Becoming a member of the United States Coast Guard Band or one of its six small-group ensembles is no mean feat—and, as you probably expect, being selected to serve in it as a Chief Warrant Officer in the Bandmaster specialty is even more impressive. Indeed, simply meeting all the requirements necessary just to be considered for promotion to a CWO Bandmaster billet is almost an honor unto itself.
In addition to holding a degree from an accredited university in music performance, music education, or a closely related field, applicants must be serving in the MU (Musician) rating and have no blemishes (court-martial convictions, convictions in a civil court, non-judicial punishments, or alcohol incidents) within the past three years of service. Among those Guardsmen ineligible to even apply for Warrant Officer candidacy are former Warrant Officers, former temporary officers (there are some exceptions to this rule), and personnel facing separation as result of High Year Tenure.
One requirement that won’t cause any undue strain on those seeking a coveted Bandmaster billet pay grade: only E-6 to E-9 Guardsmen may apply, but MU personnel begin their careers at the E-6 rating.
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