Putting Sound on Target

 

As an Army veteran with decades of service to our country I've picked up some sayings that the Army uses to describe what it does. One of these sayings is, "Putting steel on target" a phrase that the artillery corps uses to describe what they do on the battlefield.

As a DJ I like this idea because putting steel on target really means putting the right effects in the right place at the right time. This is what a DJ does when there is a crowd of people dancing to the music, the lights are creating a fun environment, and the fog machine is changing a regular space into a vibing dance floor. It's during these moments that memories are made.

But just like in sports, where momentum can make or break a team, the momentum in your event can be made or broken by the right song selections, light programs and DJ actions. This is where putting steel on target reminds me or being a DJ. If the crowd is vibing but the requests are coming in for something different, do you change it up or let the vibe continue? When the music isn't filling the dance floor how do you change it up to get more people involved? DJs know this intuitively but as a veteran I have words to describe it, putting sound on target.

Having the right equipment is just as crucial as having the right music. In the Army, precision and reliability depend on well-maintained gear and the right tools for the mission. As a DJ, the same principle applies—quality speakers, a dependable mixer, dynamic lighting, and special effects like fog machines all play a role in putting sound on target. It’s the combination of the music and equipment that enable a DJ to put the sound on the target.  

In the end, whether on the battlefield or the dance floor, success comes down to preparation, adaptability, and execution. Drawing from my military experience, I approach every event with the mindset of putting sound on target—making sure every beat, every effect, and every transition hits just right. It’s this combination of discipline and creativity that transforms an ordinary night into something truly memorable for everyone involved.