Informal military tradition offered to Team Malmstrom

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MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The Big Sky Top 3 and Combat Dining-In Committee would like to invite all active-duty military members to the Combat Dining-In, which will take place Friday, Aug 17 at 6 p.m. (in-processing starts at 5 p.m.) in the 3-Bay Hangar.

This year's theme will be "Battle Under the Big Sky" and is designed as a morale booster and stress reliever for all involved. This will be a night of fun and camaraderie for all service members. All attendees will be provided an opportunity to experience an informal aspect of the military social life and Air Force tradition.

The format and sequence of events will be built around the traditional dining-in, however, it's a far less formal atmosphere and combat dress requirements (flight-suit or ABU) have made it appealing to the masses.

Attendees will be seated by group and will design a centerpiece for their respective table. Everyone will want to put their best effort into the centerpiece because the group with the best collaboration will receive an opportunity to send any two personnel from another table to the grog bowl.

Tickets are only $8 for E1 to E4, $10 for E5 and E6, $12 for E7 to E9, and $15 for all officers. Ticket price includes an MRE dinner, beverages (leaded and unleaded), memento and fun. Airmen should contact their respective unit sales representative to purchase tickets:

· 819th RED HORSE Squadron - Master Sgt. Andrew Campos or Senior Airman Michelle Perez

· 341st Mission Support Group/Wing Staff Agencies - Tech. Sgt. Katina James or TSgt Nayda Ferguson

· 341st Medical Group - Tech. Sgt. Micheal Filipovich or Master Sgt. Nicholas Sinnott

· 341st Security Forces Group - Master Sgt. Richard Scavola

· 341st Maintenance Group - Senior Airman Brent Armstrong

· 341st Operations Group - Tech. Sgt. Michael Harris, Staff Sgt. Tiffany Pacheco, Staff Sgt. Christopher Amann, Tech. Sgt. Martin Hannenburg, or Staff Sgt. Amanda Whiting

Tips to help survive the event:
Things to bring:
· Old military uniform
· Camo paint (if desired)
· Super soakers (water guns)
· Water balloons
· Warrior Spirit

Wear the oldest and rattiest uniform - there's no telling what it's going to look like by the time the CDI is over, or if stains are going to come out. The only stipulations are that it must have the correct name and rank on it, along with any other patches that may be required.

Camo up. There's no point in even pretending to not get dirty, so go in with war paint on and declare intentions of getting filthier than anyone else.

Protect any items that shouldn't get wet by wrapping them in plastic or ziploc bags. If driving a car, cover the seats with garbage bags or bring a change of clothes.

Pull out every toy weapon: water balloons, super soakers - anything to be better prepared and more formidable. All weapons must be filled with plain water. Two water buffaloes will be available on site for reloading.

Create an alliance with friends before the event and fight as a team, or just go in unattached and play it by ear. The great thing about a CDI is no one knows who they might be teamed up with.

Before entering the "combat zone," make sure to have all weapons ready and easily accessible. There will be some traditions and formalities that will likely be observed beforehand, but once the action starts, don't waste time collecting gear.

Get in there and fight. Play hard and show no mercy.

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RULES OF THE MESS
  • Thou shalt never question any decisions made by the President; he/she is always right.
     
  • Thou shalt arrive within at least 30 minutes of the appointed hour to in-process to the event.
     
  • Thou shalt make every effort to meet all guests.
     
  • Thou shalt not use tobacco products in the "combat area."
     
  • Thou shalt move to the mess when the siren sounds and remain standing until seated by the President.
     
  • Thou shalt not leave the mess without permission of the President. Military protocol overrides all calls of nature.
     
  • Thou shalt participate in all toasts unless honored by the toast.
     
  • Thou shalt keep toasts and comments within limits of good taste and mutual respect; however, good-natured humor is encouraged.
     
  • Thou shalt always use proper toasting procedures.
     
  • Thou shalt not whine or otherwise murder the Queen's English (no profanity)
     
  • Thou shalt not open the hangar doors (talk about work).
     
  • Thou shalt express approval by banging fists or dog tags on the tables; clapping will not be tolerated.
     
  • Thou shalt only use water weaponry. Use of anything else will be a "Law of Armed Conflict" violation and will be punished at the President's discretion.
     
  • Thou shalt not throw anything, especially food, at anyone (especially the head table).
     
  • Thou shalt only engage targets during alarm RED or during open range as often as the President directs.
     
  • Thou shalt protect fellow warriors.
     
  • When the mess adjourns, rise and wait for the President and special guests to depart.
     
  • Thou shalt come to "battle" prepared with all necessary gear of choice (water weaponry only).
     
  • Thou shalt not over-indulge in alcoholic beverages.
     
  • Thou shalt enjoy the event to the fullest.
     
  • Members must be in any serviceable, authorized combination of uniforms.
     
  • Thou shalt be with wingmen at all times while in the "combat area."