Expert: Nancy Pratt - 11/16/2005

Question
What was the type of party he wanted to have?  It was probably a Navy term but I cannot remember it or find it anyway.  My brother is retiring from the Navy in August, and my sister-in-law and I are looking for ideas.

Thanks
Joe


Answer
Hi Joe,

The dinner party the Admiral gave is called a "dining in."  It is a very formal dinner given by members of a military wing, unit or organization and usually honors a departing officer or welcomes a new one or gives recognition to a dignitary or to individual and unit achievements.  If nonmilitary women are invited, it is called a "dining out."  (A dining in includes only military women.)

There are a lot of rules and regulations surrounding this type of event that must be followed.  If your brother is enlisted, I don't think one can be done.  My impression is that it is for officers only.

You can find the rules and procedures as outlined by the U.S. Military Academy here:
http://www.usma.edu/Protocol/images/DiningInOutGUIDE.pdf

If you read through that, it should let you know whether or not this is something you could do for your brother.

Good luck with your planning!  I think it's wonderful that you want to honor your brother that way.

- Nancy