Is a military structure important for the band?

Although the original pipe bands likely had strong military oversight, only a very small fraction of the pipers in the world today are directly associated with the armed forces. A modern, civilian band is made up of volunteers who give of their time and energies for all sorts of different reasons.

However, any band needs some structure to support the delegation of duties and responsibilities that help the band function and grow. It could take that structure from the military or from business or from any other organization. What's important is that the goals of the band are clear, supported by all (consensus) and that those in the leadership positions have strong organizational and musical skill sets.

In an active band, it is generally beneficial for responsibilities to be divided among several active members.