Posted by Ken on March 03, 2004 at 20:00:44:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Differences in Military Bands posted by John Cradler on March 03, 2004 at 17:33:30:
"The President's Own" is a completely different organization and, while they are part of the Marine Corps, do not send members to recruit training nor, to my knowledge, have they done so in a very long time. Fleet Marine bands are actually Marines first, musicians second and members must complete boot camp, qualify with a rifle, etc.
All branches of the regular military and/or naval service (including guard and reserves) require enlistees without prior service to be between the ages of 17 and 28 at the time of their enlistment. However, waivers to this are available in certain situations.
Obviously, the ceremonial bands in DC have their own set of criteria which may or may not always go along with those of the regular USMC, Army or whatever.