Page 131 - MustangEbook

RESTRICTION ON DRINKS entrance of the building or Mess. He escorts
the Guest of Honour to greet and introduce
To avoid heavy Mess bills and alcoholism, it him to anyone he has not already met.
is the acceptable practice for the Commanding
Officer to impose monetary limits on the MESS INITIATION
member’s Mess accounts. Excessive
consumption of In the past, a member-to-be must go through
alcohol, mainly
Excessive drinking of an acceptance regime when he is made to foot
brought about by the bill for food & beverages consumed by
alcohol may occasionally the pernicious habit
lead to misbehaviour and members, being asked questions and should
of ‘alcoholism’, has he not give the correct answer (most of which
disrespect for others been the downfall he could not answer), is made to drink
around them. of promising alcoholic drinks (mixed with unthinkable
members, and their concoctions) till he vomits. Other times, new
career abruptly ended for no other reason. members go through a “baptism” shower
Excessive drinking of alcohol may (mixed with soap water and ice). Mostly,
occasionally lead to misbehaviour and these were done for entertainment purpose to
disrespect for others around them. test the new members’ toughness,
determination and sporty-ness. He must be
RESTRICTION ON HEADDRESS able to adhere to instruction and “abuses” yet
keep his cool. All these happened away from
It is customary for officers, and men as well, the view of junior commanders or men
to remove their caps/head dress before (including Mess Steward or Mess-boys).
entering a mess other than their own; this
custom applies equally to officers’ messes and The initiation completes with a toast proposed
enclosed messes and should be observed to the Commanding Officer, the PMC and
when passing through seamen's mess decks members of the Mess, by the new members.
except on duty. The initiates get to clean the Mess thereafter.

The customary rule applies to cabins and Today, it is still customary that new members
offices as well. This is the same as the practice of the Mess are initiated. Its purpose remains
ashore -- you do not wear a hat in someone the same, i.e. is for introductory reasons and
else’s home, and though you may wear it in to welcome membes to the Mess and Unit.
your own home you would not normally do However the “ragging” has stopped.
so.

IMPROPER MESS ETIQUETTE
PUNCTUALITY
The following are some examples of improper
In the interests of efficiency in the running of behaviour in the Mess:
any Mess, it is essential that all its members
are punctual for all functions or activities of 1. Late for Mess events.
the Mess. Members are expected to arrive at 2. Loud and obtrusive language.
least ten minutes before the time announced. 3. Leaving an organized event without
The host or the President of the Mess permission from the PMC.
Committee greets the Guest of Honour at the 4. Foul language.