Staff Sergeant Damian Jacko Jakstins Retires After 48 Years of Service, the Longest-Serving British Army Musician

Staff Sergeant Damian “Jacko” Jakstins has retired from the British Army after a 48‑year career that makes him the longest‑serving musician in Army history. The retirement, announced during Armed Forces Week, followed a final rehearsal with the Royal Signals (Northern) Band, where Jakstins had spent 36 years as a reservist.

Jakstins began his military music career at 16, joining the Band of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers in 1978. He served 12 years with the regular Army before moving to the Royal Signals (Northern) Band as a reservist in 1990. The Royal Signals, part of the Royal Corps of Signals, provides communications support to the Army and has a long tradition of musical units. Jakstins’ tenure with the band is the longest recorded for any musician in the Corps.

Beyond his Army duties, Jakstins has been a prominent woodwind teacher. He works with Durham Music Service, instructing children from Year 3 to Year 13 on a range of woodwind instruments and conducting whole‑class recorder sessions. His civilian role also led him to found the Cleveland Cadet Band, expanding his influence into local community music education.

Jakstins has performed in a variety of high‑profile events. He recalled, “There were 1,500 musicians plus the Corps of Drums performing together in the old Wembley stadium as a massed marching band. The stadium was absolutely full to capacity, and it was an incredible experience.” The performance took place during a Wembley pageant, a rare opportunity for a reservist to appear on such a stage.

His military postings have taken him around the world. As a junior musician, he was attached to HMS Intrepid and completed a nine‑month Mediterranean tour. Subsequent assignments included Berlin, London (RMSM), the Falkland Islands, Norway, Cyprus – both UN and Sovereign bases at Dhekelia and Episkopi – and Bulford Camp. These experiences, he said, taught him patience, tolerance, and performance skills.

In reflecting on his career, Jakstins expressed a mix of pride and sadness. “Walking away after so long is tainted with sadness, but I have had a good innings – it’s been a long shift!” he said. He also urged young musicians to pursue a military music career, stating, “Run with it! It is a fantastic opportunity to play music and see the world.” The Permanent Staff Warrant Officer of the band, Alastair Smith, praised Jakstins as the “heartbeat of the flute section” and noted his “iconic Bag for Life” – a battered Sainsbury’s orange bag that travelled with him worldwide.

Jakstins’ retirement comes at a time when the British Army is actively recruiting. The Army Jobs website lists 10,000 positions across the UK, with more than 200 roles ranging from frontline combat to cyber security, helicopter pilots, chefs, and support positions. Candidates aged 16 to 50 can explore opportunities in the Army, including music and communications roles.

The Army’s decision to retire Jakstins after nearly half a century of service underscores the value placed on long‑term dedication within its musical units. His career illustrates the intersection of military duty, musical excellence, and community outreach, and his legacy will remain in the sound and spirit of the Royal Signals (Northern) Band.