Section 4 EO MX20.01D – PARTICIPATE IN A MESS DINNER
This IG supports EO MX20.01D (Participate in a Mess Dinner) located in A-CR-CCP-801/PG-001, Royal Canadian Air Cadets Proficiency Level One Qualification Standard and Plan, Chapter 4.
One week prior to the mess dinner, photocopy and distribute the appropriate elemental Cadet Mess Dinner pamphlet, located at Annexes A–C, for each cadet.
One week prior to the mess dinner, photocopy and distribute the Role of the President of the Mess Committee (PMC) handout, located at Annex D, to the cadet filling the role of PMC.
One week prior to the mess dinner, photocopy and distribute the Role of the Vice-President of the Mess Committee (VPMC) handout, located at Annex E, to the cadets filling the role of VPMC.
Refer to the Organize a Mess Dinner Aide-Memoire located at Annex F to guide the preparation of the mess dinner.
Brief the cadets on the expected dress for the mess dinner.
Have the cadets read the applicable Cadet Mess Dinner pamphlet in preparation for the mess dinner.
A practical activity was chosen for this lesson as it is an interactive way to allow cadets to experience a mess dinner in a safe, controlled environment. This activity is an interactive way to build on the cadets’ knowledge of the CAF.
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By the end of this session the cadets shall have participated in a mess dinner.
The mess dinner is a ceremonial occasion when military personnel dine together formally and is one of the most important traditions of the CAF. Historically, military organizations have taken on a life and routine based upon discipline, order, and traditions that differ from civilian life. This boosts morale and develops esprit de corps.
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The protocols and procedures for a Mess Dinner must be adapted to fit the regulations of the Cadet Program. While the tradition in the CAF calls for the serving of alcohol, IAW CATO 13-23, Drug and Alcohol Policy, cadets will not be served alcohol. Grape juice may be substituted for port during a cadet mess dinner. |
1.Conduct a mess dinner, to include:
pre-dinner gathering,
mess calls,
arrival of the head table,
dinner,
passing of the port,
loyal toast,
marches,
speeches, and
departure of the head table.
2.Have the cadets sign a guest book reflecting on their experience.
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Participating in a mess dinner has allowed you to experience CAF customs, traditions, and rituals. Mess dinners are happy occasions that allow all members, regardless of rank, to meet on an occasion where good manners are expected.
There are numerous leadership opportunities for cadets when conducting a mess dinner:
Phase Five / Master Cadet / Proficiency Level Five cadets may plan, prepare and conduct the mess dinner as a leadership project IAW PO 503 (Lead Cadet Activities); and
Phase Three / Silver Star / Proficiency Level Three, Phase Four / Gold Star / Proficiency Level Four, and Phase Five / Master Cadet / Proficiency Levels Five cadets may complete leadership assignments such as acting as the Mess President and the Mess Vice-Presidents IAW POs 303 (Perform the Role of a Team Leader), 403 (Act as a Team Leader), and 503 (Lead Cadet Activities).
The organization of the mess dinner shall be based on human and material resources available to the corps / squadron.
A-CR-050-801/PH-001 Directorate of Cadets 6. (2009). Training plan DP1 Cadet Instructors Cadre: Basic Officer Training Course. Ottawa, ON: Department of National Defence.
A-AD-200-000/AG-000 Director Honours and Recognition. (1999). The honours, flags and heritage structure of Canadian Forces. Ottawa, ON: Department of National Defence.
A-AD-262-000/AG-000 Director of Physical Education, Recreation and Amenities. (1984). Mess administration. Ottawa, ON: Department of National Defence.
CFACM 1-900 Air Command. (2007). Air command mess dinner procedures. Ottawa, ON: Department of National Defence.
HMCS Queen Regina’s Naval Reserve Division. (2009). Chief Petty Officers & Petty Officers mess dinner naval customs. Retrieved April 28, 2009, from http://www.hmcsqueen.ca/cpomessdinner.pdf.
Love, D.W. (1990). Manual of Canadian naval etiquette. Victoria, BC: VENTURE, The Naval Officer Training Centre.
ReadyAyeReady (2009). Naval Toasts of the Day – Customs and Traditions: Naval toasts of the day. Retrieved April 1, 2009 from http://www.readyayeready.com/tradition/naval-toasts-of-theday.htm
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