Complete List of US Military Pipes and Drums

[Trey]

Fellows,

As one of my favorite sports is biting off more than I can chew i have enbarked on another massive quest.

I would like to put togeather, as best I can, a comprehensive list of all the Pipes and Drums that have served the US military.

I think most all of them can be catagorized in one of 4 areas
-College [USCC Pipes and Drums, VMI, Citadel, USNA...]
-Active Duty [6th Army Pipes and Drums, 3 Sqd 7th Cav...]
-Reserve (Territiorial Army for my British friends) [Air Force Reserve, Coast Guard Auxiliary...]
-Memorial [Leatherneck Pipes and Drums]

So an example would be my band...

Name: United States Corps of Cadets Pipes and Drums
Tartan: West Point Tartan
Year Founded: 1972
Catagory: College, Army
Status: Active
Useful Links: http://http://www.facebook.com/?ref=...s/48334632733/
Notes: Just chat about the band or who may know more about them.


One of the more heated and troublesome arguments i see on this forum is the debate over where kilts and pipes stand in the US armed forces. This will not resolve that debate but at least we will have a better picture of our history. I want to answer questions like...

Was the band scotish or irish based?
Did they do british or american foot drill?
How long did they exist? [And why are they gone if applicable?]
Who started the band?

I think that this will be a fun experiment and will let the current generation of US military pipers and drummers gain a better understanding of our history.

[Chas]

Good idea, Trey. It is one of those things, where people will say 'Why didn't someone think of this before?'

The next logical step is to do the same for all civilian bands as well. Whereas the military bands will have a reasonably fixed number, the civilian band numbers will be very variable, I think.

A good project and I wish you well with it.

Regards

Chas

[OC Richard]

I know nothing about this topic, but I've gathered a few photos over the years.

A Marine piper in 1944:



9th Regiment NYG (New York National Guard??) (Note that they are wearing the uniform of the pipe band of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders)



and some recent photos of various parades, showing pipe bands from the Marines, the Army, and the Coast Guard:

[macwilkin]

My article on the USAF & USAFR Pipe Bands:

http://www.scottishtartans.org/USAF.htm

The photo of the Marine on the cover of YANK is most likely from the US Marine Corps detachment in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The Company of Military Historians has a plate of the band, as well as historical text. Somewhere in my office I have a copy of both.

Here's another photo of the US Marine Corps Pipe Band playing in the Navy Day parade, 1944:

http://clanpiper.com/sdhrealhistory.html

Trey, let me know what I can do to help you on this project.

T.

[Geoff Withnell]

I know nothing about this topic, but I've gathered a few photos over the years.

A Marine piper in 1944:



and some recent photos of various parades, showing pipe bands from the Marines, the Army, and the Coast Guard:

Do you by any chance have any more information about the Marines in the large picture? I find I am very interested in some parts of their kit.

[macwilkin]

http://leatherneckpipeband.com/

[Geoff Withnell]

Thanks!

[1oldsarge]

Website below for the U.S. Coast Guard Pipe Band.
http://www.uscgpipeband.org/

[george7]

The USAF Reserve Pipe Band is represented by members of the Active, Reserve, and Guard components of the US Air Force. We have played for the President of the US and Prime Minister of Ireland on St. Patrick's day since 1993. Other high profile performances include a performances in Red Square, the UK, and this year at the White House. It's an outstanding group of professionals who meet up, rehearse, perform, then disperse back into our normal Air Force activities.

[Trey]

Does the USAF compensate you for the travel costs?