What was your first military ball experience like? Was it worth it? Is it vital for junior enlisted to experience events like a ball?

I think military balls are important and help instill honor and tradition among the troops. I agree with SSG Negrete, I have seen price as a detractor for the younger troops. I try and buy a couple of tickets each year for the committee to donate to junior Sailors to attend our Navy Ball.

My first experience with a military ball was in Korea with an MP Brigade. This is where I learned about the more "practical" uses for military coins. It was very interesting to see all of my senior leadership in full dress uniforms. The ceremony itself was pretty fun and, as I would later learn, full of history. I have always encouraged junior enlisted soldiers to attend the ball. It's a great time to see your senior leaders as human beings. I'll go so far as to say some even manage to make a spectacle of themselves. <br><br>The best one I've been too was after returning from a deployment. Most of the people who went on the deployment had not yet PCS'd and it came down to having a beer with the men you spent 12 months in a war zone with. <br><br>A problem I always encounter when talking to junior soldiers about attending the ball is the ticket price. Most young, single soldiers don't see past their next cell phone bill or new pair of shoes. <br>

I've been to four formal military balls. The first two while I was still active duty, junior enlisted. I loved all four of them, but the first one was special since it was all new to me. It really is worth the experience to go at least once. Everyone present mingled with everyone and socialized. That was important and good.