Here is a great NY Times article about American military bands in the 21st century. Just like our modern fighting forces, these groups need to be able to move in, perform quickly, and get out. Therefore, each of the traditional large ensembles can be broken down into small chamber units and rock bands.
A couple things to note from the article. Col. Thomas Palmatier was quoted several times, and he is no stranger to the DHS bands. The colonel has been the guest conductor of the North Shore Honor Band twice, most recently in 2009. He conducts the US Army Field Band, from which one of my college friends retired just this past summer. My friend joined the clarinet section of the band after a stint in Germany right out of college, and most recently he worked administratively for the Field Band, coordinating their extensive American tours.
I'd also like to share that a military band career is a fine way to be a professional musician. There's no hunting for gigs, playing drunken weddings and drab society affairs. You get to perform for important ceremonies like boot camp graduations and inaugurations. The military provides you with top-of-the-line instruments, excellent facilities, and money to pay off student loans. Auditions for positions in the top groups like "Pershing's Own" (Army) or "The President's Own" (Marines) attract master players from all over the country. If you think you'd be interested in a military music career, talk to me, and I can get you more information. It's obviously not for everyone, but it's a great life for many.
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