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I stopped by some recruiters (all branches) in my area last week and they mentioned because of the military cutbacks, prior service musicians (my MOS was 02F when I was in) were not eligible for reinlistment in the band (no slots open). They all were happy to point out the only way to get back in was special forces and they would be glad to have me go that route.

Yah, that would have just about killed me when I was younger. Now, I'm sure it would...

Granted, this was for active service; not guard or reserve AND there weren't any 'band recruiters' in my area... Anybody hear anything else?

Also, new people are given preference for the active bands over reservists.

jon112780 wrote:I stopped by some recruiters (all branches) in my area last week and they mentioned because of the military cutbacks, prior service musicians (my MOS was 02F when I was in) were not eligible for reinlistment in the band (no slots open). They all were happy to point out the only way to get back in was special forces and they would be glad to have me go that route.

Yah, that would have just about killed me when I was younger. Now, I'm sure it would...

Granted, this was for active service; not guard or reserve AND there weren't any 'band recruiters' in my area... Anybody hear anything else?

I would call the Army bands office and let them tell me that there are no slots open or go to the MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station...for those who have never had the experience of enlisting) in my area and talk to the OIC about it. Remember, recruiters are just like car salesmen--actually WORSE. Also remember that prior military are not counted the same as "new hires" so they don't get credit--plus enlisting/reenlisting bandspersons takes a good bit of work that recruiters don't care to do. Even if you enlist tomorrow, you still have about 7-8 months before you report to your permanent station, so how can anyone say the slots will be completely full that far into the future?

"SGT" JJ

Your recruiter isn't lying about prior service musicians. Only in a case by case basis and in high need instruments at or below SGT will be considered for the Army. Sorry tubas and euphs, we're not the need; a tuba buddy of mine in the NG was told no, even though he probably plays as well or better than most of the field. We also have a recent Falcone winner in our ranks now The allotments for musicians are driven by folks much higher in rank than those at MEPS. If you're really serious, write your congressperson.

There are dedicated recruiters in most if not all services. For the Marines and regular Army, they are musicians assigned to large geographic areas (the guy in Atlanta covers nine states alone and that's the small area). There are various means of contacting someone who is dedicated to music program HR and should be able to answer your questions more eloquently than a regular recruiter trying to remember talking points. Check out the Army Bands' Recruiting Liaison program online. http://bands.army.mil/jobs/default.asp" target="_blank Master Sergeant Dan Shannon and his crew should be able to help. He's one heck of a sax player and has no agenda other than music. With changes happening every day he's your best source of information on Army Band jobs. Anywhere or anyone else is likely an honest effort based on incomplete information or perspective. If there is a venue for exceptions on prior service contracts, he can find it.

Slots are based on projected needs for the next fiscal year (October through September in the federal government). Right now most hires are for FY 12 (won't show for training before 1 October). There must be plenty of hungry musicians who don't want to teach or didn't get one of the infrequent positions that will pay a mortgage, as the Army band field has always been well above most of the Army in recruiting. Simple supply and demand.

The Army has changed some of how it does business within bands. This has affected training (initial course length is no longer six months in VA Beach) and addresses the need for smaller, more versatile groups to get to increasingly remote locations (with music). The group I led in Afghanistan before I retired performed over 600 times in a year and broke down from the traditional military concert or marching band configuration into four smaller groups (small ceremonial, rock band, dixie/country band and brass chamber ensemble) that fit assorted aircraft and lodging arrangements just a little better than the entire band. Other changes are organizational in nature and pertain to manning and equipment documents that should not affect the day-to-day musical operations.

Hope you can get back in.