Kilt with U.S. Military Dress Mess

[S Mitchell]

Chaps,

My previous post notwithstanding, I do know of an Admiral that wore his kilt with his mess dress to a Dining Out. He was, of course, sent to the grog for the obvious uniform infraction. So, it can be done, just know that there is not a regulation that permits it to be done. Bear in mind, Dining Outs are unique in the way there is an expectation that people find creative and new ways to "break the uniform rules". And of course... Chaplains are allotted a lot of leeway under such circumstances as well... even by old crusty guys

I attended an Air Force dining out where our Lieutenant, after the dinner, before the dance, removed her jacket and revealed a modified blouse - half Air Force blue formal (in the front) half short sleeved bowling shirt in the back!

[plaid preacher]

I attended an Air Force dining out where our Lieutenant, after the dinner, before the dance, removed her jacket and revealed a modified blouse - half Air Force blue formal (in the front) half short sleeved bowling shirt in the back!

Normally, the shirt back is not seen when "in uniform"; because the tunic is the uniform. I recall a former colleague who had a formal shirt front but the back was printed cotton with Looney tunes cartoon characters. Not sure that is as popular as it once was, but I guess it still exists.

[SFCRick]

I attended an Air Force dining out where our Lieutenant, after the dinner, before the dance, removed her jacket and revealed a modified blouse - half Air Force blue formal (in the front) half short sleeved bowling shirt in the back!

A lot of the Soldiers that have been stationed in South Korea have these, mine has Disney characters and my Wife has the Iowa Hawkeyes on hers, very cheap, but quality tailors.

[Benning Boy]

Over the hills and far away, when I was a basic training company commander, I seldom got to have any fun. The drill sergeants had it all. So, just for a change occasionally I'd lead PT in the morning. In those days there was said to be a lot of "Mickey Mouse" in the Army. I'd wear a a gray tee shirt with a large picture of Mickey Mouse on it. The troops always got a big laugh out of it. No one ever said I couldn't wear the shirt. So, you can get away with a lot of violations of he uniform regulations if no one takes them too seriously.

[BCAC]

As has been previously stated, theoretically it's not allowed. When I was still serving (not in the US military, obviously) we had an annual ball that we were obliged to wear mess dress to attend. I always used to ask for permission to be allowed to wear my formal THCD on that evening. Whether the permission was granted or refused depended largely on the personality of the CO at the time. Permission was more often granted than refused, though.

[Chaps]

Thanks to everyone for the comments. I was aware of the uniform regs concerning the dress mess uniform, but was hoping for a loophole that doesn't exist. While there is some latitude at certain "Dining Ins", I will limit the wearing of my kilt to events where civilian attire is worn, such as Christmas parties, Wardroom functions, and if I am selected to the next rank, my wetting down.

[Spartan Tartan]

Thanks to everyone for the comments. I was aware of the uniform regs concerning the dress mess uniform, but was hoping for a loophole that doesn't exist. While there is some latitude at certain "Dining Ins", I will limit the wearing of my kilt to events where civilian attire is worn, such as Christmas parties, Wardroom functions, and if I am selected to the next rank, my wetting down.

That is what I do... always a big hit at wardroom events like Hail and Fairwells.

[416 Rigby]

The US Coast Guard has an official tartan and it's in the uniform regs. I'm surprised the navy doesn't.