Candidate Collection

A new warrant officer’s perspective on modeling leadership - CW5 Jeanne Pace, AG (Bandmaster)

By WOC Bridget Olenik, WOCS Class 25-07(Submitted by CW4 Rob Nesbeth, Instructor)

Article published on: March 1, 2025 in the January - March 2025 Edition of the Warrant Officer Journal

Read Time: < 6 mins

There are many noteworthy firsts in military history, especially for women in the Army. One of the historic individuals for Army women and Army bands is Chief Warrant Officer Five (CW5) Jeanne Pace. With over 43 years of collective service, her stewardship of the profession helped change the culture of Army Bands and further the successful integration of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) Soldiers into the all-volunteer Army force. CW5 Pace is a trailblazer with a stellar record of honorable service that resonates across the band field. She embodies all leadership competencies and attributes and furthers the Army profession.

CW5 Pace, the longest-serving female warrant officer, served during a pivotal time for females in the Army. She led a positive integration with male troops, demonstrating resilience in adversity. Her unit, the 14th WAC Band, received male Soldiers for the first time. During her first command at the 1st Cavalry Division Band, she developed leaders in working with female leaders. As the first female Army band warrant officer and the only female warrant officer in the division, she faced scrutiny on what a woman could do. Instead of taking offense, she accepted the opportunity and the challenge to explain the changes that had taken place in our Army. She achieved results in the band field and during a national crisis. On September 11th, 2001, CW5 Pace coordinated her unit to assist with the aftermath. The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps spent the days after September 11th assisting the military police with credentialing and security operations, thanks to the forethought of CW5 Pace and her dedication to helping the force in every way possible.

The efforts following September 11th are a testament to CW5 Pace’s character. She is known as a champion for the Army bands through her service, actions, and words. In one conversation with CW5 Pace, she said, “I once knew a Soldier who couldn’t understand the importance of the Army having bands… But it was that moment when he stepped off the plane from his deployment and the band was playing; he not only got why we are important … he felt it” (Army Times, 2015). Her presence in the field was at all levels, from instructing new Soldiers at the Army School of Music to serving above the band in the G-1 for III Corps. Using her extensive experience and training, her intellect allowed her success as an instructor of drum majoring, band operations, and band administration while at the school of music.

In addition to showcasing all leader attributes and competencies, CW5 Pace demonstrated the characteristics of the Army profession. Throughout her career, she faced significant challenges as the first female officer in various circumstances. She built trust with her senior leadership and her subordinate troops and established rapport to accomplish the mission. Having the Old Guard unit participate in the post-September 11th efforts was a chance to foster esprit de corps among her band; the Soldiers wanted to assist but did not have an outlet to do so. Thanks to CW5 Pace’s innovative mindset, she found an outlet for her Soldiers to process their shock from the event and be a part of the response. To this day, CW5 continues to share her military expertise as a mentor, speaker, and advisor since retiring in 2015 (Army.mil, 2023). Her experience in the WAC, integration into the co-ed force, and decades of leadership paved the way for female leaders to follow, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to the Army profession.

CW5 Jeanne Pace is a name that will remain highlighted in Army band history. She achieved many firsts in the Army, breaking barriers with grace. Her mindset was to have conversations instead of building walls, helping ease the tensions of integrating the force. Her actions speak to her commitment to the Army profession, and her experience and legacy come from excellent leadership attributes and competencies. Several female band warrant officers have followed in her career footsteps since, in part due to her diligence and passion. She helped pave the way for the future of the Army bands, and they continue to thrive and roll along.

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