Sigma Alpha Iota

PAN PIPES Summer 2019 5 2018 NATIONAL CONVENTION IN REVIEW of enlistment. Once basic military training is complete, if required, the next step is dependent on the branch of service. Some musicians will report directly to their assigned unit, while others will first report to e U.S. Army School of Music or the Navy School of Music (Marine Musicians attend) located in Little Creek, VA. Sound good so far? Curious what to expect aer completing basic training and arriving at your duty station? As mentioned earlier, it is a three or four year commitment with possibility to continue to serve up to 20+ years. You will be expected to follow many military guidelines and traditions. In addition to performing on your instrument, it is very likely that you will also be assigned an additional or collateral duty that pertains to the running of your organization. ese could be in the area of operations, supply, public affairs, readiness, and music library, just to name a few. ose who choose to make it a career may also be required to attend other military training schools as they advance in rank. While every job has its downside, if you are able to accept the military way of life and all that goes with it, the benefits of a career in one of the military bands far outweighs any cons. Members receive full military benefits to include 30 days paid leave annually, full medical and dental benefits as well as pay for housing and subsistence, which is not taxed. Some branches also offer enlistment/retention bonuses for select instruments. e military just instituted a new blended retirement system which means there is now no need to complete 20 years of service to receive some form of a pension. In addition to monetary benefits there are also educational benefits. Each branch, with the exception of the Marines, offers a student loan repayment plan. ey all offer tuition assistance while on active duty as well as a Post- 9/11 GI bill, which can be used while on active duty or aer separation or retirement. Most organizations also have training funds which can be used for lessons, clinics, and professional enhancement. I have taken full advantage of the education benefits and with the use of tuition assistance received my doctorate degree as well as certification as a paramedic with very little out-of-pocket cost to me. ere are other benefits as well, such as space available flights to active duty members and dependents while on leave, not to mention military discounts for active duty on car rentals, at national parks, and even some phone companies provide military discounts. e benefits are way too numerous to mention them all! I have been a member of the United States Air Force Band, Air Force Strings for over 25 years. It's not a career path I thought I would take but it's one that has been extremely enjoyable as well as challenging. I have deployed overseas as a musician to perform for U.S. and coalition troops, as well as performed for our nations highest military and civilian leaders. I love my job. When asked by others what I do for a living I say, "I just fiddle around all day." It's a great feeling to be paid doing what you love! Deborah R. Volker is a Chief Master Sergeant in the U.S Air Force. She joined e United States Air Force Band in 1993 as a violinist with the Air Force Strings and continues to serve as violinist as well as Chief of the AF Strings. She is currently president of the Washington DC Alumnae Chapter and previously served SAI as Iota A Province Officer and National Vice President, Ritual and Fraternity Education. is article is based on the workshop she presented at the 2018 SAI National Convention.

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