Introduction
The purpose of this manual is to provide a base for the Cadet Pipes and Drums of the future to work from and to standardize the American Military Pipe Band.
In 1972 a group of Cadets assembled in North Auditorium to organize a pipe band. Eighteen months later the Pipes and Drums of the United States Corps of Cadets made its first appearance in Eisenhower Hall. In these early performances the band wore kilts and plaids with the McQueen tartan because it was cheaply available. In 1973 the band achieved club status under CDT John Gilbert, ‘75 and CDT Douglas McGregor, ‘76. In 1977 the Pipes and Drums, USCC hosted the first Tattoo, a now annual tradition. Research began in 1982 to design a tartan particular to the band. In 1984 the design of Mr. H.G. Lindey from Kinloch Anderson was chosen. In March of 1985 LTG Willard Scott (Superintendent acting in authority similar to a Clan Chief) petitioned the Lord Lyon, King at Arms of Scotland, that the United States Military Academy tartan be recorded in the Lyon Court records. This new tartan was used for the first time in the academic year of 1985/1986. In 1985, 1987 and 1991 the band visited Scotland to train with units of the British Army. In 1988 the band accompanied the football team to Ireland and performed at the residence of the United States Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland. In 1986 the band added the Highland Dancers. In March 1999 the band returned to Ireland as guest of the Irish Defense Forces.
Tartan
The tartan used in the uniforms of the Pipes & Drums, USCC is registered as a protected military tartan. It can only be manufactured with the permission of the unit. It is composed of the West Point Colors, Black, Gray and Gold.
Drummers Glenn
By tradition, the drum section of the band is a Brigade asset. The glenns worn by the drummers are diced in the Brigade colors. In this case they are diced gray and gold on a black glenn. The pipers are company assets, assembled to form the band and therefore do not wear diced glenns.
Flashes
The British standard for the wear of flashes, is that the front edge be along the center of the shin. When the British raised Highland Colonial Regiments during the French and Indian War, they were sworn to never oppose the crown. During the Revolution, the British tried to raise these regiments but some of the colonials joined the cause for independence. No American Highland units were formed, but these experienced soldiers did play a role in the Revolution. In memory of their contribution to this country and defiance to the Crown of England, the Pipes & Drums, USCC will not conform to this British standard. Instead, the flashes will be turned, so that the center of the flash is along the center of the outside of the calf.