US Navy Band Job Opportunity

Jeff Valentine · Post by **Jeff Valentine** » 8 Feb 2008 10:59 pm

Yeah, the Air Force is the only branch right now where you won't be issued a weapon if you end up getting deployed. I've been in now for almost 5 years and haven't been deployed yet. We don't have to do any kine of weapon training unless we do get deployed. Then we do it, but don't have to carry a gun. I wouldn't want to be in another branch with all the things going on in the Middle East. The length of our deployments go from 1-2 months right now. I'm pretty sure the other branches are much longer.

-Jeff

Colm Chomicky · Post by **Colm Chomicky** » 13 Feb 2008 5:02 pm

They will buy you any steel and amp you want. You don't have to use your own.

I can just hear it now: "I'll take the Bigsby"

admin · Post by **b0b** » 19 Feb 2008 11:02 am

I've been informed that there is a time limit to apply or audition for this job. The job closing date is 1 Oct 08.

seldomfed · Post by **seldomfed** » 26 Feb 2008 1:26 pm

I checked into this a couple years back when it was open. I'm too old (56), but am a Navy vet. I'd sign a waiver for the retirment pension! I'd even do boot camp again (all we did was march, swim, get lots of vaccinations, and wash clothes).

The govt. is nuts - probably just a way to not manage exceptions to a huge pile of odd regulations.

get this - in our town, if you work for the govt. and they buy you a yearly public bus pass (corp. rate of $50 a year) - you are only allowed to ride the bus between home and work

So, it's about $50 a tank for gas now!, gas is going up, the globe is warming as we speak (or so they say), and our 'green' govt. won't let you use the bus to do errands? So, I'm not surprised that an age limit will prevent the band(s) from getting the best players possible.

I suppose too that the band needs to have a younger image - it's a PR campaign for the NAV. You can't attract young squids if a bunch of greybeards are hacking away at strange instruments on stage. It's show business.

later,c

Jim Manley · Post by **Jim Manley** » 12 Mar 2008 8:10 pm

i did a split career in the military,unfortunatly i didnt learn to play steel till 10 tears after i retired in 97.the army was good to me my first 10 years(i was a truck driver so i didnt have much marching to do).my second 10 years as a nuclear welder in the navy (my rate was hull tech which a lot of people refer to as turd chasers,never had to chase turds because i was a nuke,i did feel sorry for the poor suckers that didnt have the special welding credentials).I had great times in both branches and wished my musical buds would of blossemed back then.I would of loved to spend my military career as a pedal steel player for any branch of the service!

Jim Manley · Post by **Jim Manley** » 12 Mar 2008 8:11 pm

i did a split career in the military,unfortunatly i didnt learn to play steel till 10 tears after i retired in 97.the army was good to me my first 10 years(i was a truck driver so i didnt have much marching to do).my second 10 years as a nuclear welder in the navy (my rate was hull tech which a lot of people refer to as turd chasers,never had to chase turds because i was a nuke,i did feel sorry for the poor suckers that didnt have the special welding credentials).I had great times in both branches and wished my musical buds would of blossemed back then.I would of loved to spend my military career as a pedal steel player for any branch of the service!

Jim Manley · Post by **Jim Manley** » 12 Mar 2008 8:14 pm

for some reason my reply entered twice and i cant figure how to get rid of one of them,just cover one eye i guess.

Kenny Burford · Post by **Kenny Burford** » 23 Mar 2008 4:09 pm

My sister's husband spent 20 plus years as a member of the US Army's Marching Band. It was an amazing experience which took him to almost every country in the world at one time or another. His original intention was to become a marching band instructor for a major university once he finished his military commitment, unfortunately since finishing his military commitment to the best of my knowledge he's never even picked up an instrument to play it.

Chris Allen Burke · Post by **Chris Allen Burke** » 3 Apr 2008 8:54 am

I almost did this in 1984. I was taking some tune up lessons from Buddy Charleton in MD. As I was leaving the studio one day Buddy's wife, Kaylee hands me an add that was sent to her. Navy Band looking for pedal steel player. I was eligble and I took that add home and stared at for two weeks. I spoke to someone that played fiddle in the band and he swore it was the best gig he ever had.
After basic (believe me they don't kill ya, they want you), you are obligated to play/ rehearse once or twice a week with the navy band and then you're free to do what ever gigs you want. The pay is great, all the benny's are the best. You are obligated for 3 years min. My friend the fiddle player, was in for 12 he dug it so much. And they play any and everything. Swing to rock. It's a contemp and trad. country band. You play for brass, NCO's the public, pvt. parties and The President.
I have kicked my rear many times for not doing this! I was too much of a hippy at the time and stupid.
So, if any of you are even considering this a little, my suggestion is jump on it!
It is an experience and an opportunity you will never regret.

Keeponapicin'
CAB