JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS –
When most people picture military service, they may often imagine boots on the ground, drill sergeants barking orders, or Soldiers in full combat gear. But for a select group of highly skilled service members, military service takes on a different rhythm; one defined by harmony, cadence, and connection. Their battlefield is on the stage. Their weapon is music. Their mission: to inspire, uplift, and unify.
Military bands have been a cornerstone of armed forces across the world for centuries. Historically, music was used to signal troop movements, coordinate battlefield maneuvers, and maintain marching rhythm. Over time, the role of military musicians evolved from tactical support to strategic communication. Today, military bands serve as cultural ambassadors, morale boosters, and ceremonial stewards, helping bridge the gap between the military and the public it serves.
For U.S. Army Lt. Col. Dae Kim, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band commander, that mission is deeply personal.
“The statistic that’s always thrown around is less than 1% of our population has served,” said Kim. “One of our key missions is to bridge that gap by going into communities, especially those where military service isn’t as visible, and share the Army story. It’s our job to message citizenship, public service, and what it means to engage with something bigger than yourself.”
The TRADOC Band, headquartered at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, has carried that mission forward for over 90 years. Established in 1931, the band has gone through several redesignations and now represents TRADOC, a major command responsible for training Soldiers and developing Army doctrine across the force. The band performs for high-visibility military and public events, including change of command ceremonies, basic training graduations, and local community concerts like Music Under the Stars and Music by the Bay.
With more than 40 professional musicians, the TRADOC Band includes concert, ceremonial, jazz, rock, and brass ensembles, each tailored to deliver music that uplifts and connects.
“I first joined the band in 2016 after four years as a bridge crew member,” said Staff Sgt. Jeffery McCormick, a TRADOC Band vocalist. “We were preparing to deploy to Afghanistan, and it ended up being one of the best things to ever happen to me.”
Military musicians aren’t just ceremonial performers. When deployed, they serve a critical role in boosting troop morale, enhancing diplomatic outreach, and supporting combat operations as needed. In austere environments, their presence brings moments of relief and reflection to troops far from home.
“We think about Soldiers coming home and they have to deal with emotional stresses and traumas,” said McCormick. “Being there with them and providing them with music, giving a moment of fresh air to breathe, you visually see it relieving them, and they’re able to let go for a bit.”
That emotional support is one of the most powerful aspects of the band’s mission. Whether it’s lifting spirits during a deployment, honoring a fallen comrade during a military funeral, or performing the national anthem at a hometown baseball game, the band provides a soundtrack to military life.
“Being that one of our core missions is Soldier support, we’re always there,” said Kim. “Whether it’s a promotion ceremony, change of command, retirement, or funeral, we will honor our Soldiers and help tell their story through music.”
Beyond the installation gates, military bands are key to strengthening civil-military relations. Their performances at parades, festivals, and community celebrations help humanize the armed forces and showcase the discipline, professionalism, and talent within the ranks.
“The music is meaningful,” said McCormick. “We are a part of America’s tradition. We’re there at the baseball games to play the anthem, there for morale on post, but most importantly we show the general population how much potential, talent, and skill the U.S. Army has. We bring happiness, motivation, and hope to people.”
Whether performing in front of thousands at a public event or playing taps at a small ceremony, the Band reminds listeners that music is not just entertainment; it’s service. It honors the past, uplifts the present, and inspires the future.