Dining Traditions

Overview

Origins of Dining InImportanceUOD and CustomsDining Out Combat Dining OutOther Military BranchesSummaryQuestions

Origins of Dining InAncient formal military dinners

Honor victories and individual achievements

British Soldiers Colonial AmericaGeorge Washington’s Continental Army

1930’s General Hap Arnold “wing dings”Close bonds between the Air Corps

Officers and the British Royal Air Force in during WW2

Importance

“enhances the esprit de corps of units, lightens the load of demanding day-to-day work, gives the commander an opportunity to meet socially with their subordinates and enables military members of all ranks to create bonds of friendship and better working relations through an atmosphere of good fellowship.”

UOD and CustomsMess DressRules of the Mess

Thou shout arrive within ten minutes of the appointed hour

Thou shalt ensure their glass is always charged when toasting

Thou shall not question the decisions of the president

Closing of the MessSkits, rhymes and entertainment

1. Thou shalt arrive within 10 minutes of the appointed hour.2. Thou shalt make every effort to meet all the guests.3. Thou shalt move to the mess when thee hears the chimes and remain standing until seated by the President.4. Thou shalt not bring cocktails or lighted materials into the mess.5. Thou shalt smoke only when the smoking lamp is lit.6. Thou shalt participate in all toasts unless thyself or thy group is honored with the toast.7. Thou shalt not leave the mess while convened.8. Thou shalt ensure that thy glass is always charged when toasting.9. Thou shalt keep toasts and comments within the limits of good taste and mutual respect. Degrading or insulting remarks will be frowned upon by the membership. However, good natured needling is ENCOURAGED.10. Thou shalt not murder the Queen's English.11. Thou shalt always use the proper toasting procedures.12. Thou shalt not open the hangar doors.13. Thou shalt fall into disrepute with thy peers if the pleats of thy cummerbund are not properly faced.14. Thou shalt also be painfully regarded if thy clip-on bow tie rides at an obvious list. Thou shalt be forgiven, however, if thee also rides at a comparable list.15. Thou shalt consume thy meal in a manner becoming a gentle person.16. Thou shalt not laugh at ridiculously funny comments unless the President first shows approval by laughing.17. Thou shalt express thy approval by tapping thy spoon on the table. Clapping of thy hands will not be tolerated.18. Thou shalt not question the decisions of the President.19. When the mess adjourns, thou shalt rise and wait for the President and guests to leave.20. Thou shalt enjoy thyself to the fullest.

Grog BowlViolators of the Mess

Does an about face and salutes the President Does an about face to the bowl and fills the cup Does another about face and toasts the mess Drains the contents of the cup without removing it

from the lips, then places it inverted on their head signifying it is empty.

Does an about face, replaces the cup, about faces again, salutes the President, and returns to their seat. With the exception of the toast, "To the Mess," the violator is not permitted to speak during this process.

Dining Out

Less formalGuests and families allowed Dining Out- becoming increasingly popular

Combat Dining Out

Far less formalUOD- Flight Suits, ABUSGamesNo guests

Other Military Branches

Navy- also Dining Out Contests incorporated

Army- Regimental Dinner Rules are different (ex. You cannot trade food or ask for seconds)

Marine Corps & Coast Guard- Mess Night

Kitchen’s head chef will parade the dinner around

Summary

Origins of Dining InImportanceUOD and CustomsDining Out Combat Dining OutOther Military Branches

Questions

Email: sarahbobbigarcia@gmail.comPhone:210.489.0447