Courtesy Photo | Members of 72nd ESB and 69th Signal Battalion pose for a photo following the event....... read more read more
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany - The dining in is a formal military event with an ancient heritage. They have been conducted as part of the United States Army in the 18th and 19th centuries, but were abandoned after the civil war. During World War II the practice was reintroduced to the Army and is now a staple event among professional organizations.
Several components of the dining in pay homage to older traditions. The President of the Mess, Mister Vice, and the beloved grog all have histories going back to ancient armies. The true origin of the grog is unknown with some believing it was a tradition amongst warriors to create a drink that would provide them with the spirit of battle. It was thought that since all would need this spirit for combat, everyone should partake. 1LT Phil Dowd, who acted as Mr. Vice, was first to partake and affirm that the “grog was rich in the traditions of the 7th TTSB.”
The Brigade’s implementation of the dining in paid reverence to the honored traditions while recognizing our Army’s modern realities. One of the modern realities involves broadening the pool of those attending to include staff sergeants. These able members of our formation contribute a great deal as professionals outside of these settings are were no less contributors to the spirit and good humor of the dining in. When asked about their attendance CSM Charlie Bryant said that “The dining in falls under the profession of arms training. It was a learning experience for them and a chance for them to bond with their superiors throughout the brigade.”
Some leaders are risk adverse when it comes to alcohol at military functions. The 7th TTSB’s responsible drinking program mitigates the risk and allows this aspect of the tradition to continue. Leaders within the brigade ensured that not only was a non alcoholic grog available, but that consumption of it was encouraged to maintain a level of professionalism suitable for the event.
Because the dining in is a tradition unique to the military, 44th ESB felt it important to train junior NCOs and Soldiers on the procedures of the dining in. As part of the profession of arms training the unit hosted a mock dining in during the duty day prior to the event. Because of this, Soldiers in the 44th enjoyed a good taste of this fine tradition and were able to build esprit de corps in the unit while simultaneously increasing the proficiency of those conducting the full dining in.
The dining in itself contained aspects of solemnity and levity. True to the heritage of the signal regiment, the President and Mr. Vice communicated with a pair of trusty TA-312s. Mr. Vice issued punishments that included duels and trips to the grog. There was a visit from someone claiming to be the ultimate warrior who was promptly challenged and humbled by an attending Command Sergeant Major.
Col. Mangelsdorf, the 7th Signal Brigade Commander, veered from rendering a historical perspective on dining ins and instead delivered remarks about the future of the profession. The remarks were in some ways a farewell, but with an eye pointing towards the future. He paid particular attention to remind the young audience that they would be the ones steering the future of profession. Sgt. 1st Class Trevor Brown, a first time dining in attendee called it “an outstanding learning experience.”
Professionalism requires a culture that needs to be fostered and perpetuated. Through the tradition of the dining in Soldiers are reminded that their profession is larger than oneself and they are to carry forward the torch that they inherit from those that have come before.
| Date Taken: | 12.06.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 02.26.2014 09:43 |
| Story ID: | 121182 |
| Location: | BW, DE |
| Web Views: | 537 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 7th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade (TTSB) Holds Its Final Dining In, by 1LT Caroyln Stankiewicz, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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