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

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.

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?

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.

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.

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

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.