World War Two provided the first large-scale opportunity for women to serve their country.  The increasing demand for young men to be on the front lines instead of in support positions created the need for the Women’s Army Corp (WAC).  The WAC would remain in existence in one form or another until 1976, when women began to be integrated into the regular Army ranks alongside men.

Operations within the WAC were much like the rest of the Army.  However, unique to the Women’s Army Corps was the fact that it had but one band: the 14th Army WAC band.  It would exist longer than any other all-female band in the military.  This is their story.

From 1954 to 1976, the 14^th Army WAC Band was stationed at Fort McClellan, Alabama, the training site for all WAC enlistees.  Women musicians were not allowed to perform in male bands during most of this time; the 14^th Army WAC Band was their only option—many for their entire careers.  In contrast, male Army musicians rotated through different post bands.  The longevity, comradery, demanding hours, and high-standards turned the 14^th Army Band into an elite band, equal to the top male-only bands in the other military branches.  They played for presidents and national radio and television audiences in addition to making whirlwind recruiting tours around the country.  In many cities and towns across America, the WAC Band appearance was the event.

By the 1970s, the separation of women and men had become a huge burden on the military.  The resulting push to integrate women into the regular Army was not without its challenges.  And men who started to filter into the traditional WAC roles found it trying as well.

When the WAC Band ceased to exist as part of the Army, it lived on in the hearts of those who were a part of it.  Today, many former members gather for a bi-annual reunion and concert.  Their 2004 concert was the first time since 1976 that they had performed in public as the WAC Band.

This documentary will use interviews with former WAC Band members, WAC officers; current Army musicians and bandmasters; and women’s military history experts.  There will be archival footage, pictures, articles, and memorabilia.  Footage and pictures of Fort McClellan, both past and present, are also shown. 

This documentary is scheduled to be completed Winter 2009, so stay tuned.

To be notified when this documentary is available, please click here.