Introduction to Dining OutC/1Lt Scott BertagnoleDining Out Officer

Overview

Basic Information

Preparation

Protocol With your date With your table Toasts and Other Formalities

Infractions of the Mess

The Boot Award

Winter 2009 Semester Dining Out 11 Apr 2009 1830-2300 WSC Ballroom

Guest Speaker: Dean Gary Cornia,

BYU Marriott School of Management

1800-1815 Arrive

1830 Formation of the Mess and Presentation of

the Colors1837 Invocation1842 Toasts1845 POW/MIA Tribute1855 Introduction of the Head Table1900 Dinner1920 Opening of the Grog1935 Closing of the Grog1950 Intermission2005 Reconvene the Mess,

Dessert2020 Address by Dean Gary Cornia2100 Adjourn the Mess

2115 Military Ball in the Garden Court

(Dance lessons in the East Ballroom)

Basic Information

Preparation

Attendance is Mandatory

Arrive Early. Rides/Carpools?

Dress: Cadets: Modified Service Dress/Mess Dress

Replace blues shirt with a white shirt Point-collar (no button down collars) No cover (don’t even bring it) Dry clean, polish, and press

Non-Cadets: Semi-Formal to Formal Corsage/Boutonnière

Protocol: With Your Date

ALWAYS SHOW RESPECT AND CHIVALRY

Open doors for and help seat a lady

When transiting, move in “Escort Formation” (Gentleman on the Right)

When seated, gentleman on the right

Never leave a lady alone

Protocol: With Your Table

At the beginning of the event, and following intermission, remain standing until seated by Mr. President

If a lady arrives or leaves, all the gentlemen should stand

Maintain a charged glass

Don’t start eating before the head table

Engage in delightful conversation and enjoy a social atmosphere

Protocol: Toasts

Gentlemen stand; ladies remain seated

Following the toast, the response is said with raised glasses, and the glass is brought to the lips (it is not necessary to drain your glass)

DO NOT participate in the toast if you a part of the group being honored

Protocol: Toasts (Continued)

POW/MIA Toast is performed with water

Toasts are never offered to individual persons by name.

Toast Response

To the Colors “To the Colors”

To the Commander-in-Chief “To the President”

To the Chief of Staff, United States Air Force

“To the Chief of Staff”

To the Professor of Aerospace Studies

“Hear, Hear”

To the POWs/MIAs [no response; silent]

To our Distinguished Guests “Hear, Hear”

[Any other Toast] “Hear, Hear”

Formalities

Do not applaud (unless initiated by the head table); tap spoon instead

Avoid leaving the mess while it is formed

Use silverware starting from the outside and moving inward. The fork above your plate is for dessert only.

Place your napkin in your lap; don’t place elbows on the table, and other such etiquette

Silence your cellphone!

Infractions of the Mess

At various points during the evening, a member may be punished for violating the rules of the mess.

Punishment might include singing a song, telling a joke, attempting a jig, being sent to the grog bowl, or some other activity determined by Mr. President or Mr. Vice.

Infractions of the Mess (Continued)

To make an accusation, stand, come to attention, and loudly announce, “Mr. Vice, Point of Order!”

When recognized by Mr. Vice, proceed to the microphone promptly, squaring all corners in a military fashion

Describe the alleged infraction and who committed it

Infractions of the Mess (Continued)

If you are accused of a violation, come to attention and proceed to the microphone promptly, squaring all corners in a military fashion

You may choose to defend yourself or offer a counter-accusation in a rebuttal

Mr. Vice or Mr. President will pronounce judgment. There are no appeals or quibbling.

Infractions of the Mess (Continued)

When the President or Mr. Vice directs a violator to the grog, the individual proceeds to the grog promptly, squaring all corners in a military fashion. Upon arriving at the grog, the violator: Salutes the grog. Fills the grog cup. Does an about face. Says, “To the Mess!” Drains the grog from the cup without removing it from

his/her lips. Tips the cup upside down over his/her head. Disposes of the cup in an appropriate container, and then

returns to his/her seat. A recovery cheer will be dictated.

The Boot Award

Cadets are nominated by their peers

The nominees are awarded with a generous helping of grog

The nominees are then released to the mess for judgment

The winner of the award is awarded with the undistinguished pink boot and a second helping of grog

Summary

Basic Information

Preparation

Protocol With your date With your table Toasts and Other Formalities

Infractions of the Mess

The Boot Award