After training at Infantry Training Camp at Catterick soldiers are able to develop their musical abilities at the Army School of Bagpipe Music and Highland Drumming in Edinburgh. When complete, they will return to the Pipes and Drums, where the Pipe Major and the Drum Major will continue their training.
During the Falklands Conflict in 1982, the Pipes and Drums of the 2nd Battalion were deployed and operated with distinction in the Reconnaissance Platoon, and during the Gulf War in 1991, the Pipes and Drums of the 1st Battalion were deployed (throughout the Battalion) as a Machine Gun Platoon with six members attached to each Company.
Pipers and Drummers are fully trained soldiers, so are frequently called upon to turn their hand to a combat role. On operations and exercise, Pipers and Drummers are often employed as medics, armoured vehicle drivers, weapons specialists and commanders. Through this role a young Piper or Drummer can quickly gain a number of qualifications.
More recently in Afghanistan they were part of the Commanding Officer’s tactical group operating specialist weaponry, vehicle commanders and armoured vehicle driving.
