Should I order the basic mini medals or the anodized finished ones for my dress mess?

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 14:40:03 -0500

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jan 19 at 2016 2:45 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 14:45:58 -0500

The anodized look better, and run $2-5 each more. The real question is how many more times you think you will end up getting additional medals. I don't have much of a rack, and it stung every time I had to do it. But.... saving $20-30 each time is really a drop in the bucket as well. The problem is just that as soon as you get the set, a new war breaks out!

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Jan 19 at 2016 2:51 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 14:51:39 -0500

First and foremost, look at your regulations Army is AR 670-1 and Pamphlet 670-1 (if I remember right). AF is AFI 36-2903. Not sure on Navy or Marine Corps. I believe the AF Mess Dress is mini-medals. I have NEVER seen anyone actually wear the full sized. As to the basic vs. anodized finish....I prefer the look of the "natural". Helps each medal look distinct and different. Not sure if the regs actually distinguish between the 2 finishes.....

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2016 2:57 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 14:57:54 -0500

Personally, I recommend the mini's with the dress mess. Looks better, IMHO

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2016 3:20 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 15:20:25 -0500

Look sharp, dress sharp, be sharp. Don't cheat on anything when it comes to your appearance in public.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2016 4:16 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 16:16:22 -0500

I would go for the standard mini-medals unless it is a really special event or you wear your mess uniform way more than I do.
For me, that would add up to about $200 extra to get shinier medals.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jan 20 at 2016 1:51 AM

COL Charles Williams — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 01:51:21 -0500

For mess dress, LTC Private RallyPoint Member, since it is so costly, you need to go big... Go all out and get the good stuff.

Response by SGT James LeFebvre made May 1 at 2016 2:56 AM

SGT James LeFebvre — Sun, 01 May 2016 02:56:23 -0400

Sir, go for the good ones. They do tend to look much better than the standard.

Response by Murphy Kelley made Apr 18 at 2017 11:12 AM

Murphy Kelley — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 11:12:30 -0400

isn't dress mess the equivalent to marine corps' dinner dress? and so shouldn't you get the miniature medals and ribbons?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2020 8:00 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 08:00:09 -0400

I will be picking up a set of the anodized later this year. Not only do they look great on mess, but once you are out, and attending a military"ish" event, they look great on a suit lapel.