Artists across the country are fueling their patriotism and uploading their music, biographies, photos and video for review for a chance to perform for U.S. troops serving overseas.

“Within the first week we had more than 200 artists applying online—that’s 500 percent more than we were able to process with the traditional media kit,” said Air Force Colonel Edward Shock.

Armed Forces Entertainment brought their application online September 2007 in order to streamline the review process and make it easier for artists to get their materials to those making the selection.

“Learning through many of the leaders in the entertainment industry, we recognized that artists are familiar with and prefer to upload their press kits. What took us weeks to process now takes ten days,” said Col. Shock. “Our artists are anxious to go on tour—and we want to get them out there as fast as we can.”

With all the materials at the artists’ fingertips, the application process takes roughly 15 minutes. Artists set up a user name and password if they need to return to the application at a later time. Once files are successfully uploaded, artists receive an email confirmation that the files were received. Within 10 days, the artist is notified whether or not they have been accepted.

“We are looking for artists who are professionally managed, have excellent stage presence, talent and the desire to serve our U.S. military,” said Shock. “We encourage all performers who want to offer a piece of home to our troops to get on, get in and go tour.”