about the Cadet Ball
If you've never attended a military ball, you're probably worrying over what to wear, how to act, what traditions to follow and what to expect. But even if you've you've attended the RHS JROTC Cadet Ball, a quick military ball etiquette refresher is always a good thing.
What is expected of your date at the ball? Have you been doing it wrong all along?
First of all, it's important to note: There are no actual rules for dates at the Cadet Ball. The protocol rules are for the Cadet. Everything for the date is a matter of best practice, common sense or, in most cases, simply tradition.
Traditions you can expect to see at the Cadet Ball.
The Receiving Line. Mysterious and Very Important. There is a dedicated section and video found down below on this page.
The Posting of the Colors. It would not be respecting our most basic duties if we did not respect the National Colors and our great nation without this element of the formal.
The Cutting of the Cake. Symbolizes the passing of knowledge from the oldest to the youngest Cadet.
The Senior Walk through a Saber Arch. Our seniors have worked hard through 4 years of High School and JROTC and have many accomplishments deserving of recognition.
The Toast(s). The toast recognize the Nation and other parts of our program as well as persons important to us.
The Grog Bowl. A fun tradition that mixes the challenges of High School and JROTC into an interesting elixir that Cadets gulp down as part of a right of passage. It’s not that bad really!
The Superlatives. The Cadets vote on those Cadets that stand out for one reason or another in the program.
Why so many traditions? Traditions, including the ones followed at our Cadet ball are steeped in Army Tradition and meant to remind us where we came from and of those who went before us and are our way of honoring them and paying tribute to them.
The biggest question: What to wear
The Cadet Ball is considered formal white tie event. That means you will be wearing your uniform formally. Female dates should wear formal dresses and Male dates will wear a dark colored suit with a tie. There are no exceptions.
What is expected of your date at the ball? Have you been doing it wrong all along?
First of all, it's important to note: There are no actual rules for dates at the Cadet Ball. The protocol rules are for the Cadet. Everything for the date is a matter of best practice, common sense or, in most cases, simply tradition.
Traditions you can expect to see at the Cadet Ball.
The Receiving Line. Mysterious and Very Important. There is a dedicated section and video found down below on this page.
The Posting of the Colors. It would not be respecting our most basic duties if we did not respect the National Colors and our great nation without this element of the formal.
The Cutting of the Cake. Symbolizes the passing of knowledge from the oldest to the youngest Cadet.
The Senior Walk through a Saber Arch. Our seniors have worked hard through 4 years of High School and JROTC and have many accomplishments deserving of recognition.
The Toast(s). The toast recognize the Nation and other parts of our program as well as persons important to us.
The Grog Bowl. A fun tradition that mixes the challenges of High School and JROTC into an interesting elixir that Cadets gulp down as part of a right of passage. It’s not that bad really!
The Superlatives. The Cadets vote on those Cadets that stand out for one reason or another in the program.
Why so many traditions? Traditions, including the ones followed at our Cadet ball are steeped in Army Tradition and meant to remind us where we came from and of those who went before us and are our way of honoring them and paying tribute to them.
The biggest question: What to wear
The Cadet Ball is considered formal white tie event. That means you will be wearing your uniform formally. Female dates should wear formal dresses and Male dates will wear a dark colored suit with a tie. There are no exceptions.
The Receiving line
Before the formal portion of the ball starts, you should visit the receiving line. This will probably be the most confusing protocol part of the entire evening.
Here's how it works: While in the receiving line Cadets Walk to the Right of their date. Cadets will first introduce their date and then introduce themselves to the first person in the line, who is there to act as an adjunct or aide. To keep things moving you will have a formal calling card with your name and your dates name for the members of the receiving line and most importantly the Guest of Honor to know your name.
Our receiving line is an important part of the Ball and all Cadets are expected to go through it.
Here's how it works: While in the receiving line Cadets Walk to the Right of their date. Cadets will first introduce their date and then introduce themselves to the first person in the line, who is there to act as an adjunct or aide. To keep things moving you will have a formal calling card with your name and your dates name for the members of the receiving line and most importantly the Guest of Honor to know your name.
Our receiving line is an important part of the Ball and all Cadets are expected to go through it.
Your behavior at the Cadet Ball
The Cadet Ball is meant to be a fun celebration, but this is still a graded event for Cadets. What that means is that, while you should have fun, you shouldn't lose control of yourself, while at the Cadet Ball it is considered an extension of the Roswell High School campus and all rules apply.
Military balls are supposed to be glamorous, exciting, tradition-rich, fun events. Enjoy the excuse to dress up and have a good time.
Military balls are supposed to be glamorous, exciting, tradition-rich, fun events. Enjoy the excuse to dress up and have a good time.
Proper Dining Etiquette
Dining can be Daunting.
At the Cadet Ball there are rules for eating, drinking (Especially Toasts) and many other situations.
*The biggest thing to remember is that is all based on good manners. The most important thing to remember is that the gentlemen of the table always stand when a lady is arriving and departing the table. There are many other do's and don'ts so click on the button below to learn more and ensure you are prepared for the Cadet Ball.
At the Cadet Ball there are rules for eating, drinking (Especially Toasts) and many other situations.
*The biggest thing to remember is that is all based on good manners. The most important thing to remember is that the gentlemen of the table always stand when a lady is arriving and departing the table. There are many other do's and don'ts so click on the button below to learn more and ensure you are prepared for the Cadet Ball.
