What is the army regulations on females wearing dresses to a military ball?

2019-07-14T04:23:41-04:00

I’m about to attend my first Military Ball and I was told I can wear a dress, now I’m hearing from my Squad Leader that we can’t. Me and my buddy are both going and decided to be each other’s dates so that I can wear a dress because my blues no longer fit and I can’t afford a new pair at the moment. What regulations can I use to support my case to wear a dress?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2019 5:10 AM

2019-07-14T05:10:44-04:00

It is usually authorized. HOWEVER, your command has the final word on what is allowed.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2019 5:13 AM

2019-07-14T05:13:31-04:00

Couldn't find anything in AR 670-1 that specifically references your question. But this may help.

https://www.militarytimes.com/native/pioneer-services/2015/09/11/do-s-and-dont-s-of-military-balls-and-formals/

Do's and Dont's of Military Balls and Formals

This story is provided and presented by our sponsor Pioneer Services, the military division of MidCountry Bank, which has provided financial services to the men and women of the Armed Forces for nearly 30 years.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jul 14 at 2019 6:59 AM

2019-07-14T06:59:59-04:00

Your organization is having a Ball, you are a member of that organization. If your Service Uniform no longer fits you need to get a new one or see if you current can be adjusted. It is your responsibility to maintain your initial issue through your clothing allowance. You have no option here. If you have procrastinated and are out of time you need to come clean with your leadership. Bad news does not get better with time. Admit your wrong and volunteer for Company CQ, or Battalion Staff Duty. Speak to your command. Good luck and thank you for your service.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2019 7:56 AM

2019-07-14T07:56:12-04:00

The ubotbis the final say on females wearing dresses at balls. That being said, if you can afford a formal dress you should be able to get your uniform tailored.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Jul 14 at 2019 9:03 AM

2019-07-14T09:03:29-04:00

I think conservative evening gown would be sufficiently formal.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Jul 14 at 2019 9:09 AM

2019-07-14T09:09:44-04:00

You could reach out to others who are not attending and borrow the uniform. Work out a sweetheart handshake deal if you have to. I would take a quick personal loan from the bank not a payday lender to get what you need if you have the time to get it done. CSM Darieus Zazgara is right In that your uniforms need to be serviceable at all times.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2019 10:18 AM

2019-07-14T10:18:18-04:00

My question for you is: Have you seen the Memo of Instruction or Letter of Instruction for the Ball that tells what people can/can't wear?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2019 11:43 AM

2019-07-14T11:43:53-04:00

Ball aside, you should reprioritize any money you would spend on a ball gown to go towards tailoring your uniform.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2019 12:03 PM

2019-07-14T12:03:04-04:00

I had a female Soldier of mine wear a dress to the ball after being told multiple time by the chain of command that she had to wear her ASUs. The chain of command tried to punish her with an article 15. By the time it got to legal the article 15 had to be dropped because you cannot force a Soldier to wear something if they purchased a ticket to the ball.

That being said, as a Soldier, not fitting in your ASUs is absolutely no excuse.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2019 12:22 PM

2019-07-14T12:22:14-04:00

There should be a Memorandum of Instruction or Opreations Order published for the event. The Commander has the ultimate say (with input from the CSM) regarding the proscribed dress (to include alternate options). Therefore, there is no regulation that specifically covers this event (the closest would be AR 600-200 Army Command Policy since the proscribed uniform is the discretion of the Commander). A military ball tends to be more inclusive/flexible than a Dining In. I have never been to or seen a military ball that did not allow for female Soldiers to wear a formal gown as an option to the ASU or more formal uniform variant.

My recommended course of action would be to request to see the MOI or OPORD. Be sensitive to any company tradition that may run counter to your preferred clothing option. There is a balance to be had between not being run over because someone doesn't "want" or "approve" of you exercising an approved option and blatantly flying in the face of unit tradition, etc.

As mentioned by others, you are directly responsible for maintaining a properly fitted ASU. Work with your Supply Sergeant to rectify this deficiency as he/she will receive funds specifically for this purpose in a Reserve unit.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jul 14 at 2019 3:22 PM

2019-07-14T15:22:30-04:00

When I was skippering on the reserve side, two principles applied. If you have a ball and it's a "Command Performance", it isn't during drill time. Second, the objective is for the event not to be a guilt trip. Yes I stipulated a uniform, but also allowed flexibility for anyone, male or female, to adjust to be presentable. Questions, ask the SEL or XO as appropriate. The goal is to get everyone to have a good time, not go anal on looks. Overall increasing morale encouraged SMs to pay more attention to the uniform next time around. That and a female Senior Chief who considered dressing for success a priority. We'd have a couple guys show up in tuxes and about a 50/50 mix on the uniform/dress event. A Ball isn't a Blues inspection. I do have to chuckle over a demure female SM who wasn't recognized in a dress and light makeup. I just told her to say she was her sister filling in because of illness. We just kept laughing harder as more of the crew fell for it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2019 4:15 PM

2019-07-14T16:15:03-04:00

As a service member bringing a date with you to a ball, yes you should wear your ASUs. However, I have met many dual military couples who bring their spouse or SO, and the SO wears formal civilian wear. So if you are the DATE, you ought not be obligated to wear your service dress.

However, get your blues right. I found out one day prior that I was to participate in funeral honors. Mandated wear of the Class A uniform, and had I not had it, I would have been out of regulation. Your TA-50 and uniforms of all types must be ready at all times.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2019 5:02 PM

2019-07-14T17:02:19-04:00

There is no regulation that supports what you’re looking for. No disrespect but your uniform suppose to be serviceable at all times, it’s up to you to ensure you either maintain your size or purchase one accordingly to ensure you’re within the standards. The bottom line, if the command directs all females to be in ASUs, you’re either have to buy a new one or not attend. Good luck to you...

Response by SSG Ken Steinhoff made Jul 14 at 2019 8:50 PM

2019-07-14T20:50:55-04:00

Sorry to say When I was in I had to buy new Dress Greens for a ball and they told me that is why they gave me Yearly clothing allowance for. I did not like it, but they were right.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Jul 15 at 2019 9:56 AM

2019-07-15T09:56:20-04:00

Depends on the what's in the OPORD. Have seen both situations where military females could wear gowns and on others the Commander required them to be in uniform. Commanders call on uniform.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2019 3:18 AM

2019-07-16T03:18:22-04:00

It's a military ball. Civilians in attendance can absolutely wear a dress, but you're in the military. You wouldn't expect your CO to show up in a civilian tuxedo. You need to be in the correct prescribed uniform for the event.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2019 2:51 AM

2019-07-17T02:51:24-04:00

I've never understood being a SM and not wanting to wear my uniform to a "Military" function. I guess I have too much pride.