The Dining In & Dining Out COL Grace Edinboro 27 August 2016

Dining In or Dining Out? Traditional formal dinner for members of a military organization Brings together officers or NCOs on a social basis Fosters a spirit of teamwork and camaraderie Celebrates unit history Any reason – end of school year, awards, OCS graduation, etc. Dining In is generally only unit members. Dining Out invites guests Dining In usually more rowdy; Dining Out usually more formal

Venue Banquet Hall Dining Room Large open room Head Table and rectangular or circular tables Ideally someplace with a lounge or separate area to mingle away from the dining room Generally the meal is served. Can use buffet when necessary. Uniform – as formal as possible

Events Program/agenda is very flexible Depends on what Commander wants to accomplish Best planned, coordinated, & executed by a committee President & Vice President of the Mess

Sequence of Events Receiving Line Cocktail Period Dinner Chimes Posting of the Colors Invocation Punch/Grog Ceremony Toasts Welcoming Remarks Dinner Break Guest Speaker (Introduction, Comments) President of the Mess Remarks / Toast Guest Speaker Benediction Retire the Colors Close the Mess

Details Use of the gavel Points of Order Songs, limericks, skits, games Grog Menu Toasts Guest Speaker Music/dancing

Violations of the Mess Untimely arrival at proceedings Improper toasting procedure Loud and obtrusive remarks Leaving the dining area without permission from the president Carrying cocktails into the dining area prior to conclusion of dinner Foul language Toasting with an uncharged glass Rising to applaud particularly witty, sarcastic, or relevant toasts, unless following the example of the president Discussion of politics or religion

Layout Head Table: President of the Mess Guest of Honor High Ranking Guests Mr/Madam Vice – seated separately opposite the President Seating Chart and/or place cards Missing Man Table

The Grog More appropriate for Dining In, not Dining Out Not a traditional part of the formal Dining In A punch is mentioned in tradition – mix of alcoholic beverages In CACC, no alcohol will be used Should be formally prepared at beginning of festivities Take the history of the unit (or Corps), and equate ingredients to honor parts of that history Should be potable (drinkable)

Many references on the web Questions? Many references on the web