2012 VIKING BATTALION MILITARY BALL

 Prepare cadets to demonstrate proper protocol, etiquette in military and civilian social settings. Understand the difference between etiquette and manners. Prepare cadets on how to successfully attend a social event and have a great time.  TOPICS  Concept of Mil Ball  Program  Protocol  Procedures  Etiquette

 The military ball is a formal dinner for members and their spouses of a military organization or unit. It provides an occasion for officers and their spouses or dates to meet socially in a formal military function.  The purpose of a military ball is to recognize and celebrate unit achievements, mark a holiday as a key event in the unit’s history or any events that are effective in building and maintaining esprit de corps.

 The Military Ball is generally divided into formal and informal sessions. Pre- and Post- dinner activities are usually informal and optional.  The Pre-dinner consist of greeters receiving our guests, color guard, military ball receiving line, toasts and a guest speaker.  Post-dinner activities is dancing and fun.

 The Army Mess Uniform is the standard dress for a dining-in; but the Army Blue/White Uniform is viewed as acceptable. The cadet male and female uniforms are worn with white shirts. Males wear a bow tie and females a neck tab. Females can wear a gown.  Arrive on time.  Attendees should introduce themselves to the guest(s) of honor either before or after the formal session.

 All members of the sponsoring organization are responsible for showing warm, gracious hospitality to each guest.  Attendees should “take seats” only when directed to do so by the presiding officer. They should remain seated until the presiding officer and guests have left the head table.

 The presiding officer bangs the gavel once or announces “POST THE COLORS.” The bugle sounds attention, the drum rolls, and the colors are posted.  The presiding officer then asks the chaplain or appropriate person to give the Invocation.  Toasts are proposed.  The presiding officer announces “PLEASE BE SEATED,” and all are seated.  The presiding officer makes appropriate introductory remarks.  If guests are present, the presiding officer then introduces guests at his table.

 The presiding officer may stand and propose a toast, “TO THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF.” Standing, all respond “THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF.” Subsequent toasts may be “TO THE UNITED STATES ARMY” and “TO THE (The Viking Battalion),” with like responses.  Following the introduction of any guest (s) the final toast should be “TO OUR GUESTS,” with the appropriate response of, “HEAR, HEAR.”  In such instances, guests should remain seated and not raise their glasses.

 Toasts are considered a mandatory part of any dining-in and military ball. The format of toasts will vary depending primarily on the purpose of the dining-in or military ball. It is important to make the proper toast in terms of both proposing the toast and responding to it.  Cadets will have assigned toasts to conduct.

  Dining Etiquette Dining Etiquette

 Because 85% of your success in business is based on your people skills, your demeanor and behavior toward others are as important as your technical abilities and professional competence. Employers and clients look for your personal qualities that make the difference in business relationships: courtesy, tact and confidence. Etiquette skills are the foundation of good relationships. Good relationships are good business.

 1. Not Holding Utensils Properly.  2. Taking Phone Calls During a Meal.  3. Chewing With Your Mouth Open.  4. Cutting Your Food up Into Tiny Pieces/Cutting Meat up All at Once.  5. Acting Rude to Wait Staff/Servers.

 6. Expounding on Religious/Political/Dietary Beliefs.  7. Complaining About the Food.  8. Picking your teeth with a toothpick or fingers while at the table.  9. Using the Butter Serving Knife to Butter Your Roll.  10. Licking Your Fingers/Using Fingers to Push Food Onto Your Fork.

 11. Napkins.  12. Appearance.  13. Breaking bread.  14. Speed.  15. Purses and briefcases.  16. Talking solely about yourself  17. Don't fidget.  18. Keep your eyes forward and stand up straight with your shoulders back.  19. Firm handshakes  20. Smile  21. Don’t cross your arms when socializing

 Prepare cadets to demonstrate proper protocol, etiquette in military and civilian social settings. Prepare cadets on how to successfully attend a social event and have a great time.  TOPICS  Concept of Military Ball  Program  Protocol  Procedures  Etiquette

 Skit 1. Conversations, posture, respect, & handshakes: Students standing in line to enter the receiving line, entering the receiving line, meeting guest speaker and other guests.  Skit 2. Toasts, table introductions, buffet line, table settings, eating