In the United States Army, music plays a vital role in ceremonies, traditions, and unit cohesion. While there isn’t a single song specifically designated as “The Unit Military Song,” a rich tapestry of marches, hymns, and calls serves to underscore the solemnity, honor, and spirit of various military events. These musical selections, often performed by military bands, are integral to formations, parades, honors, and daily routines within army units. Understanding these musical cues enhances appreciation for the precision and heritage embedded in military life.
Marches for Formation and Parades
Marches are fundamental to military music, particularly for unit movements and parades. Several marches are suitable for pre-ceremony ambiance, the formal “March On” of troops, the “Sound Off” sequence, troop inspections, pass in reviews, and street parades. Examples of these include:
- The Invincible Eagle: A classic march, its stirring melody is perfect for instilling a sense of pride and strength as units assemble or parade.
- National Emblem: This march is widely recognized and evokes a sense of national pride and unity, fitting for various unit ceremonies and parades.
- National Spirit March: As the title suggests, this march embodies the energetic and patriotic spirit of a military unit on display.
- The Rifle Regiment: Specifically named, this march is likely associated with infantry units and their precision movements.
- The Thunderer: A powerful and resonant march, “The Thunderer” is excellent for creating a strong and impactful presence during unit formations.
- Washington Grays: Potentially named after a military unit, this march adds a historical and unit-specific dimension to ceremonial music.
- Washington Post March: A famous and lively march, suitable for parades and less formal unit events.
These marches, while not explicitly “unit songs,” become associated with the units that perform and march to them, contributing to unit identity and esprit de corps during public displays and formal events.
Calls to Order and Attention
Beyond marches, specific bugle calls are crucial for signaling commands and transitions within a unit’s daily schedule and ceremonial procedures.
Adjutant’s Call
Adjutant’s Call is a distinct bugle call announcing the adjutant’s imminent formation of a guard, battalion, or regiment. The adjutant, a key officer responsible for troop formation, utilizes this call, which is always preceded by the command Attention. This call is a functional piece of music, essential for the organized assembly of units.
Attention
The command Attention, often signaled musically, is the immediate precursor to further instructions or ceremonies. After the musical performance of Attention, unit commanders take charge, facing their units and issuing commands for them to stand at attention. This synchronized action, starting from the rightmost unit and proceeding left, culminates in the adjutant’s directive to “Sound Adjutant’s Call,” highlighting the sequential and disciplined nature of military formations.
Songs of Honor and Tradition
Certain songs are reserved for honoring specific groups, occasions, or the nation itself, often played during unit-level and larger ceremonies.
Army Blue
Army Blue holds a special place, frequently played at ceremonies honoring graduates of the United States Military Academy (West Point)**. For units composed of or recognizing West Point graduates, this song carries significant weight and tradition.
Armed Forces Medley
The Armed Forces Medley is a compilation of service songs representing each branch: Coast Guard, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Army Songs. While not a unit-specific song, its inclusion in ceremonies acknowledges the broader military family and inter-service cooperation, relevant in joint unit operations or events.
The Army Goes Rolling Along
The Army Goes Rolling Along is the official song of the U.S. Army. During its performance, Army personnel stand at attention and are expected to sing the lyrics. This song serves as a unifying anthem across all Army units, fostering a shared identity and pride in service.
Auld Lang Syne
Auld Lang Syne, traditionally associated with farewells and endings, is appropriately used at retirement ceremonies, often preceding the playing of the Army song**. For units bidding farewell to retiring members, this song adds a poignant and respectful element to the ceremony.
Honors for Leaders and Nation
Musical honors, including ruffles and flourishes combined with specific marches or anthems, are meticulously prescribed to recognize dignitaries and national symbols.
Ruffles and Flourishes with National Anthem and Other Honors
Four Ruffles and Flourishes followed by the national anthem is reserved for honoring former Presidents or the President-elect. When followed by a foreign national anthem, it honors foreign heads of state or royalty. These protocols extend to unit-level ceremonies when dignitaries are present.
Four Ruffles and Flourishes followed by the General’s March specifically honors four-star Generals, while Three Ruffles and Flourishes with the same march are for Lieutenant Generals (three-star), Two Ruffles and Flourishes for Major Generals (two-star), and One Ruffle and Flourish for Brigadier Generals (one-star). These distinctions ensure proper musical respect within the military hierarchy during unit events where general officers are recognized.
Four Ruffles and Flourishes followed by the grandioso strain of The Stars and Stripes Forever are for senior civilian government officials, while the grandioso strain alone honors consuls general. Four Ruffles and Flourishes with Hail to the Chief are exclusively for the President, and with Hail Columbia for the Vice President. These protocols are relevant when units host or participate in events involving government officials.
National Emblem (trio)
The trio section of the National Emblem march is specifically used during the advancement of the National Colors in ceremonies and for the entrance of colors at indoor events**. Units participating in color guards or flag ceremonies will utilize this specific musical cue.
Daily Rituals: Retreat and Reveille
Retreat and Reveille are bugle calls marking significant times of day and associated flag ceremonies, structuring the daily life of a military unit.
Retreat
Retreat signals the evening flag lowering ceremony. During Retreat, military personnel in formation stand at parade rest, while uniformed personnel and others in attendance face the flag at attention. Retreat is followed by To the Color or the national anthem, completing the evening colors ceremony within a unit.
Reveille
Reveille marks the morning flag raising ceremony. Uniformed personnel face the flag and salute, while others remove headgear, face the flag, and place their right hand over their heart. Reveille sets the tone for the day within a military unit, signifying the start of daily activities and duties.
National Anthem and Taps
The Star Spangled Banner
The Star Spangled Banner, the national anthem of the United States, demands respect and attention. Uniformed personnel salute the flag during its performance, while civilians place their right hand over their heart. Indoors, military personnel stand at attention. Units will perform or observe the National Anthem at numerous events, reinforcing national identity and patriotism.
Taps
Taps is a solemn bugle call played at funerals, memorial services, and at the end of the day. Military personnel stand at present arms, or at attention indoors, while civilians remove headgear and place their right hand over their heart. For units, Taps is crucial for memorializing fallen comrades and marking the solemnity of remembrance.
To The Color
To The Color accompanies the physical lowering of the flag during the evening ceremony. Military personnel stand at present arms, or at attention indoors, while civilians remove headgear and place their right hand over their heart. This call is a specific and poignant part of the daily retreat ceremony within a unit.
Note: This guide provides an overview and is not exhaustive. For comprehensive details, consult Army FM 3-21.5 Drill and Ceremonies and AR 600-25 Salutes, Honors, and Visits of Courtesy. Practices marked with ** are customs of The United States Army Band and not necessarily codified in Army or Department of Defense regulations.
