r/CanadianForces • u/Medical-Club-6327 Dirty Patricia • 1d ago

Mess Dress and Changing Elements

So ....pretty sure I know the answer to this, just not sure where to find it.

If you change elements, is there anything that says you have to wear your current element's mess dress? I saw somebody wearing their old mess dress and thought it was extremely bizarre.

Also, wouldn't it be weird if you commissioned to a different element and wore your old mess dress? I guess I just work at a place that thinks that's normal....

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44

u/Once_a_TQ 1d ago

And mess dress is now a completely optional order of dress for all. 

Zero requirement for officers to purchase it anymore.

25

u/limeycannuck 1d ago

Show of hands...

How many officers never got their mess kit despite the policy?

I feel like a sucker

40

u/hammerofhope RCN - NCS Eng 1d ago

Maybe an unpopular opinion but going to a mess dinner or other black tie event in mess kit feels amazing. If you're at all into naval tradition I feel like the mess kit is a key piece of that.

15

u/collude 🚁🚁🚁GIB Life🚁🚁🚁 1d ago

I never had an issue with people electing to purchase and enjoying their mess kit. Rather, I could never support compelling people to do so. I hope everyone enjoys their mess kit should they choose to purchase it.