Toward an Effects-Based Approach to USAF Band Operations

Some of the most brilliant minds throughout recorded history have believed that music has great power to affect humans. Today, similar beliefs form the foundation of a $40 billion-a-year business which targets the effects of music at strategic consumer groups both "in-store" and "on the street." As today's military continues adjusting to a "Fourth Generation of War," it is seeing the need for a wider variety of idea-driven, population-focused, and non-kinetic tools of influence. Given that music is indeed as effective as history and the marketplace suggest, this paper discusses the problem of how the USAF can leverage music to support U.S. national objectives. Using a Problem/Solution methodology, Chapter 1 summarizes current research on a wide range of musical effects and draws conclusions as to their potential for achieving the goals of the USAF. Given its effects, music is not only useful for improving morale, but also for shaping perceptions and communicating ideas with an enhanced degree of persuasiveness. As such, music presents capabilities of great value to USAF strategic communication efforts. Chapter 2 outlines a basic Effects-Based Approach to Band Operations (EBABO) and describes concepts and tactics which can maximize an EBABO's potential.