When is it proper to invest in the Mess Dress Uniform?

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 01:15:04 -0400

There are many out there with different opinions on the matter. I honestly have never seen an E-1 - E-4 in Mess Dress in person, this picture being the first time ever honestly.

I have heard many different opinions, as I've said, like...

"Once you are confident you will be making the Air Force a career..."

"When you become a Senior NCO..."

"Never before you are an E-5 at least..."

When do you think is a good time to get the Mess Dress uniform? Also, is there a time that is too soon to invest?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2015 1:20 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 01:20:37 -0400

I don't know about the air force, but I would not buy mess dress until I was assigned to a position where I knew that wearing it instead of class A's would be a potential option.

Response by CPL Eric Allen made Aug 3 at 2015 1:30 AM

CPL Eric Allen — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 01:30:17 -0400

Seems like a big waste of money

Response by TSgt David L. made Aug 3 at 2015 2:47 AM

TSgt David L. — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 02:47:36 -0400

Once you decide to make the military a career you should invest in yourself. When I made SSgt I bought mine. Besides the annual Air Force Ball we have the annual EOD Memorial and Ball so I had occasion to wear mine at least twice a year. You also have folks attending PME. Take the AF, we have ALS, NCOA and if you're lucky the SNCOA. Graduations from leaderships schools are the perfect time to show you take your career and theirs seriously. I think an NCO should show his troops how to be professional and that means looking the part. Buy it sooner than later.

Response by TSgt Terry Hudson made Aug 3 at 2015 6:03 AM

TSgt Terry Hudson — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 06:03:19 -0400

It doesn't matter when you buy it. I wouldn't buy it. A lot of people don't even know the proper use of the uniform. They tend to want to use it as an ceremonious uniform. No it's called MESS dress. MESS as in eat! It's for balls not to perform sword arches or change of commands. So if you're planning on going to ball or something of the sort than sure go ahead if other it's a waste of money.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2015 6:06 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 06:06:36 -0400

Never! If the branch of service you are in didn't issue it to you, then you don't need it.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2015 7:33 AM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 07:33:53 -0400

It's funny that you ask this question because this has been a topic of debate in another Officer forum that I belong to. In my opinion, if I'd stayed enlisted, I would acquired one when I made MSG. As a Warrant Officer, I waited until I got promoted to CW3. I personally think they look really sharp. My wife on the otherhand hates the look.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 3 at 2015 7:53 AM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 07:53:25 -0400

I like the mess dress uniform. But I also know it's not inexpensive for younger troops.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2015 7:58 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 07:58:36 -0400

I am a TPU Reservist (traditional one weekend a month, two weeks a year). I'm not going to invest in a uniform I will likely NEVER be required to wear, especially since I don't get a clothing allowance.....

Response by SrA Daniel Hunter made Aug 3 at 2015 9:03 AM

SrA Daniel Hunter — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 09:03:33 -0400

I would lean toward E-7 and definitely not before E-5.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Aug 3 at 2015 9:14 AM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 09:14:30 -0400

Mess uniform, only if you really need it! The target audience are Senior NCOs and Officers CPT+. I would not expect a LT to buy it unless is tailor made in Korea; an awesom option if you ask me.

Response by SSgt Charles Edwards made Aug 3 at 2015 9:27 AM

SSgt Charles Edwards — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 09:27:51 -0400

Unless you want to stand out at the Air Force ball or another formal function (or work in a unit where such gatherings are common), you won't need to worry about it. A lot of military stress enough over the proper wear of a service dress, why add another headache?

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Aug 3 at 2015 10:15 AM

Maj Chris Nelson — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 10:15:28 -0400

For an Air Force Officer, it is required to have one (although I know people that have not put it on for so many years, they KNOW it no longer fits). For Enlisted, I would say Sr. NCO, unless required by duty assignment to have one sooner.

Response by MSgt Matthew Meindl made Aug 3 at 2015 10:25 AM

MSgt Matthew Meindl — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 10:25:34 -0400

As an enlisted member, this would be a situational decision. Are you finding yourself regularly attending functions that this uniform is worn ate, are you being recognized at these functions, etc? Most enlisted can serve a whole career without this actually being necessary to obtain (is optional). Some people will try to peer pressure you into buying this, but unless it is actually required, this investment can wait till then.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Aug 3 at 2015 10:35 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 10:35:51 -0400

It's a personal preference but I'd recommend you get it one grade below when it's required. It shows the boss you're prepared to move forward. Little things do get noticed.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2015 10:55 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 10:55:06 -0400

For officers in the Navy you aren't required to own it until O-4 and very few O-1 to O-3 officers buy it. The exception is those that went to a service academy and already owned it, or those who have primarily academy friends and don't want to look different at a formal event.

I would say probably the same makes sense as enlisted as well. For the Navy the uniform actually changes though for E-7 and up, so E-1s are never expected to own it.

Response by MSgt Alex Taylor made Aug 3 at 2015 10:58 AM

MSgt Alex Taylor — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 10:58:13 -0400

On the Air Force side, the unwritten rule is to get one as an E-7. I have seen it so highly encouraged that a CMSgt Select was given a permissive TDY to acquire one before the CMSgt induction ceremony. On the other hand, I have seen A1Cs with them. It all depends on what you desire. If you're asking the question as a SSgt, I would ask why? Are you trying to impress somebody? Do you like how it looks and going to formal events? For me, I purchased mine for my NCOA graduation and my wife thought they looked good. I have worn mine about once a year on average, but have not regretted the purchase.

Response by SSgt Robert Clark made Aug 3 at 2015 2:05 PM

SSgt Robert Clark — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 14:05:49 -0400

I bought mine as in E-4 as a re-enlistment present to myself. I was able to wear it when I graduated NCOLS, they were optional if you had one. After that I attended a handful of dinning ins/outs and was glad I made the investment. Not sure there is a right or wrong answer, but I would say if you are more than one enlistment into your military experience and have the extra money then buy one but I wouldn't make it a priority. When I bought mine my wife worked, we had no kids yet and lived in base housing so it was not a financial burden to make the investment.

Response by MSgt Jeffrey Glick made Aug 3 at 2015 2:08 PM

MSgt Jeffrey Glick — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 14:08:33 -0400

I did not get mine until I made E-7 until then the semi formal worked for me I guess it really a personal decision

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2015 3:28 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 15:28:12 -0400

Historically from SNCO level up its expected. Semi formal is the norm for Airman and junior NCOs.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Aug 3 at 2015 5:47 PM

MSgt Michael Smith — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 17:47:31 -0400

Unless you are an officer never. Semi-formal will be all you ever need

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Aug 4 at 2015 5:24 AM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 05:24:32 -0400

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member How often would you wear them? Yes they look sharp, but if you are only going to wear them maybe once a year, what's the point?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2015 7:51 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 07:51:32 -0400

It's personally up to you. As E-4's My wife and I both have mess dress. We enjoy attending the functions such as the AF Ball and ALS graduations. We got them to make statements. We want to look professional in every aspect of our career. So by setting ourselves apart from the norm, we are able to show that.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 3:38 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 15:38:25 -0400

It's been made very clear throughout my career that mess dress is a serious expectation for all SNCOs. Personally, I've only seen TSgts and above wearing it but there is no actual rank requirement. If you know you're making it a career I would suggest piecing it together early. Most people don't want to drop $500'ish all at once on a uniform you might wear a couple times per year. A friend of mine just got promoted to MSgt and he was a little surprised when he added everything up.

Response by SA Harold Hansmann made Aug 5 at 2015 3:44 PM

SA Harold Hansmann — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 15:44:26 -0400

Looks like a butler.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2015 11:20 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 11:20:33 -0400

So far, I haven't experienced anyone being pressured into buying unless they have a line number for MSgt. I have, however known 1 A1C and 2 SrA that had Mess Dress. One of the SrA was gifted it by the Sqn for winning an AF level award, the A1C was gifted his by his father and father in law as a wedding gift (both retired MSgt.) And the last guy was given hid by his perants, his mother was a TSgt./now a Lt. Col and his father a MSgt. Realistically, if you want to make the investment go for it, but in my opinion if the chief or your CC says it is required it might be a good idea to just shut up and color.

Response by MSgt Brian Cohenour made Aug 8 at 2015 3:19 PM

MSgt Brian Cohenour — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 15:19:39 -0400

I purchased mine when I was an E-5 for graduation NCOLS. It was a personal choice. I think it depends on personal preference and assignment. I got a lot of use out of it when I was military advisor in Saudi Arabia because it was a high-visibility assignment and as a multi-service leader later in my career, I was obligated and proud to attend all anniversary balls, etc...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2015 3:35 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 15:35:43 -0400

I might consider it when I become a field grade. And that is a consider it only. I just don't think it is something that is really required. Now if I am the only one without a set then I may have to weigh my options.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Aug 13 at 2015 10:26 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 10:26:45 -0400

Ok, I have I pretty good rant about this so I will try to keep it short. I says SrA before you go to ALS if you plan on making the AF a career, but absolutely NLT when you get a line number for MSgt (the "unwritten rule").

Caveats: Check your local dry cleaners, thrift shops, airman's attics, etc. you can often find one pretty cheap or even free.

Yes, the Mess dress is rather expressive for an optional for enlisted (avg $500 with all the do-dads) however. The STAR card is GREAT for getting your Mess Dress, it has a clothing sales section that has an interest free section on it that has a limit of.....you guessed it...$500! You can also buy it a few pieces at a time.

You will not believe the lasting POSITIVE impression if you are a TSgt or below (especially a SSgt or below) rocking a Mess Dress. Folks remember you and are more likely to key some of those by name/by face programs.

Response by Sgt Paul Smith made Aug 22 at 2015 4:19 AM

Sgt Paul Smith — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 04:19:30 -0400

Back in dec 1981, I was an E-4 Sgt and wore Mess Dress for my wedding. So did my best man (also an E-4 Sgt) and one of my groomsmen (A 1LT pilot friend) It was not a military wedding, but I was proud that I was in the USAF.

Response by SMSgt Daniel Yoder made Sep 11 at 2015 8:13 PM

SMSgt Daniel Yoder — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 20:13:23 -0400

If you can afford it and take pride in it go ahead and get one. I had several young airmen buy them for our military balls and they looked great. They had pride and felt like they belonged. I would never discourage a airmen of mine to not buy a mess dress if they wanted and they planned on staying in a while. Yes the SNCO ranks are encouraged to get one. But there is nothing written that says a airmen cannot. Of course the protocol is different service to service but I would never discourage any of my enlisted ranks to not wear any uniform they are authorized to wear just because you may not have one. There are many uniform items in every service we have all bought that were not issued to us but still had to get or need because it looked better or wore better. Build moral not discourage it.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2015 3:05 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 03:05:46 -0400

Whenever you can find a retiring SNCO that's your same size!!

Response by SGT Randall Smith made Jan 18 at 2018 6:59 PM

SGT Randall Smith — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 18:59:18 -0500

When my dad made Maj. in 1959 he bought one. We ate a lot of beans and cornbread for two months. When I was in I never saw anything requiring more than dress greens.

Response by SFC Michael Krogmann made Feb 10 at 2019 9:54 PM

SFC Michael Krogmann — Sun, 10 Feb 2019 21:54:14 -0500

Senior NCO and career military

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2019 5:01 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 05:01:02 -0500

Did anyone else notice this SRA is wearing a German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency? This is the only picture I've seen of an Airman wearing that badge in uniform.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2021 10:45 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 10:45:31 -0400

I agree with SMSgt Yoder but I’d also add this, I’ve always instilled in my E-6s and up and junior officers to never under dress their commanders. Always taught my guys to act like the rank they are trying to achieve next, your basically a walking resume in or out of uniform. The mess dress is not mandatory, but if you are investing in yourself and in turn your service department then you’d want to show pride in it...when you want to get it, get it.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jun 3 at 2021 11:18 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 11:18:15 -0400

For enlisted I say only when you decide to go for a career in your Service. Normally no earlier than your second enlistment.

For officers immediately before commissioning.

Exception: if you have a job where wearing the mess dress is required.