Feature Articles

Nations 'Band' Together in Afghanistan

Story and photos by Army Sgt. Zachary Otto
Special to American Forces Press Service

(Click on images to enlarge)

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Chief Warrant Officer Thomas Hager, the 101st Airborne Division band commander, conducts the joint Afghan National Army band and 101st band during a training event held at Bagram Air Field. (Sgt. Zach Otto/ 382nd Public Affairs Detatchment)

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, July 18, 2008 - The U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division and Afghan National Army bands met this week for a four-day training event here.

The two units worked together to learn music and foster relationships. The 101st band has been to Kabul, where the Afghan group is located, several times. However, this was the first time the Afghan musicians have come to Bagram.

About 22 Afghan soldiers from a "kandak," or battalion-sized element, stayed with the 101st soldiers.

"The language barrier was the hardest part," said Army Chief Warrant Officer Thomas Hager, commander of the 101st band. "We got through it though; music is a universal language."

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An Afghan National Army band member plays percussion alongside other members of the Afghan National Army band and 101st Airborne Division Band during a recent training event at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan

Though the language of music may be universal, an interpreter was present for the non-musical communication.

The two bands worked on the Afghan, U.S., French and German anthems as well as "Bravura," a marching tune. They swapped musical tips and helped each other on techniques.

"It was nice to see guys who want to learn," said U.S. Army Sgt. Jeremy Morrison, trumpet section leader for the 101st band in Bagram. "They really want to learn. They ask questions and are eager to better themselves."

The Afghan band is interested in returning for another training event.

"We want to train more," said Mohammed Saliman, a trumpet player in the Afghan army band. "This is the first time we've come for training, and it was very wonderful."

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A 101st Airborne Division band soldier plays trumpet alongside other soldiers from the 101st band as well as soldiers from the Afghan National Army band.

This is an awesome example of the kind of international camaraderie, and building of cross cultural relations that military bands can foster. It also shows how vital military bands can be in the service they provide through music.

Sgt, Jeremy Morrison and his wife Bethany were a blessing to our fellowship while they attended the Navy School of Music at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek in 2004.

1 U.S. Department of Defense. Armed Forces News Articles. Army Sgt. Zachary Otto. http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle. Internet accessed 21 July, 2008.