Dining in

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Mess Night at Camp Lejeune

Dining in is a formal military function for members of a company or other unit. The practice is thought to have begun in 16th Century England, in the monasteries and early universities. During the 18th Century, the British Army incorporated the practice of formal dining into their regimental mess system. Customs and rules of the mess were soon institutionalized rules called the Queen's Regulations. The mess night or "Dining in" became a tradition in all British regiments. During World War II, the custom was revived in the U.S. Military due to participation with the Officers’ Mess in the British military.

The dining in is a formal event for all officers, male and female. The unit Chaplain is also invited, if an invocation is needed.

The United States Army, the United States Navy and United States Air Force refer to this event as a "Dining in" or "Dining-in." The United States Marine Corps and the United States Coast Guard refer to it as "mess night." The Army sometimes calls it a "regimental dinner."

Dining in at Fort Dix, New Jersey

1 British Army traditions
2 Formal toasts
- 2.1 Department of the Navy (U.S.) Form of Toasts
  - 2.1.1 Heads of state
  - 2.1.2 Domestic officials
3 Violations of etiquette
4 See also
5 References

[edit] British Army traditions

See British Military Mess

By the early 19th Century, the British Army's "mess night" developed formal rules, as a result of troops being stationed in remote areas. Officers elected mess committees to conduct their meals. The officers were expected to adhere to the rigid etiquette of Victorian society.

[edit] Formal toasts

The dining in follows established protocols. After a brief cocktail period of 30 to 45 minutes, the presiding officer, known as the "President of the Mess", announces “PLEASE BE SEATED." The group will then retire to the dining area to be seated.

Formal toasts are the heart of the formal dining in. A junior officer, known as "Mr Vice", proposes a toast, “TO OUR GUESTS.” Guests remain seated. The other officers rise and respond, “HEAR, HEAR.” They then sit down. Other toasts include “TO THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF.” Standing, all respond “THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF.” This is followed by toasts to "TO THE UNITED STATES NAVY" or “TO THE UNITED STATES ARMY” and “TO THE (UNIT).” The responses follow in kind, of "HEAR HEAR."

[edit] Department of the Navy (U.S.) Form of Toasts

[edit] Heads of state

KING - TOAST: "To His Majesty, the King of ___________." RESPONSE: "His Majesty, the King of ___________."

QUEEN - TOAST: "To Her Majesty, the Queen of___________." RESPONSE: "Her Majesty, the Queen of ___________."

PRESIDENT - TOAST: "To His Excellency, the President of ___________." RESPONSE: "His Excellency, the President of ___________."

PRIME MINISTER - TOAST: "To His Excellency, the Prime Minister of ___________." RESPONSE: "His Excellency, the Prime Minister of ___________."

GOVERNOR GENERAL - TOAST: "To His Excellency, the Governor of ___________." RESPONSE: "His Excellency, the Governor of ___________."

[edit] Domestic officials

"To COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF THE UNITED STATES" RESPONSE: "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE UNITED STATES." Officers: Stand with glasses raised, say in unison, "THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE UNITED STATES," drink the toast.

This is repeated as follows::

"THE UNITED STATES ARMY"

"THE UNITED STATES NAVY"

"THE MARINE CORPS"

"THE COAST GUARD"

"THE AIR FORCE"

U.S. Navy Mess Night Invitation, 1986

[edit] Violations of etiquette

Violations of the formal etiquette of the dining in are "punished", generally with fines. In the United States Army, the following are considered "Violations of the Mess": untimely arrival at proceedings, smoking at the table before the lighting of the smoking lamp, haggling over date of rank, Inverted cummerbund, loud and obtrusive remarks in a foreign language, improper toasting procedure, leaving the dining room without permission from the President of the Mess, carrying cocktails into the dining area before the conclusion of dinner, foul language, toasting with an uncharged glass, wearing a clip-on bow tie at an obvious list, rising to applaud particularly witty, succinct, sarcastic, or relevant toasts, unless following the example of the President, haggling over penalties or fines imposed. [1]