Wardroom Etiquette CS 1SS Foster Learning Objectives Discuss

Wardroom Etiquette - CS 1(SS) Foster

Learning Objectives Discuss the differences between Officer Messes (afloat) l Explain the different positions in the Wardroom and their responsibilities l Discuss etiquette in “Officer Country” l

Types of Messes Flag Mess Ø Only occurs when a flag officer is normally attached to the ship. Generally the flag officer will invite their aides and staff division heads to join the mess along with any other officers they desire l Unit Commander’s Mess (TYCOM) Ø The same concept, only if attached to the ship and also generally invites their staff and other officers as they desire. l

Types of Messes l l Commanding Officer’s Mess Usually only happens on larger ships, same concepts apply. On smaller ships like submarines and destroyers, the CO simply eats in the ship’s wardroom. Wardroom The officer’s mess that caters to all other officer’s aboard not already subsisting from another mess (Flag, TYCOM, CO). Generally the largest officer’s mess.

Wardroom Positions l Ø Ø Ø Mess President Senior line officer in command or in succession to command will be the mess president On small ships, the president is the CO On large ships, the president is the XO Presides and maintains order Approves the menu Responsible for proper mess administration Sets the example of conduct Looks after the welfare of all mess members

Wardroom Positions l Ø Ø Mess Treasurer/Wardroom Officer Appointed by the CO All officers are eligible except those who are charged with the custody and disbursement of public funds (DISBO) Frequent changes in officers assigned as mess treasurer should be avoided Enlisted personnel E-6 and above are eligible to serve as mess treasurer

Wardroom Positions l l Ø Ø Ø Mess Treasurer (cont’d) Duties and responsibilities include: Exercise overall supervision of the mess Maintain accurate accounts and records for the mess Verify the receipt of stocks of merchandise Responsible for receipt, safekeeping, deposit, disbursement and accountability for mess funds Prepare monthly financial statements of the mess and post a copy in the mess area

Wardroom Positions l Ø Ø Ø Mess Treasurer (cont’d) Incur no indebtedness which can not be defrayed by mess funds Posts a copy of the monthly financial operating statement in the mess area Ensure the proper use of enlisted ration allowances commuted to the mess Determine the value of the mess share Compute the monthly mess bills

Wardroom Positions Mess Treasurer (cont’d) Ø Collect basic charges and surcharges for all meals purchased from the general mess no later than 15 days following the month in which the meals were purchased Ø Reimburse the FSO for officer meals made available/purchased from the general mess no later than 15 days following the end of the month in which meals were sold Ø Reimburse the FSO for provisions purchased from the general mess no later than 15 days following the end of the month in which provisions were sold l

Wardroom Positions l Ø Ø Ø Mess Caterer Appointed by the CO Normally, this position is assigned to a Supply Corps officer because of his technical knowledge in food service Commissioned Officers, Warrant Officers and E 6 and above personnel are eligible to serve as mess caterer Supervise the procurement, storage and issue of all food items and supplies for the mess Obtain funds for provisions and supplies from the mess treasurer or wardroom officer Assume accountability to the mess treasurer or wardroom officer for all funds received

Wardroom Positions l Ø Ø Ø Mess Treasurer (cont’d) Assume responsibility for laundry and cleaning services for the quarters and the mess Assume responsibility for providing linens and supplies for quarters and the mess Obtain the concurrence of the mess president concerning menus Supervise preparation and service of food Supervise planning well-balanced and nutritious meals

Wardroom Positions Mess Treasurer (cont’d) Ø Detail enlisted personnel within the mess Ø Assume responsibility for training and qualification of assigned enlisted personnel Ø Ensure enlisted personnel whose rations are commuted to the mess receive the same menu as that afforded to mess members. Enlisted personnel assigned to an officers’ mess must have the opportunity to eat three meals per day. l

Audit Boards l l l Appointed by the CO, consisting of at least 3 qualified military personnel, none of which may be connected with the mgmt. of the mess they audit. Members will be commissioned officers, warrant officers, or qualified petty officers. The senior member should be equal in rank or senior to that of the custodian of mess funds. A letter of appointment will be prepared for each member of the audit board. Audit members submit a written report of the mess to the CO monthly. Takes an inventory of the officers’ mess food stocks monthly.

Questions?

Review l What types of messes are there? - Flag, TYCOM, CO, Wardroom l What is the largest? - Wardroom l Who is normally the mess president? - CO

Review l l l - Who cannot be the Mess Treasurer? Any officer responsible for the custody/disbursement of public funds (DISBO) Who appoints the Mess Caterer? CO How many people make up an Audit Board? 3

Questions?