Laser engraved Wooden Humidor – $45.00 AG Corps Women’s 3/4 sleeve Solid Dress Shirt (Light Blue or White) – $30.00 AG Corps Golf Tees, 3 ¼”, 25 count (Natural or White) – $7.00 AG Corps Sweatshirt – Crewneck or Hooded (Navy) – $25.00

48 The Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association, www.agcra.com