Have you ever wondered what’s playing through the headphones of someone in uniform? They could either be on base or halfway across the world on deployment or even a veteran who’s retired.
Music has the power to evoke emotions, leading to significant reductions in stress levels. The same goes for many military personnel; music to them is more than just entertainment. It’s a source of motivation, a lifeline to home, a way to decompress, and sometimes even a bridge between cultures.
The playlists of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines reflect a blend of backgrounds, missions, and emotional states that vary as widely as their duties. And for those in the military, their musical tastes are as diverse as the people wearing the uniform.
Rock, Metal, and the Soundtrack of Grit
There’s something about the driving guitar riffs and intense vocals that feels tailor-made for the military mindset. Bands like Metallica are staples, not because of tradition but because the sound speaks directly to the adrenaline required in military life.
Fun fact: Rock music, alongside metal, has long been associated with features like courage, strength, and rebellion. Such themes of perseverance, rebellion, and survival common in these genres tend to resonate deeply.
After all, when your job routinely involves uncertainty and challenges, it makes sense to reach for music that understands struggle and matches your energy.
Oldies, Classics, and the Comfort of Nostalgia
For every heavy metal fan or hip-hop enthusiast, there’s someone in uniform whose playlist is packed with oldies and classic hits. Think Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and even Motown.
Nostalgia plays a huge role here. These songs remind many service members of parents, grandparents, or just simpler times before their world became about orders and operations.
During long nights or reflective moments, turning to the classics feels like grounding yourself. There’s a sense of comfort in singing along to songs that have stood the test of time.
Apart from active military members, veterans also listen to the classics quite a lot, especially when they’re looking to reminisce about the old days. In many cases, such music can remind veterans of events of the past and maybe think about how things turned out for them.
For instance, many veterans are currently dealing with the aftermath of the AFFF exposure. According to TorHoerman Law, the AFFF exposure led to PFAS contamination in many military bases in the US. This prompted many military personnel, including veterans, to file the AFFF lawsuits.
Currently, there are plenty of VA claims for exposure to AFFF in court. AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits keep many veterans awake at night. Some of them turn to music, including the classics, to go back to their days at a military camp. Who knows, perhaps these classics are helping them deal with the stress of these lawsuits and carry on with them till the end.
Country Music and the Call of Home
Study shows that 52 percent of country enthusiasts experience less stress when listening to country music. More importantly, if there’s one genre that feels almost synonymous with the military, it’s country music.
There’s just something about the storytelling, the references to small towns, and the love for family and country that hits home. This is especially true for service members stationed far from everything familiar.
Songs that talk about the American heartland have a way of pulling soldiers back to their roots, if only for a few minutes. Some country songs are written specifically for or about the military, making them even more personal. Tracks that talk about deployment, coming home, or missing loved ones speak to the military experience in a way few other genres manage.
It’s no surprise that during long deployments, many turn to country music when they’re craving a piece of home.
Electronic, EDM, and the Need to Escape
Here’s a fact you probably didn’t know: EDM tracks help you feel more energetic, happy, and less anxious. For military personnel, EDM, techno, and trance offer a completely different kind of escape.
Such music helps them lose themselves in rhythm and beats rather than focusing on words. Especially during downtime or when trying to power through repetitive tasks, electronic music provides an outlet that feels like freedom.
The pulsing beats and hypnotic melodies of artists like Calvin Harris create a mental space where worries, stress, and even boredom temporarily fade. It’s easy to understand why, when stationed somewhere far from civilization, some choose EDM to transport themselves somewhere else.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do military personnel listen to music so much during deployment?
Military personnel often listen to music during deployment to cope with stress, loneliness, and homesickness. Music provides a mental escape from the harsh realities of their environment and helps them relax during downtime. It can also remind them of home, family, and better times, offering comfort in difficult situations far from loved ones.
Does music help lift the spirits of military personnel during war?
Yes, music plays a powerful role in lifting the spirits of military personnel during war. It can ease anxiety, boost morale, and create a sense of normalcy amid chaos. Songs with familiar melodies or meaningful lyrics can connect soldiers emotionally, strengthen camaraderie, and offer much-needed mental relief during challenging moments.
How does music help a veteran military officer?
Music helps veteran military officers manage stress, anxiety, and memories from their service years. It can trigger positive emotions, reduce feelings of isolation, and even assist in coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many veterans use music as a therapeutic tool, finding comfort, healing, and personal expression through their favorite songs or melodies.
At the end of the day, there’s no single genre that defines what military personnel like to listen to. Their musical tastes are as varied as the branches they serve in and the places they’re stationed.
If you ever get the chance to peek at a military playlist, you’ll probably be surprised at how eclectic it is. In the end, the songs they choose aren’t just about sound. They’re about survival, connection, and the stories they carry with them, wherever they go.