AFROTC Detachment 157 I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e DINING OUT Spring 2012 C/Capt Rendon C/4C Magness 11 Apr 12

Detachment 157 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 2 Overview What it is When / Where Proper Wear of the Mess Dress Toasting Verbiage Rules of the Mess Table Etiquette

Detachment 157 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 3 What it is Represents the most formal aspect of Air Force social life Demonstrates how ceremony and tradition effect a unit Social meetings with other members of the unit

Detachment 157 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 4 When / Where 14 April Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort 100 North Atlantic Avenue Directly across from the Ocean Center Directions are attached to the orders The Hilton will provide free valet parking. Social Hour begins 1800

Detachment 157 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Proper Wear of the Mess Dress The standard Service Dress is worn A plain white long-sleeved button up shirt will be worn substituting the short-sleeved blues shirt. Males will wear issued blue ties and Females will wear their issued tie tabs There should be no buttons on the collar. Female POC are authorized to wear skirts. No covers will be worn. POC do not wear the silver name tags.

Detachment 157 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 6 Toasting Verbiage Toasting to the colors - Respond “To the Colors” Toasting to the President - Respond “To the President” Toasting to a Chief of Staff or Commandant -Respond “To the Chief or Commandant” Toasting to POW/MIA – Use the water glass and respond with nothing. (It is a silent toast) All other toasts respond “Here, Here”

Detachment 157 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 7 Rules of the Mess Thou shalt arrive within 10 minutes of the appointed hour. Thou shalt make every effort to meet all guests. Thou shalt move to the Mess when thee hear’s the chimes and remain standing until seated by the President. Thou shalt not bring drink into the mess. Thou shalt not leave the Mess whilst convened. Military protocol overrides all calls of nature. Thou shalt participate in all toasts unless thyself or thy group is being honored with a toast. Thou shalt ensure that thy glass is always charged while toasting. 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 needing is ENCOURAGED. Thou shalt not murder the Queen’s English. Thou shalt not open the hanger doors (talk shop). Thou shalt always use the proper toasting procedure.

Detachment 157 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 8 Rules of the Mess Cont. 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 ride at a comparable list. Thou shalt consume thy meal in a manner becoming gentlepersons. Thou shalt not laugh at ridiculously funny comments unless the President first shows approval by laughing. Thou shalt not question the decisions of the President, otherwise know as caviling. When the Mess opens or adjourns, thou shalt rise and wait for the members at the head table to take their places or depart. Thou shalt not begin eating a course of the meal before members of the head table. Thou shalt not engage in conversation while another member has the floor. Thou shalt not wear all ill-fitted or discolored Mess jacket. Thou shalt express thy approval by tapping thy spoon on the table. Clapping thy hands will not be tolerated. When the Mess adjourns, thou shalt rise and wait for the President and quests to leave. Thou shalt enjoy thyself to thy fullest.

Detachment 157 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 9 Table Etiquette Once seated, unfold your napkin and use it for occasionally wiping your lips or fingers. At the end of dinner, leave the napkin tidily on the place setting. Whilst eating, rest the knife and fork on either side of the plate between mouthfuls. When you have finished eating, place them side by side in the center of the plate. If the food presented to you is not to your liking, it is polite to at least make some attempt to eat a small amount of it. Should a lady wish to be excused for the bathroom, it is polite for the gentlemen to stand up as she leaves the table, sit down again, and then stand once more when she returns. Only begin eating after the head table has begun eating along with the female members of your table.

Detachment 157 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 10 Table Etiquette Cont. It is not generally regarded as good dinner table etiquette to use one's bread for dipping into soups or mopping up sauces. Talking with one's mouth full. is not only unpleasant to watch, but could also lead to choking! Definitely not a good idea! Don't stretch across the table crossing other guests to reach food or condiments. Instead ask a guest sitting close to pass the item to you. When passing items around the table, always pass in a counterclockwise rotation receiving with the right hand and passing with the left hand. Picking teeth (unless toothpicks are provided) or licking fingers is not allowed.

Detachment 157 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 11 Synopsis What it is When / Where Proper Wear of the Mess Dress Toasting Verbiage Rules of the Mess Table Etiquette

I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e QUESTIONS? Contact C/Capt Rendon at or C/4C Magness at