"Rifle Company musicians are a special breed," said RADM Vincent Tremont, Vice-chief of Training Systems Command. "They are the vital core of Navy music, the salty MUs who went through boot camp 'the hard way.'"
Recruit training commands traditionally form bands from volunteer recruits who, in exchange for playing at graduation ceremonies and occasional off-base functions, skate through boot camp, skipping drills, flitting from rehearsal to performance and marching in civilian parades.
"The new designator recognizes that boot camp is not a party;" says RADM Tremont. "It is an experience designed to test and train the Navy's future leaders. And the Navy MUs who have undergone training in regular rifle companies have proven to be the he-men, the she-women, the muscle of Navy music."The new RCMU crossed-rifle insignia is worn beneath the lyre on the MU rating badge and identifies the bearer as a member of Navy music's elite.
Notable Rifle Company Musicians include Jack Dye, Frank Mullen and the legendary Rocky Palumbo.
