In August 2010, a Force Design Update (FDU) was staffed through the various commads, proposing a change to the Rules of Allocation (ROA) for Army Bands.

The most discussed changes centered around allocating bands based on the number and type of units supported in garrison, creating several bill payers to plus-up bands at other locations. The FDU standardizes Musical Support Teams (MSTs) and band headquarters, creating a modular organization that can be tailored.

Although the reduction or increase in size of bands has been hotly disputed by several bill paying commands, one issue has not been discussed: the severing of the habitual relationship between division headquarters and their small, direct support bands. Today, the band is an organic subordinate unit of each Army division. The FDU elimintates the ROA associating division bands with their division headquarters.

This change is significant. The FDU allocates bands to support the "senior mission commander." This may not be apparent as most division commanders are likely the senior mission commander on their home fort, but once deployed, this relationship changes. First, the division's historic band may not even deploy with the division. The bands will be modular, so another band or mix of MSTs could deploy instead. Additionally, the band may be assigned to corps or JTF, effectively becoming a GS asset that the band must request support through a "staff bands planner" at higher headquarters.

At this time, only one division has argued against the change in command relationship. It appears that this aspect of the FDU is either not significant, or has been overlooked. Regardless, this design change will very shortly be settled at a meeting with TRADOC Force Design and the few non-concurring units. If it succeeds, it will reduce the division commander's ability to directly influence his troops and his AO.

With all the emphasis on Mission Command as a War Fighting Function, it appears strange that the US Army Band School would be focused on consolidating bands under operational and strategic headquarters, far away from the troops at the tactical level who they've been inspiring for 236 years.