The cocktail period provides an excellent forum for fellowship and allows the President, 1SG, and Guest Speaker the opportunity to circulate among the guests. Conversation should be short and light. Each mess member should talk with as many comrades and guests as possible.
1750
Form the receiving line from right to left in order of rank with the president on the right of the receiving line with the guest of honor on his left. The Adjutant’s (Dining In NCOIC) position is on the right of the Guest Speaker. As each member of the mess or guest comes abreast of the Adjutant, they announce their names, but do not shake hands with the Adjutant. The mess members should never assume that the Adjutant automatically remembers their name, so they should introduce themselves. The Adjutant, in turn, introduces them to the Guest Speaker of the mess. Mess members always face the person being greeted and promptly move to the next person. Engage in conversation with the members of the receiving line only when delays occur. Do not bring drinks, cigarettes, cigars, etc., through the receiving line.
1800
1.
MR. VICE: Directs the Music Tech to play "MESS CALL". (No talking, JUST LOOK)
NOTE: Music Tech plays MESS CALL twice.
2.
NARRATOR: "FELLOW NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS, WELCOME TO THE MILITARY POLICE ADVANCED LEADER COURSE 005-14 AND CID ADVANCED LEADER COURSE 002-14 DINING IN. PLEASE STAND FOR THE ARRIVAL OF THE OFFICIAL PARTY AND REMAIN STANDING FOR THE POSTING OF THE COLORS AND THE INVOCATION.” NOTE: Music Tech plays OFFICIAL PARTY ENTRANCE as the Official Party Enters.
3.
MR. VICE: remains standing; when the members of the head table are in position, Mr. Vice reports to the President of the Mess and states: "MR. PRESIDENT, THE MEMBERS OF THE MESS ARE ASSEMBLED!"
4.
MR. PRESIDENT: "COLOR SERGEANT!"
NOTE: Music Tech plays DRUM ROLL as the color guard marches to position.
5.
COLOR SERGEANT: