Formal night! Military dress alright?

[crow99]

I say wear them.... As someone who did the UK equivlent of ROTC I always feel proud of seeing people in their dress uniform and its a very uncommon site over here. Wish I could have contiuned but thats a whole different topic!

 

There is no doubt people will look, stare and if your on my cruise want to buy you a drink. It's our way of saying thanks to the people who do extraordinary things everyday which the average joe couldnt even imagine. Yes you might not think its super special but all it takes for good to triumph over evil is for good people to stand back and do nothing and you are defo one of the good guys

 

Yes you will feel embarrassed and humble but thats what makes you the person you are ;) Oh and for sure the wifes have it tougher.

[crzycick]

We are cruising in the begining of July... I wish your husband the best. I turned down a chance for the MECEP years ago, for various reasons to include personal ones. I am glad I did turn it down now, yeah it would have been nice to be an officer but I like where I am preffesionally as well as my personal life. If I would have taken it, then I would not have meet my wife nor have the wonderful children I have now. I would not change that for anything...

 

Side question, did you and you husand feel like you were over dressed or that people were staring at you...

 

Also on the wild Marine side. I am always worried about Habib da Terrorist seeing me on a ship in International waters and knifing me and throwing me over board... I know that may sound weird to some but you gotta be aware of things like that... seriously...:cool:

 

I feel like we were some of the most dressed up people, but not the only ones. There were many wearing formal attire. I also prefer to over dress rather than under dress and there was certainly a lot of that! I think some were looked at more than us for being under dressed but being in the dress blues he certainly had some looks, all good ones of course. Several people thanked him for his service and there was even one much older gentleman who after thanking my husband found us many times on the ship and even once in port. Ended up loving our conversations with him!

 

Then there was another guy who was seated on the 2nd floor of the dining room and we were in the middle of the first floor. He saw my husband and brought us a bottle of champagne and even yelled at the poor waiters when our glasses became empty and not immediately refilled by them! It was rather odd but pretty cool at the same time, lol. He hinted to formally being a spy so that was interesting. And then when we saw another Marine while passing through the casino my husband tried to start a small conversation with him. Well my husband had just picked up Sgt and this kid was PFC or LCpl and the woman the man was trying to hit on saw my husband, she made a comment about his extra stripes asking if that made him more important, and the kid got a little upset with my husband for "ruining his chance" oops!

 

I think the fun part of our trip was this very overweight man who appeared to be around 30. Everytime we saw him, which was often, he ALWAYS had a Marine shirt on wearing a booney cover, camo backpack, and carrying a canteen. He was very much trying to get attention and my only thoughts were that he HAD to be discharged from the MC because there is no way he was AD in his conditon!

[crzycick]

Yes, that I what I am a little worried about. I have a chest full of ribbones and everyone stares and ask me all kinds of questions like "What is that for?" Did you shoot someone to get any one those? Things like that and then I ge real tense... I know most people don't mean any harm and they are just living those moments through my eyes but it is hard sometimes... It is hard to answer some of those questions at times but my wife usually does a great job of stepping in and helping us to move along.

 

And then there is the "Hey let me buy that for you and let me get you a drink". I feel so out of place when others do that. My wife understands where I am coming from and she always tells me it is just peoples way of saying thank you for doing what we do but I feel like I do not need any thanks. I do wha tI do because I like it, although one of the hardest things to do but I truly love it. If anyone should be getting drinks bought for them it should be my wife for all the times she has had to put up with my career... One of the toughest occupations in the world, the spouse of a servicemember... I couldnt do it...

 

He did have a few people thanking him, but besides the bottle of champagne there were never any offers for a drink. My husband was rather relieved because he doesn't know how to reply to people when they do such kind things. There were quite a few men in uniform on our cruise so while he did get some admiring looks, there were others to look at as well. Many of the ones who did approach him were veterans so it was interesting to speak with them. I get uncomfortable when people thank me though because I'm not the one doing anything. It's not like I'm going to leave my husband because he's a Marine, so I'm just doing what I have to, dealing with his commitment, there aren't any other options.

 

 

 

 

Kimberly, I see you are at Lejeune, same here!

[yesaccasey]

I've never seen this done. But there's a first for everything. Go for it!

[joge107]

My wife and I are going on our first cruise and it just so happens to be a belated honeymoon. We were not able to do one when we got married due to deployments and other personal agendas. We have been married for several years now and I want this cruise to not be special but one that would be remembered. We go to our Marine Corps Birthday Ball every year so she gets to wear a gown ever year but I thought it would be cool to wear my Marine Corps Dress Whites while on ship for formal night... Any thoughts? Has anyone ever cruised before and seen something like this? I am sure that I am not the first one to do this so I am just looking for some input...

 

I'd never let you pay for a drink

[Jim1304]

My sister and I both feel a military uniform is most definitely appropriate for a cruise. When we were on the Glory a few years ago there were two individuals in the Marine dress uniform and they just seemed to outshine everyone else on the ship.

[txlady753]

As an Army vet (female) and a frequent cruiser - I say DO IT! We had a table who were in their dress blues for formal and it always makes me proud!

[Sheffie]

Yes, wear your dress whites.

 

As others have said, "Thank you!" for defending our country. Men and women like you make me proud to be an American.

[jkudzu]

 

Also on the wild Marine side. I am always worried about Habib da Terrorist seeing me on a ship in International waters and knifing me and throwing me over board... I know that may sound weird to some but you gotta be aware of things like that... seriously...:cool:

 

I understand your concern in this day and age but you'd be surprised at the number of proud American cruisers who'd have your back!

I hope you and your wife have the time of your lives!

[Devil Dog]

I think your dress blues would be outstanding to see on a cruise. You hopefully will find that their are many proud patriots that cruise and appreciate very much your service to the Nation. However, I would have to say I think dress blues is the uniform and not your dress whites. I think the blues are for civillian affairs but the whites are for ceremonial military affairs. I could stand to be corrected but I only wore my whites for dress mess and when I got married other times it was always my dress blues. anyway, you go for it and have a great time and be proud of wearing your uniform because we are proud of you and it reminds us all to be greatful we have brave men and women who serve our counrty in the armed forces that protect our freedoms and our shores semper Fi.....

[normdamarine]

I think your dress blues would be outstanding to see on a cruise. You hopefully will find that their are many proud patriots that cruise and appreciate very much your service to the Nation. However, I would have to say I think dress blues is the uniform and not your dress whites. I think the blues are for civillian affairs but the whites are for ceremonial military affairs. I could stand to be corrected but I only wore my whites for dress mess and when I got married other times it was always my dress blues. anyway, you go for it and have a great time and be proud of wearing your uniform because we are proud of you and it reminds us all to be greatful we have brave men and women who serve our counrty in the armed forces that protect our freedoms and our shores semper Fi.....

 

White trousers may be worn during any occasion which Dress Blues Bravos are authorized during the summer months... But thanks for the comments... Just in case you wanted to see the order...

 

>CH 5 2002. BLUE DRESS UNIFORMS (See figs. 2-7 through 2-14)

1. The blue dress "A" uniform may be worn for parades, ceremonies and

formal or semiformal social functions, for NCOs and below throughout

the year and for officers and SNCOs as appropriate to the season or

those occasions requiring uniformity with NCOs and below. The blue

dress "A" uniform will be is worn for the following official

military/social occasions:

a. Parades, ceremonies, reviews, solemnities, and entertainments

when the commander/senior officer present desires to pay special honors

to the occasion.

b. Official visits of, or to, United States civil officials,

officers of the United States Armed Forces, and officials/officers of

foreign governments, according to chapter 12, U.S. Navy Regulations.

c. Receptions given by, or in honor of, officials/officers listed

in chapter 12, U.S. Navy Regulations.

d. At daytime formal or semiformal occasions.

2. The dress "B" uniforms consist of the same items as the

corresponding dress "A" uniforms, except that ribbons are worn in lieu

of medals. Shooting badges may be prescribed. The blue dress "B"

uniform may be worn for parades, ceremonies, informal social functions,

for NCOs and below throughout the year and for officers and SNCOs as

appropriate to the season or those occasions requiring uniformity with

NCOs and below; and as the uniform of the day for those commands that

receive the appropriate clothing allowance. The blue dress "A" uniform

will be is worn for the following official military/social occasions:

a. Official visits of, or to, United States civil officials,

officers of the United States Armed Forces, and officials/officers of

foreign governments, according to chapter 12, U.S. Navy Regulations.

b. At informal daytime receptions to which a Marine is invited in

an official capacity.

3. Blue dress uniforms are designated as follows:

>CH 5 a. The blue dress "A" uniform includes the blue dress coat with

large medals. This uniform will not be worn for leave or liberty.

2002

MARINE CORPS UNIFORM REGULATIONS

2-5

>Ch 5 b. The blue dress "B" uniform consists of the same items as blue

dress "A" except that ribbons are worn in lieu of medals. This uniform

is authorized for leave and liberty.

c. The blue dress uniform with long sleeve khaki shirt (without

coat), and tie for male Marines and tab for female Marines, is

designated as blue dress "C." Commanders may prescribe blue dress "C"

as the uniform of the day for specified occasions or duties.

Commanders may prescribe this uniform for honors, parades, and

ceremonies on and off the military activity. This uniform is

authorized for leave and liberty. The blue dress sweater may be worn

as part of the blue dress "C" uniform at the option of the individual

except on those occasions when the wear of the blue coat would be more

appropriate. The sweater may be worn as part of the duty uniform both

on and off the military installation and for commuting to and from work.

The sweater may be worn as the uniform of the day and on leave and

liberty but will not be worn for inspections, ceremonial formations, or

parades.

d. The blue dress uniform with short sleeve khaki shirt (without

coat) is designated as blue dress "D." Commanders may prescribe blue

dress "D" as the uniform of the day for specified occasions or duties.

During the winter uniform period, commanders may, at their discretion

when the weather requires, authorize blue dress "D" as the uniform of

the day. Commanders may prescribe this uniform for honors, parades,

and ceremonies where climatic conditions preclude the comfortable wear

of the blue dress "A" or "B" uniforms. This uniform is authorized for

leave or liberty.

>CH 5 4. Female Marines may wear slacks as part of the blue dress

uniforms per paragraph 3028.

5. Individuals may wear either the all-season polyester/wool gabardine

uniform or the all-wool blue uniforms on a year-round basis on all

occasions for which the blue dress uniforms are prescribed or

authorized.

6. Male field grade officers and below may continue to wear blue coats

with blue trousers of different fabrics; however, the future

purchase/sale of blue dress uniforms with coats and trousers of

different fabrics is prohibited. For female Marines, the coat and

skirt must be of the same material; however, if the coat is worn with

slacks, the coat and slacks may be of different materials.

>CH 5 2003. BLUE-WHITE DRESS UNIFORMS (See figs. 2-15 and 2-16.)

>CH 5 1. The officer/staff noncommissioned officer blue-white dress

"A" and "B" uniforms will be prescribed when appropriate to the season

for the same types of official military/social occasions for which the

equivalent blue dress uniform is prescribed per subparagraphs 2003.1

and 2003.2. The blue-white dress uniform will not be worn in

ceremonies with enlisted Marines who are not authorized white trousers

as part of an organizational property issue. On such occasions, the

prescribed uniform will reflect what the junior enlisted personnel wear

(in most cases that will be the service uniform). The dress blue white

“A” uniform may only be prescribed for official parades, ceremonies,

2003

MARINE CORPS UNIFORM REGULATIONS

2-6

and reviews, and formal/semiformal social occasions and will not be

worn on leave or liberty. ALMAR 144/95

>Ch 5 2. The blue-white dress "A" uniform consists of the same items

as the blue dress "A" except the trousers/skirt/slacks will be white.

Female Marines will wear black pumps, black oxfords, or black dress

flats (per the guidance at subparagraph 3012), black handbag/purse

(when required or desired), skin-tone nylon hose (with coat and skirt)

or either dark hose or black socks (with coat and slacks), optional

gold or pearl earrings as authorized with the equivalent blue dress

uniform (when desired) and white shirt with necktab. Officers will

wear the scarlet necktab with the dress blue white “A”/”B” uniforms.

Staff noncommissioned officers will wear the black necktab with the

dress blue white “A”/”B” uniforms. ALMAR 144/95

3. Only those female officers in assignments requiring the wear of

blue slacks will be required to possess white slacks. Trousers, skirts,

and slacks for enlisted Marines or white slacks for female officers

will be procured from commercial sources utilizing specifications,

patterns, and materials obtained from CG MCLB Albany, per subparagraph

1007.5.

4. The blue-white dress "B" uniform consists of the same items as the

blue-white dress "A" uniform, except that ribbons are worn in lieu of

medals (shooting badges may be prescribed). This uniform will be worn

under the same conditions as the blue dress "B" uniform. This uniform

can be worn on leave and liberty.

[bluegirlum]

Norm, I thought of you as I was traveling yesterday. I went through Atlanta and there were a lot of servicemen and women in the airport. I tried to thank as many as I could, and to a person, they all seemed "embarrassed." I was on my way back from a wonderful week in the Cayman Islands and seeing these men and women made me realize how lucky we are to have people like you serving us. No matter what you decide to wear, thanks again!

[crzycick]

Norm, I thought of you as I was traveling yesterday. I went through Atlanta and there were a lot of servicemen and women in the airport. I tried to thank as many as I could, and to a person, they all seemed "embarrassed." I was on my way back from a wonderful week in the Cayman Islands and seeing these men and women made me realize how lucky we are to have people like you serving us. No matter what you decide to wear, thanks again!

 

This is incredibly off topic but your post reminded me of when my husband was deployed last summer. I flew down to Atlanta to visit a friend and I'm not sure what exactly it was for, but there was an incredibly long line of Army men and women and it appeared to be some sort of checkpoint or place to wait for transportation to a base or something similar. Seeing hundreds of men and women in their cammies almost made me cry as it had been 6-7 months since I had seen my husband. I tear up often when I see men and women in uniform, especially when he is away!

[normdamarine]

Norm, I thought of you as I was traveling yesterday. I went through Atlanta and there were a lot of servicemen and women in the airport. I tried to thank as many as I could, and to a person, they all seemed "embarrassed." I was on my way back from a wonderful week in the Cayman Islands and seeing these men and women made me realize how lucky we are to have people like you serving us. No matter what you decide to wear, thanks again!

 

It may be hard to understand but it is very humbling for many service members when people go out of their way to say thank you. Most are just doing what they feel is right. I will tell you all a really personal story. When I got back from my last deployment I ran into an older gentleman in a really random spot of a mall. He noticed my ID when I was purchasing something and he asked me if i was in the military. I told him yes I am in the Marine Corps. He then said Semper Fi to me and told me thank you for all of the service. He asked me if I had been to war and I told him yes a few times. He got a little teary eyed and said thank you to me from the bottom of his heart. I then asked him if he was in the Marines and he told me yes, he served during the Korean War, in Korea! One of the toughest wars ever. I said sir, you never have to thank me, you did the same thing in a tougher war. He then asked me if the stories of the sand storms were true and I told him yes. He then said he would never had made it. Can you imagine, a Marine from the Korean War telling me that he would have never made it? I was floored. I had served three tours at that time and I felt like I did not even belong in the same league as that guy.

 

We went to lunch together and shared some truly deep and personal stories. His name was Jack and that was one of the best meetings of a person I had ever had the pleasure to have. He was a Marine 50 years ago and he remembered it like it was yesterday. What a day...

[normdamarine]

This is incredibly off topic but your post reminded me of when my husband was deployed last summer. I flew down to Atlanta to visit a friend and I'm not sure what exactly it was for, but there was an incredibly long line of Army men and women and it appeared to be some sort of checkpoint or place to wait for transportation to a base or something similar. Seeing hundreds of men and women in their cammies almost made me cry as it had been 6-7 months since I had seen my husband. I tear up often when I see men and women in uniform, especially when he is away!

 

I tell people all the time, the toughest job in the military is the military spouse... I could not do what my wife does!

[crzycick]

I tell people all the time, the toughest job in the military is the military spouse... I could not do what my wife does!

 

Are you still AD? Where are you stationed? We're at Lejeune.

 

Honestly, I don't like those "Marine Wife, toughest job in the Corps" stickers, it drives me nuts! *I* didn't do anything, *he* did. Yes I am along for the ride and it SUCKS...often. But it's not like I'm going to divorce him over it so really I'm only doing what I have to, there aren't any other options, just "doing my job" so to speak. Perhaps this is slightly similar to the feeling that many service members feel when people thank them for their service?

[trish1c]

I mentioned this thread to some military friends just to get their takes b/c I was horrified that people would ask the gross, intrusive Qs.

All assured me that most people just compliment the service person & it's really not so bad having strangers buy you drinks. :D Then they confessed that when the unwelcome Qs & comments happen they take comfort knowing they could kill the pesky person if they had too. ;) [please hear the sarcasm & joking tone that accompanies that last remark].

[Devil Dog]

Hey Marine, Outstanding job posting the AllMAR bulletin of uniform regs. I told you I could stand to be corrected and your right the blue,white uniform is authorized for civillian affairs. I did notice the ALL Marine Bulletin was 95, I was already released from active duty and did not know of the new order. In my time the whites were only authorized for military affairs. I appreciate your service to our great nation and you deserve to take credit for being courageous. My pack was only 77lbs. when I humped my deuce gear around and now I hear the packs are as heavy as 110lbs. I give you my utmost respect for being able to carry your load and then fight the fight when you get reach your objective. the next time I see a Marine in uniform when we are cruising I am going to thank his wife and buy her a drink or a bottle of champagne if she would like. Your right about the toughest job in the Corps is a Marine Wife. My wife was my guiding spirit and she helped me through the darkest times and I know exactly what you saying. GODSPEED

[normdamarine]

Are you still AD? Where are you stationed? We're at Lejeune.

 

Honestly, I don't like those "Marine Wife, toughest job in the Corps" stickers, it drives me nuts! *I* didn't do anything, *he* did. Yes I am along for the ride and it SUCKS...often. But it's not like I'm going to divorce him over it so really I'm only doing what I have to, there aren't any other options, just "doing my job" so to speak. Perhaps this is slightly similar to the feeling that many service members feel when people thank them for their service?

 

We are stationed in Okinawa... I know some wives do not like to be lumped into that group but it is hard what you'll do... I am just one of those Marines that appreciate what you'll do, that is all...

[normdamarine]

Hey Marine, Outstanding job posting the AllMAR bulletin of uniform regs. I told you I could stand to be corrected and your right the blue,white uniform is authorized for civillian affairs. I did notice the ALL Marine Bulletin was 95, I was already released from active duty and did not know of the new order. In my time the whites were only authorized for military affairs. I appreciate your service to our great nation and you deserve to take credit for being courageous. My pack was only 77lbs. when I humped my deuce gear around and now I hear the packs are as heavy as 110lbs. I give you my utmost respect for being able to carry your load and then fight the fight when you get reach your objective. the next time I see a Marine in uniform when we are cruising I am going to thank his wife and buy her a drink or a bottle of champagne if she would like. Your right about the toughest job in the Corps is a Marine Wife. My wife was my guiding spirit and she helped me through the darkest times and I know exactly what you saying. GODSPEED

 

I came in 93 and I know what you are talking about with the load difference. Just the Flak with the standard SAPI Plates are heavy... The equipment we have now is great, truly great. The advancements over the last 10 years are so have been incredible. In the late 80's and early 90's they were still using equipment from Vietnam, can you believe that? As far as the orders go, I am not a 1stSgt but I am always aware of the orders, rules and regulations so I can argue with them when they are full of B.S. if you know what I mean.

As far as the wife discussion, the reason why I talk about that is I could just see the angst in my wife’s eyes every time I left and I saw how relieved she was when I came home. Each time I came home I came home a different person and she had the strength to understand and help me along...

[I Am Canadian, Eh]

I'm not even American and I'd probably still come over and shake your hand!

[Harry and Lucille]

As far as this old American tux wearer feels, as one who fell into the military gap in the 50's and unit was disbanded from reserve/active status, when someone enters the dining room in dress uniform, I find myself humbled beyond belief. Thank you and welcome. You are my past and my future. Also for my children and grandchildren. God bless freedom. God bless you.

[OrdieJ]

I posted a similar post a few months back and received similar responses. Needless to say I will be wearing my blues next month on the Legend.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1030140&highlight=dress+blues

[Fredr]

Hello,

 

My DW and I have been on 30 cruises and I have seen some dress uniforms but not a lot. Wear your dress whites! And it is true that passengers will come up to you and your wife and thank you for your service. Some of the ex military will want to talk to you, and others will want to buy you drinks (I would do so).

 

There is something else about a cruise you should know. All kinds of people go on cruises, with all kinds of opinions and beliefs. You may see Sikhs in turbans, and even a woman in a chador! You may be in a conversation with someone who wants you home with your family and going to church on Sundays where your family has attended since you were little. These are the anti war folks who believe that the USA cannot and should not fight battles all over the world, in places where the idea of freedom is very different than ours. The men and women who serve in the military are really the very best we have.

 

My point...do not take anything anyone says to you personally. No throwing someone overboard or headbutting! And most likely even though they may hold different opinions on things, they will have great respect for you and your wife.

 

Don't forget the reason you are going on a cruise, to spend lots of time with your wife under perfect conditions for romance.

[simplelife]

I think a military dress uniform is always appropriate formal attire. (and you will look HOT - think Richard Gere in An Officer and a Gentleman).