PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – You can’t judge a book by its cover. Soldiers in today’s Army have skills and knowledge that is not necessarily indicative of their rank or military occupation, from specialists with college degrees to a lieutenant with a unique talent.

1st Lt. Liard Bryant is a liaison officer for the 701st Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, and on Nov. 7 showcased a special talent at a concert at a U.S. base in eastern Afghanistan. On Forward Operating Base Sharana, Bryant surprised Soldiers with a skill he learned while attending the Virginia Military Institute – bag piping.

“I played sports in high school, but I knew I wouldn’t continue in college. So when I got to the Virginia Military Institute, they asked me if I wanted to join a band and I said “sure.” So I began to learn to play the bagpipes,” said Bryant.

Playing the bagpipe has also given Bryant some valuable skills that he uses to this day. How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice. His tireless work ethic helped him through college and has set him up for success in his Army career.

“Basically, in that first year I went from not playing an instrument at all to playing the bagpipes in the band,” said Bryant.

Bryant has been playing the bagpipes for six years and enjoys offering his musical talent for various military ceremonies. He has played for change of command ceremonies and during this deployment has volunteered to play at memorial ceremonies to honor fallen Soldiers.

“It’s a passion I have, and I like to share this instrument with people. It’s very unusual for some. Most people haven’t heard bagpipes in person, so I wanted to provide an opportunity for people to hear it, to explain the history and how it works,” said Bryant.

During the concert there was a question and answer period, which had a great reaction from the crowd. While explaining the origin of the bagpipes, Bryant was able to tie-in the history the 1st Infantry Division is currently making.

“The band of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards recorded ‘Amazing Grace’ on the bagpipes in the 1970’s, and the record went platinum,” said Bryant. “Brigadier Felix Gedney (Deputy Commanding General of Transition for the 1st Infantry Division-led Regional Command – East) actually commanded that regiment, not in the 70’s though. The regiment that made this famous is actually related to the 1st Infantry Division.”

Adding to that history, Bryant will spend the remainder of his time in Afghanistan hard at work, doubling as a “piper” and a Soldier.

Connected Media