Drum major (military)

However, capability is the main qualification for appointment: the most senior or highest-ranked member of the unit is not always the drum major.

[1] It is also influenced by French and American army music traditions and is an essential part the Canadian Forces drum major drill.

[2] Drum majors in the People's Liberation Army and affiliated military bands use a mix of techniques that are of American, German and Russian influence.

The military band of the People's Liberation Army Ground Force uses an American-influenced mace and also executes American-style marching techniques, with the exception being the absence of a ceremonial sash which is worn across the stomach.

Indonesian drum majors have a tradition that is a mix of Dutch, American, and British influences.

In civil and police bands, there are one to six drum majors that serve alongside the director of music.

The military and police drum majors wear full dress or service uniforms at the head of their formations in parades and wear the peaked cap.In the Russian Armed Forces, drum majors (Russian: Тамбурмажор) are commissioned officers, since they also serve as band leaders and conductors.

Royal Marines drum majors are now always drawn from the buglers branch and always started their careers as a side drummer (titled "bugler" in the Royal Marines, as RM drummers are taught to play the bugle and herald trumpets as well as the drums) and are required to have passed a number of courses in music, military skills, and leadership throughout their military careers before being considered for an appointment as a drum major.

[3] Since the drum major is part of the battalion staff, he wears a crimson sash instead of scarlet, and dresses as a warrant officer regardless of his rank.

The United States Armed Forces does not require the drum major to be a drummer; however, they must have a knowledge of music and have the ability to teach all aspects of drill and ceremony.

The appointment of drum major falls to senior level NCOs with the rank of staff sergeant onwards.

The main task of a military drum major is to control the tempo that the band plays at as well as set the marching pace.