Use of Music in Warfare.

Posted over 3 years ago

Artist:
- PLAY
AC/DC
Track:
- PLAY
Back in Black

In 2004, as tanks geared up to attack Fallujah and American troops started circling the city, special operations officers rifled through their CD cases, searching for a sound track to spur the assault.What would irk Iraqi insurgents more: Barking dogs or bluegrass? Screaming babies or shrieking feedback?Heavy metal. The Army's weapon of choice.AC/DC. Loud. Louder!Let's roll.'I won't take no prisoners, won't spare no livesNobody's putting up a fightI got my bell, I'm gonna take you to hellI'm gonna get you . . .'As well as scaring the shit out of the Iraqis did playing music like this also have an effect on US troops, contributing to _alleged_ massacres? We all know how moving and emotive music can be, but putting it to such a highly charged situation will only intensify the feelings of those involved. If you have been hearing constantly ‘I won’t take no prisoners’ while under fire for days on end…….As I said, a VERY emotive issue.

Comments (5)

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Joxley says I heard they played Eminem and Dr Dre continously for 100hours to Guantanamo inmates as torture.

Permalink posted 10/03/2006
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Dale says Hmm, that would then fly in the face of those who like to say that music has no effect on children. Wouldn't surprise me a bit if you're on to something here.

Permalink posted 10/03/2006
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I'm a Believer says and the war goes on and on and on and on and on Who really ever win?

Permalink posted 10/03/2006
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mullytron says Interesting to note that many active-duty soldiers made hiphop tracks/albums during their tours. I saw stories in the NYT, WSJ, MSNBC, online, etc etc. So many people commented "Yeah, but they suck. They have no flow." Well, OK, let's hear your record. And you got it done between firefights? Oh, you didn't? You did it between shifts at the corner deli, you say? Gosh, you're right, those soldiers really are unmotivated chumps... Please. What I love is that not many of them were absolutely amazing musically, but they helped the guys who made them express and digest what they had been through. Music does not only have to exist as a reified product for sale, it's a perfectly legitimate means of personal expression, even if no-one else ever hears it but the creator. An interesting contrast: listen to hard rock to get all amped up for battle, or make your own beats through which to ruminate. It's hard to set up a rock band in the desert, but these guys had whole mini-studios on the FOBs, and were kicking out the jams for themselves and their buddies.

Permalink posted 10/03/2006
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stevegoz says It is weird to me that American tanks come with tricked-out stereos, complete with internal and external speaker systems. "It's not just a job - it's a party!"

Permalink posted 10/05/2006