Getting prepared for the combat dining-in

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. R. Michael Longoria
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The 319th Air Refueling Wing's combat dining-in is less than a week away. I understand that the combat dining-in is an unfamiliar event for most Airmen, so let me try and help you understand.

If you want the history of the dining-in click here or Google it. I will give you the information you really need to know while preparing for the combat dining-in.

I'm going to break it down into seven easy-to-follow steps to ensure you have a great time. But the bottom line is to be safe and have fun.

1. Chose the oldest and nastiest uniform you have in your closet to wear. You know the one; it's still covered in grass and dirt from the last exercise. There is no idea as to how your uniform will look after the evening is over. The only requirement is that the uniform must have your correct name and rank on it, as well as any required unit patches.

2. Get camo'd up. If you don't know, I'll tell you, you are going to get dirty at a combat dining-in. So, go in with your war paint on and let everyone know you mean business from the start.

3. If you plan on driving to the event, cover your seats with garbage bags or bring a change of clothes. Also, place your wallet and other personal items in a plastic bag to help protect them.

4. Drive to the store and grab every toy water weapon you can. I'm talking everything from water balloons to super soakers. Basically, anything that will add to the chaos without actually hurting someone.

5. I highly suggest you form an alliance with some of your friends, so you can fight as a team. It's always important to have a wingman, but especially at a combat dining-in. You don't want to be on the receiving end of 10 water guns with no back up.

6. It's going to be a battle and, before you enter the combat zone, make sure your weapon arsenal is ready to go. There are some traditions and formalities beforehand, but once the action starts, it's on.

7. Don't be scared. Get in there and fight. Play hard and show no mercy - this is the only time you can bust the wing commander in the face with a water balloon.