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If you havent heard, the Pentagon has decided to close down 33 major armed forces bases, and "realign" 29 more. I do not know specifically what "realign" means, but I am assuming that many bases will gain the units that the closing bases are losing...

More here:

http://www.defenselink.mil/brac/

Here is a list of the proposed base closings and realignments:

http://www.defenselink.mil/brac/pdf/App ... pdated.pdf


Now, I just briefly browsed the CLOSE entries on this document, and two Army installations popped out pretty quickly:

1. Ft. McPherson, GA (Army)--home of the MACOM-level Ground Forces Band--http://www.forscom.army.mil/band/

2. Ft. Monroe, VA (Army)--home of MACOM-level band The US Continental Army Band--http://147.248.251.93/band/default.htm


The Army bands are essentially divided into 3 levels: Special Bands, MACOM bands (Major Command), and regular or "field" bands. There are only 3 MACOM bands right now, and with the potential closing of the above installations, there will only be ONE left--the one in Heidelberg, Germany.

These bands require a higher playing standard than regular Army bands, and many of their players are at or near the level of playing to make it into a premier ensemble. Many MACOM players end up later auditioning for--and winning--premier band jobs.

I am concerned what will happen to these bands, and the band members--I personally know some people in these ensembles.

I cannot claim to know the location of every military band, so if any of you guys notice another closing installation on the list that has a band, add it to the thread!! I am guessing there are quite a few reserve/guard bands that will get axed as well...

I also am not protesting the base closures themselves. A lot of them are probably a good idea. I mean, if the PENTAGON thinks they are a waste of money, then you can probably bet that THEY ARE.... seeing that most people view the government as big money wasters, you need to consider it when they are policing their own expeditures...

But, I have to feel awful for these musicians... Please please I gotta hope their bands will get relocated, as MANY units will be. You have to realise that though these bases are closing, many of their soldiers will simply be relocated to another base. As you can see on the list, there are bases that will GAIN numbers...


But, what will happen to the bands? Anyone from these bands have any info for us? I'd really like to know. Best of luck to these soldier-musicians!!

First, we are in a time of transition and change to the band field is also on the horizon. Second, these are just recommendations by the DOD and the final say will come after committee, Congress, and the president give their input. Last time around, only 85% of the recommended closures/realignments were successful.

The two stateside MACOM bands will more than likely stay with their respective commands, wherever they are relocated, but they may be severed, moved and then called something else. We'll just have to see what shakes out in the future. Just to be clear, I am not a DOD spokesman, nor do I have any inside info.

Just like the Army as a whole, the Army bands are in transition. The present state of the Army Bands is based on a 1910 model and are looking to modernize and modularize. Basically, the bands are going to be built from the bottom up. Small ensembles, small "cut" bands, combos are what the bands will be most of the time. They can also split the band up into two separate marching bands to play for a parade or a change of command at the same time. It's almost impossible to do that in our band today. The concert band will be needed only for big performances and large ceremonies. Each ensemble could be deployed separately. They said they could have used over 15 more groups in Iraq last Christmas just to play for the troops. It's cheaper and easier to send a quintet than a 41 piece Army Band. This is what I've heard from my commander and from the ABI site (the Army Band Intranet just for Army Band personnel).

Our band has had a combo and last year started a sax quartet. Our brass quintet has only been together for about a month and have already played two jobs. We're going to put together our 14 piece cut band to play for troop deployments and returns in June. Our Concert Band will play together for the 4th of July, at the State Fair in Sept, and at Christmas.

As far as active duty bands, there has been no word on getting rid of any bands. Some will be relocated. For example, there are two bands at Ft Hood but none at Ft Carson. One of those bands could be relocated from Texas to Colorado and renamed.

I note that DOD is looking seriously into building a robot army. It seems appropriate now that they're using electronic bugles for "taps". Why not all-electronic instruments for a band?

You could get any old PFC out of the motor pool, dress him up and give him his electronic horn. "Remember, soldier, press 1 for "Stars and Stripes Forever", 2 for "The Caissons Go Rolling Along", 3 for "Hail to the Chief":.." Keep 'em all synchornized with a Bluetooth linkup.



Or one could go all the way and use robot musicians. Oh, wait-- that's been thought of already:

Well, if I read this right, the Army National Guard Band in Bell, CA., and the Reserve Band at Los Alamitos will be no more. There is only one other Army Band in the state, and that is a Reserve or Guard unit in Tracy, (I think). Sad. The Armed Forces Day Parade is coming this month. What a way to celebrate. There used to be two Regular Army Bands in California, the Presidio and The 7th Div. at Ord. Both of these long gone. What happens to the reserve band members.

Just like the "Reserve"s, won't their new base be Iraq?...

(One weekend a month, in a glorious "beachlike" setting... )