Dinning-In Background is provided below:

The exact origin of the Dining-In is not known. It is believed, however, that the practice dates back to an old Viking tradition of holding formal ceremonies to celebrate great battles and feats of heroism. These ceremonies usually included a dinner of fine foods, drinks, and fellowship. Later this custom spread to the monasteries, universities, and, eventually, to the military officers' mess.1

During the early eighteenth century, the British Army incorporated the practice of formal dining into their regimental mess system. Customs and rules of the mess were soon institutionalized in the Queen's Regulations that governed the actions and conduct of the British Army. The mess was a home for the bachelor officers, a club for all officers, and the center of social life at the military garrison.2 An important feature of the mess was mess night. Usually held once a week, it was a formal mandatory gathering of the officers of the regiment. The purpose of the dinner was to bring the officers together in a fraternal atmosphere and to make them aware of the luxuries of life.3 The mess night or Dining-In became a tradition in all British regiments.

The close association between the British and American armies during the world wars led the United States Army to adopt the Dining-In as a part of its social program.4 The practice flourished during World War II and became a regular social function. Unfortunately, it is difficult to create a tradition, and the Dining-In lost favor among U.S. Army units in the postwar period. Moreover, the rapid turnover of officers in the American Army made it difficult, if not impossible, to establish loyal ties to a unit and its traditions. These facts added to the decline of the Dining-In.5

Today, the Dining-In appears to be making a comeback in many Army units and organizations. Senior commanders are again recognizing the value of the Dining-In for building professionalism and esprit de corps among the young officers. They recognize that the Dining-In is an ideal forum in which to strengthen and perpetuate the spirit, professionalism, and soul of the Army.

The purpose of this reference book is to assist those who would help spark a comeback for the Dining-In in the United States Army. It is intended as a source document for officers planning a Dining-In or Dining-Out in their units. It provides a brief history of the British and American regimental messes, a detailed explanation of the standards and procedures for conducting a Dining-In, and a short sketch of service etiquette as it applies to formal dining. There are many other books and pamphlets on the customs and traditions of the Army and service etiquette available to reinforce the information contained in this booklet. The most important sources are in the bibliography at the back of this book.

Dining-In Army Field Circular, Formal Dining-In 21-1

Photos, Dining-In 2009

Photos, Dining-In 2010