Who says that the only things that you can carry when you serve in the Navy are weapons and tools? Having a trumpet in your hand – and being able to play it well – may also pave the way for an extremely fulfilling career with the United States Navy.

The Navy recruitment website shares details surrounding a music career with the US Navy, a career that is as noble as it is inspiring.

An Enlisted Sailor building a music career gets an opportunity to fulfill the goals that musicians usually aspire for: perform alongside the finest musicians in world, in the best concert halls and venues, before dignitaries and sophisticated music aficionados. More than just that, they also get to participate in the moving, pivotal, and historic ceremonies mounted by the United States military.

A Navy musician’s responsibilities include the following, as enumerated in the Navy recruitment website:

• Performing as a member of marching, concert, stage or dance bands and combos, in styles including jazz, rock, soul, pop, country/western and bluegrass
• Conducting, rehearsing and performing in these groups for radio, TV and stage
• Composing, transcribing, and arranging music for military ceremonies, religious services, parades, and social occasions
• Performing for Navy personnel and their families, for the general public, and at diplomatic functions

There are, however, very limited positions in this field. A high level of musical knowledge and skill is important in order to be accepted, and applicants are expected to pass an official audition, in addition to meeting all qualifications for enlistment in the Navy.