Re: Military Band Question


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Posted by Sean Chisham on January 18, 2003 at 22:51:31:

In Reply to: Military Band Question posted by Matt A on January 18, 2003 at 15:11:44:

Asside from the premier bands, Air Force bands are certainly the way to go. Permanent station and the overall musician's abilities are generally highest. There are not that many Air Force bands so ya gotta catch an opening. Talk to a recruiter and if an opening comes up, give it your all.

Only if you have really large college loans, like over 30-40k would I possibly choose a 4 year stint with the Army instead of the Air Force. The loan repayment program is the real deal and wipes out up to $65,000 or so in 4 years. BOOM, no more 20 year debt. All gone in 4 years. You will have to pay taxes on that money though, so that is kinda rough every year unless you buy a house to offset that additional income with deductable interest.

In the end though, you should look past the first 4 year enlistment and decide what will make you happiest in the long run. If the Air Force bands sound like a better life, then maybe paying off the $40,000 in loans the way most Americans do, namely over a 20 year timespan, would be the better option at the end of the day.

If you start to get really serious about joining a branch and are still not 100% sure, then ask the recruitor to hook you up with a contact in one of the bands you are most interested in. Try to get someone who plays your instrument and converse with them through a phone call or email. People who are actually doing the job will give much more insight than recruiters.

Final words. To a recruiter, you are a monthly statistic. Just like selling used cars. Volume is what matters. The recruiter's job is to get you to sign the paperwork and head off to basic training. They will tell you everything you want to hear to make it sound peachy. It ain't all peachy, especially the Marine bands program from what I understand. Talk to people who are actually doing the job you are looking to sign up for and get EVERYTHING IN WRITING!!!!!!!!!!!


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