Combat dining out makes comeback

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Magen M. Reeves
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Airmen got drenched at the 341st Missile Wing Combat Dining Out July 31, in Building 3081.

The chairmen team of 1st Lt. Brian Harris, 10th Missile Squadron, and Senior Master Sgt. Mark Chasteen, 341st Security Forces Squadron, had quite an event to plan.

"Col. Wilcox (341st MW commander) threw it out there and I volunteered," said Chasteen. "This is my first time; I've never done a combat dining out before. I thought it would be fun to plan a committee."

For the past six months since accepting the tasking from the base commander, Chasteen, Harris, and a team of dedicated volunteers have been working diligently to organize the event. 

Planning an event like this has multiple parts that the committee must coordinate: organizing key attendees and special speakers, planning the menu, how much the event costs, enlisting help from private organizations, getting a location, and creating a theme.

The last combat dining out held here at Malmstrom was in 2012.

"The mission of the combat dining out is to build comradery," said Harris. "It's an opportunity to have comradery with the other groups. A lot of Airmen only hang out with people from their groups. There are a lot of other groups on base, so it opens up the spectrum."

Having events for Airmen to participate in and have fun are a necessity; to observe and be a part of the heritage of the Air Force.

"Heritage, without a doubt, is the most important reason Airmen should come to an event like this," said Chief Master Sgt. Thom Stiles, 341st MW command chief. "You have to know where you have been, to know where you are going."

A combat dining out is a demonstration of everything we want to communicate to our Airmen, said Stiles.

The combat dining out was attended by approximately 200 civilians, enlisted Airmen and officers.

"It's an opportunity to build relationships and make connections with higher leadership in a more relaxed setting," said Harris. "We are all part of Wing One. It's always a positive thing when we come together."

Combat dining outs are the newest addition to the list of traditional military events. They are more relaxed than most formal events. Airmen get to wear their Airman battle uniforms and get to have fun with props and imaginations.

"That's where the water comes in," said Chasteen. "It's about having fun and building a comradery for the whole base."

The theme of the combat dining out was Minuteman Mayhem. Airmen were encouraged to bring water-weapons to do battle at the mess with their fellow Airmen and the base leadership.

"It's good to see our leadership in a fun capacity," said Harris. "It's good to let loose with your troops."

If the combat dining out is a success, the idea is that the event will become annual.

"Hopefully, the plan is to make it a tradition," said Harris. "I think that this should be an annual tradition; to bring the Wing together."