The History of the United States Army Band

Even before the United States Army was created in 1775, musicians have had an integral role in the military. From the drummers in the Signal Corps during the Revolutionary War to the World War II brass bands, music has always been part of the Army. The United States Army Band members fulfill a special need in today’s Army – they make music while serving their country. Some performances are for ceremonial reasons, while other performances may be to help boost the soldiers’ morale. The history of the United States Army band is long and proud.

The first military band for America was commanded by none other than Benjamin Franklin. Fife players and various other musicians marched with over 1,000 soldiers. This was the first documented appearance of musicians in the military. There were also several regiments in the Army that performed for ceremonies and other special occasions. During the Revolutionary War in 1775, the musicians created the steady, pounding rhythms that helped the new milita to drill. The colonists used military bands to play patriotic arrangements at rallies to increase support as the war intensified. Some battles, such as the Battle of Bennington, may have been successful due to the musicians playing well into enemy positions.

By 1777, drums and trumpets were used to control the movements of cavalry regiments. Many times, drum calls were used instead of verbal commands. The soldiers learned to respond to the beat of the drum. In 1781, musicians such as drummers and fifers were picked from the ranks and were then exempt from soldierly duties. During the 1830s, brass instruments were add and it really changed the overall sound and the size of the band. With a salary of only $8.00 a month for bandsmen, there was never any shortage of men signing up for this musical duty.

During the Civil War from 1861-1865, the military grew to rely more on military musicians to position troops and motivate them on to victory. They entertained troops and raised morale. In fact, some musicians actually played a form of concert while they were in the foremost position during a battle.

By the 1920s, the Army had implemented a band training program in an attempt to rival the military bands of Great Britain and France. General John J. Pershing believed that this training program was essential to helping create an Army Band that would keep morale high. In fact, one of the most prestigious Army bands to day is called “Pershing’s Own.” The training was designed by the New York Symphony conductor at the time. General Pershing’s most significant change in the United States Army band was the increase in members from 28 to 48, which gave the band a full instrumentation that still exists today.

Through next sixty years, the Army bands would go through even more changes. These bands would accompany combat units during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. During Desert Strom and Desert Shield, the bands performed many ceremonies and concerts, but also helped guard the perimeters. Today, the Army Bands perform for both soldiers and civilians alike.

One of the best ways to recognize a member of this elite group of musical soldiers is with an Army Band ring. You can create a personalized Army Band ring that any Army musician would be proud to wear. You can order an Army Band ring online and have it delivered anywhere in the world.

The History of the Signal Corps

The Signal Corps owes its origins to Albert James Myer. This Army doctor invented a unique visual communication system, known as the “wigwag” when he was serving in Texas during 1856. This system of flags and torch lights would be put to use during the Civil War when it was used to direct the bombing of Confederate positions at Fort Calhoun. In 1863, Congress finally authorized the Signal Corps as an active unit until the end of the war.

In 1870, the Signal Corps took on another role as a national weather service. By 1880, this weather service would garner international acclaim. The weather service would remain under the command of the Signal Corps until 1891, when the Department of Agriculture took it over. The Signal Corps would still be in charge of military meteorology.

The Spanish-American War of 1898 would see the Signal Corps used much more than it was during the Civil War. However, the Signal Corps did much more than just use flags and torches to convey messages. In addition to those visual signals, they were tasked with supplying telegraph and telephone lines, integrating the use of telephones in combat situations, and used photography for combat purposes. After the war ended, the Signal Corps were responsible for bringing the first wireless telegraph system into the Western Hemisphere.

In 1907, the Chief Signal Officer was put in charge of an Aeronautical Division. The Wright brothers conducted several test flights of the first airplane the Army used and it was built to the specifications lined out by the Signal Corps. In 1918, the Army turned over this Aeronautical Division to the Army Air Service.

By World War 1, the Signal Corps were developing radiotelephones. These were infinitely superior to the radiotelegraphs, the telegraph and telephone were the main means of communications during World War 1. In 1937, the then-director of the Signal Corps patented the first radar used by the Army. Before World War II, there were already two sets of radar units in mass production. By the Vietnam War, the Signal Corps provided radio links that could communicate more than 200 miles apart.

Today, the motto for the Signal Corps remains the same as it was over a hundred years ago: “Watchful for the Country.” New developments in technology and innovation continue every year. The Signal Corps fulfill the need for effective, reliable communication in all areas of the military. They have come a very long way since using flags during the daylight hours and torches at night. The Signal Corps laboratory is one of the most advanced for the development of communications, radar, mapping, and photography technology.

For those that are assigned to the Signal Corps, the assignment comes with pride and honor, as well as responsibility. A fantastic way to recognize this service and dedication is with one of the beautiful Signal Corps rings that are available. A Signal Corps ring will become a treasured heirloom that is sure to be passed on to children and grandchildren.

Military Rings

We depend on them for our saftey and security so now is the time to show our respect for those brave warriors that put their lives on the line month after month and year after year.

Military rings are a very simple and unique way of showing our gratitude to someone special and this simple ring can one day turn into a treasured family heirloom.

From the many designs and images available you can create and design a stunning piece of military jewelry and an Military ring fit for a king.

The complete selection of Balfour images and designs are available in our shop and these will allow you the opportunity to design an Military ring in about ten minutes. Simply follow the instructions in the shop, insert the information required and also use the dropdown menu to create the perfect Military ring.

Military Rings Available;

• Infantry Rings
• Cavalry Rings
• Transportation Rings
• Ordnance Rings
• Engineers Rings
• Field Artillery Rings
• Airborne Rings
• Military Police Rings
• Aviation
• Operation Iraqi Freedom
• Operation Enduring Freedom
• Operation Desert Storm
• Vietnam

Military rings can be further personalized by inserting the name of the soldier on the right or left side and important dates of a special campaign or deployment can also be added. The top of the Military ring offers the opportunity to select a stone that will reflect the birth month of the soldier and in this chart you can see what those colors represent.

 

When you proceed to the online shop to create your Military ring there is so much more you can do to personalize you ring to create a gift that will be treasured for a life time. From the left shank to the right shank, you cam custom design your ring with images of insignias that will record your military career from day one. The details such as your name, dates of service or special dates from deployments  can be engraved on the sides also.

All rings come with a lifetime warranty which is indicative of the quality of your Balfour Military Ring.

Balfour are renowned for their quality rings, and by clicking on the shop image above you can start designing your own ring today!