Posted on Dec 7, 2013
CPT Human Resources Officer
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If we take the time to dress in our finest uniforms, shouldn't the occasion be worthy of the Uniform? Shouldn't the highest level of professionalism be on display?

The reason I ask is because having just attended one; I was disappointed at the lack of etiquette, and military bearing. Yes there is a portion where you can dance, I for one don't think that portion should involve "gettin Low" "Droppin it like its hot" or anything remotely similar.

Do it at the club all you want, but this is the Army, not "the block".

Thoughts?
Posted in these groups: Checklist icon 2 StandardsMilitaryball 8198 t Military BallCorporate culture 492 Culture
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Responses: 18
CSM Infantry Senior Sergeant
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The last time I attended a formal I was so excited remembering what my last experience was boy what a complete opposite. Although I did have a good time and enjoy customs and traditions an hour of formal stuff followed by dinner followed by a thirty minute guest speaker had everyone in the room yawning for the door. I say keep the formal parts at the beginning to include guest speaker, retire the colors then bring out the grog and dance music so everyone can relax and cut loose 
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SSG V. Michelle Woods
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Sir, respectfully, your ball sounds boring. Number one, I'm not going anywhere and "dropping it like it's hot"...well not anymore. Two, military balls are one of very few events that actually boost morale. 
Regardless of popular belief among leadership, running 4 miles doesn't boost morale the same way it does when your BDE DCO buys your squad a shot. Im not saying to get raunchy but it's ok to lighten up a little :)


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SSgt Forensic Meteorological Consultant
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SPC David B.   Because one day that will be you who is asking the same question and trust me friend you will be that guy.  How do I?  I was 18 once and could not imagine but 25 let alone 30-40 something.   What you learn is you bear it with grace and not make it all about you.
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SPC David Beam
SPC David Beam
11 y
Um, I'm forced to assume this was directed at me. I'm not entirely sure what your point is, but I'd like to point out that I'm almost 30 myself. Fun is fun. As was stated here, it does in fact boost morale. Which is incredibly hard to pull off in the military these days. We don't have the money to do enough training exercises that are fun, and I have still to this day never been to an actually fun mandatory fun day. On the other hand, the balls I have attended are exactly that fun. Being that they aren't manditory, if you remove that factor, you are going to end up with a bunch of e-7+'s and o-3+'s sitting around throwing speeches at each other, because nobody else would come.... and, in and of itself would KILL a glorious military tradition that certain people seem to view with incredibly rose colored eyepro.
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SSgt Forensic Meteorological Consultant
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11 y

Jade is not just a stone.   You can be jaded and try to persuade yourself that you are right.  And almost 30 = 29.   My point is that we think we somehow have something figured out by the time we are 18.


And as I said young man,  it begins with you.   Others cannot make you do anything.   So if you do not like it,  do not go.   I mean that is an option.

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SSG Laureano Pabon
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I agree too Sir, the get down and boogie is for the NCO and Officers club, not a Military Ball or Banquet. I personally been to an Officers Banquet, personally invited by My battalion Commander in Germany as the photographer, I didn't see any unprofessional acts or behaviors, and like wise I been to both Officers and NCO clubs and I saw it but with respect. However the Enlistment club is a whole different story that I don't want to talk about. :)
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CPT Human Resources Officer
CPT (Join to see)
11 y
The first rule of the NCO club is: We do not talk about the NCO club.
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SSG Laureano Pabon
SSG Laureano Pabon
11 y
Yikes  lol
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SSgt Forensic Meteorological Consultant
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11 y
Sir.  You are still young. :) LT
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