Mess dress on promotion

[Soon To Leave]

This is probably a bone question but do you have to accept an issue of mess kit on promotion? After all, it's just a suit to get bladdered in a couple of times a year? Surely if you're not one for the mess (not every SNCO is, after all) then it would be a waste of money/resources having it issued to you knowing it was never (or at least exceptionally rarely) going to get used? I know that in the-albeit unlikely-event that I get my third, I would have to think about picking one up.

Obviously, until you go down to stores and ask for one it won't be issued but do expect questions to be asked when you turn up to a top table or function wearing your No. 1s (if you have a set).

What I found alarming is, at a time when the ethos of the mess is being positively promoted, you have SNCOs around you that are countering this with undeserved negativity. Some of this will be down to envy of the fact you are being given free mess dress when they've had to fork out good money for one.

Whilst some have goaters have berated you, I'm hoping you are ready for a little advice.

Bear in mind someone up your reporting chain will have strong positive views on being a member of a mess (commissioned or non-commissioned) and will consider your attitude when reporting on you. I would advise you always appear enthusiastic about the idea of being a mess member as it will enhance your prospects of being one. Attend as many exchange drinks/games nights as you can and actively engage in conversation with SNCO's whilst you are there and get a first hand experience of what the mess is all about.

I hope you get promoted, and when you do, rush down to see the tailor, get your mess dress sorted and attend the mess when you can. On receiving your 'chevrons trois', insist your fellow SNCO's give you a proper introduction to the mess and enthuse your JNCO's in wanting to follow your example.

TBJ might not have been a member of the SNCOs' and WOs' Mess but the ethos of both messes is very similar and some of my best experiences have been at exchange drinks in the Officers' Mess. There is a far more positive attitude towards the Oficers' Mess as the suitability for it is assessed from the outset and they join from day one. The attitude towards the Sgt's Mess should, in theory, be even stronger due to the time spent and hoops jumped before being offered membership but sadly that is not the case. The same people that moaned about paying their pound a month to be members of the Cpl's club are now SNCO's who won't go into the mess even though they have to pay for it.

I'm not sure what the solution is; maybe there should be some form of Sgts' selection centre where those that are considered promotable are interviewed and assessed before promotion.

 

[POB]

I always thought that Mess functions were PARADES, and as such, you had to attend or write to the CMC with your reasons for not attending. It was certainly that way just a few years ago at Lyneham...

 

[Climebear]

I always thought that Mess functions were PARADES, and as such, you had to attend or write to the CMC with your reasons for not attending. It was certainly that way just a few years ago at Lyneham...

I fully agree with your sentiments; however, officially only dining-in and guest nights in an officers' mess are parades. Attendance at similar functions in a SNCOs' Mess are not compulsory though there is an expectation that mess members should attend as often as possible. (Detailed in AP3223 Leaflet 605 Paragraph 60503 which is available on the intranet).




(Sometimes I even surprise myself at my knowledge of obscure and trivial regulations)