Worldwide Military Bassists Club!

[neurotictim]

Now, I know there are a lot of people *sorta* complaining about the club threads, but another thread got me to thinking that maybe we need a club for current or former active-duty, reservist, or retired military. In keeping with the international nature of TB, this includes all military service, in any nation.

Please join us if you've done your time for your country. Let's hear a little about your time spent, if you can, too. As most military people know, it's a small world, maybe we'll run into each other one day.

I am an Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Petty Officer (E6) stationed here in Virginia Beach, Virginia. I've spent the last 6 years here, and before that I was in Patuxent River, Maryland. I've been to about a dozen countries on four different aircraft carriers, and I've got almost 9 years of service under my belt.

Been playing bass for the last 13 or so, and haven't been without one since boot camp.

Anyone else? I'll be member #1, and I'm looking forward to seeing how many fellow bassists out there are in the club, too.

[JNowiski]

i'm in the service, but can't wait to get out and actually start my life. i feel like its just on standby right now.

[Pacman]

I'm not only a service member, but I'm a 'military bassist' - 14 years with the Army, 7 (so far) with the US Air Force!

I want a number....

[neurotictim]

Originally Posted by JNowiski

i'm in the service, but can't wait to get out and actually start my life. i feel like its just on standby right now.

It's definitely not for everyone. The Navy's changed a lot since I joined, and I've decided to call it quits at 10 years. I can't see myself babysitting for another 10. I'm making the best of it right now - too much to do right now for me to be "on standby," but best of luck to ya.

#2

Pacman, I was waiting for you to pipe up. You're my hero - if I could stay in the Navy to play bass for them, I'd be a lifer and then some. Unfortunately, that requires no small amount of talent and actual ability to boot!

#3

[PocketGroove82]

Count Me In!
Like Jon, I'm also a military musician. I've been in the army band field for 2.5 years, hold the rank of Specialist, and my last year was spent living it up and giging in Seoul, S. Korea. As many people on Talkbass know, I'm a big advocate of bands in the military and the rare opportunity they provide for instrumentalists who don't want to live the struggling artist life.
My current band was schedualed to perform a 45 day musical tour of Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan earlier this year, but sadly, after months and months of rehearsals and preperation, the plug got pulled 4 days before we were schedualed to deploy.

I'm still bummed out that we didn't even have a chance to perform the mission we trained so hard for, but it was a relief that my buddies didn't have to be away from their families. Anyways, I'd be interested to know what other countries have military represented on TB.

Hooah!

[neurotictim]

#4, Pocket.

Now that I'm essentially a babysitter, I have a lot of time that I can spend on TB...

[PocketGroove82]

Thanks Neurotictim...and, hey, if you gotta babysit I'm glad, at least, you're in VA Beach! I did my AIT there at the School of Music and I loved it, very nice place imo.

[Jereth]

Currently a 2-Star Gunner in a reserve Air Defence Battery...

Like the experiance, want to join the Irish Army when I leave school. Hopefully get some oversea's time.

Does this qualify me?

[GeneralElectric]

[GeneralElectric]

...I think I misunderstood the OP

[abngourmet]

20 years, 2 months, 19 days, retired on 1 Dec 07.

Branch of Service: Army

Branch: Infantry (both Mechanized and Airborne, 8 years); PSYOP (12 years)

Countries visited: Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE (Dubai), England, Germany, Canada, Thailand, South Korea

States/Territories TDY: Guam, Puerto Rico, New York, New Jersey, Texas, Kentucky, Tennessee, California, Washington, Florida, Louisiana, Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina, Mississippi, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri

Duty Stations: Fort Hood, TX; Fort Bragg, NC; Fort Benning, GA, Fort Belvoir, VA; Yongsan Garrison, Seoul, republic of Korea (TCS)

Major Cities visited: London, Quebec, Seoul, Kuwait City, Dubai (UAE), Manama (Bahrain), Songkhla/Hat Yai (Thailand), Frankfurt, Kassel, Stuttgart, Koblenz, Mainz, San Juan (Puerto Rico), Dammam/Dharhan (Saudi Arabia), Baghdad, numerous U.S. Cities

Deployments: Iraq (2005-2006); Bahrain/USS PELELIU (Nov-Dec 2001); Operation Desert Shield/Storm (Sep 90-Apr 91)

I know Pocketgroove - we met in Seoul last year.

It's good to be retired.

[neurotictim]

Jereth - of course! Consider yourself #5.

abngourmet, congratulations & thanks. You're numero 6.

Pocket - I'm definitely not complaining about the area - I actually love Hampton Roads, I bought a house here, met the girl of my dreams here.

Va Beach has been good to me.

[Joe Gress]

This fall I'll be joining the Airforce. So don't count me in, Yet.

[MoD_Scotty]

8yrs in the AF as a linguist. I'm now nocturnal.

Glad to be out and living off the GI Bill!

[mikethecannibal]

Army, Infantry, basic begins 07/03/2008

[PocketGroove82]

Originally Posted by mikethecannibal

Army, Infantry, basic begins 07/03/2008

HOOAH! "Targets comming up...knock'em down."

You getting a nice bonus?

[JNowiski]

Originally Posted by abngourmet

20 years, 2 months, 19 days, retired on 1 Dec 07.

Branch of Service: Army

Branch: Infantry (both Mechanized and Airborne, 8 years); PSYOP (12 years)

Countries visited: Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE (Dubai), England, Germany, Canada, Thailand, South Korea

States/Territories TDY: Guam, Puerto Rico, New York, New Jersey, Texas, Kentucky, Tennessee, California, Washington, Florida, Louisiana, Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina, Mississippi, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri

Duty Stations: Fort Hood, TX; Fort Bragg, NC; Fort Benning, GA, Fort Belvoir, VA; Yongsan Garrison, Seoul, republic of Korea (TCS)

Major Cities visited: London, Quebec, Seoul, Kuwait City, Dubai (UAE), Manama (Bahrain), Songkhla/Hat Yai (Thailand), Frankfurt, Kassel, Stuttgart, Koblenz, Mainz, San Juan (Puerto Rico), Dammam/Dharhan (Saudi Arabia), Baghdad, numerous U.S. Cities

Deployments: Iraq (2005-2006); Bahrain/USS PELELIU (Nov-Dec 2001); Operation Desert Shield/Storm (Sep 90-Apr 91)

I know Pocketgroove - we met in Seoul last year.

It's good to be retired.

are you still at bragg?

[abngourmet]

Originally Posted by JNowiski

are you still at bragg?

Yes.

[abngourmet]

Originally Posted by mikethecannibal

Army, Infantry, basic begins 07/03/2008

Be careful what you wish for. You might just get it. Do everything they tell you, and keep your head down. Godspeed, good luck, and let me know if there's anything I can do for you.

Alan
Major, U.S. Army (Ret)
2/5 Cav, 1st Brigade, 1st Cav Division, 1988-90
1/5 Cav, 2nd Brigade, 1st Cav Division, 1991-92,
HHC/3-505 Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, Nov 93-Feb 95
Baghdad, Dec 2005-July 2006
Veteran, Desert Shield/Storm, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom

[JNowiski]

Originally Posted by abngourmet

Yes.

yeah, i'm from fayetteville, and went psyop and now i'm stationed here...what fun. you ever in 9th bn?