South Carolina Corps of Cadets

4th Class Mess Procedures Located in Chapter 3 & 4 of the Blue Book and Section 14, Chapter 1 in the White Book

Overview Nutrition Procedures Decorum Knob Knowledge Kitchen / waitress procedures Mess Carvers Additional Information This block of training covers two parts: Basic nutrition and what will happen during the meals. I want make sure you understand that this week is an accelerated week with a lot to do each day, so it will seem like mealtime flies quickly. Once classes start, things will fall into a routine.

Hydration Food provides some hydration Beverages Water is best for quick replacement “Gatorade” replaces both water and electrolytes “Bug juice” is slower to absorb Milk is good source for protein and water You should be allowed to drink what you like!!!!!!! It’s August in Charleston…the hottest time of the year. If you are not from the local area, it’s going to seem hotter than anywhere else. Keeping hydrated here during this week especially is paramount to your success. If you’re the type who lived on a diet of soda and or coffee, it’s time for a change. At meal time you need to make sure you have a balance of liquids as each one of these replaces specific parts of what your body needs. Do you need all these in one sitting? Not always. Water is a good constant, but it should be water + 1 at each meal. Also, be careful not to overload on liquids. We’ll discuss this in more detail in a few minutes. Let make one thing clear: You can ask for any item. There is no reason why you should be denied any item. As we will emphasize…all things in moderation.

Balanced Diet Meals are planned for balanced nutrition Balanced over the course of the day Eat some of everything prepared for the meal Protein to meet dietary needs Carbohydrates fill energy needs Vegetables provide fiber and minerals Fruits provide carbohydrates and fiber So let’s discuss meals. As we said with the liquids, eat a little of everything. If you have been on a diet that for example emphasizes less carbs you may hurt yourself in this environment this week. Don’t overload on just one thing. (Expect folks to ask what happens if they are on a religious or need to be on a diet). However, some of you may not be able to eat certain items due to religious, dietary, or allergy concerns…so let’s elaborate…(next slide)

Special Concerns Over-hydration Eating disorders Food Allergies Advise Mess Carver and chain-of-command Wait staff Classmates Alternate meals are available Over-hydration: As we mentioned before, you do not want to over drink or over eat. There are cases out there where people have dies from drinking too much water. Pace yourself with sipping versus gulping. For eating disorders, some of you may become stressed to lose weight at the expense of your body or you may be suffering silently from a disorder. I’m not going to ask if you are, but I want to emphasize that there are ways to address this issue, whether you seek a member of your chain of command or the human affairs team. We will be observing for warning signs, but it’s better for you to help yourself sooner than later. When it comes to food allergies, please make sure the chain of command knows as soon as possible. Given that certain allergies do not require the person to eat the item, we need to make sure you are not put in a bad position. The way to make sure these concerns are addressed is for you to speak up. It’s your life and responsibility. Don’t let pride put you in the infirmary.

Procedures Proceed quickly to assigned seat Prepare the mess Remain standing until “Moment of Silence” & “Rest” Serve themselves before the Upper-class cadets Eat a “square meal” Do not need permission to consume all items on table May remain in Mess Hall until after “second rest” Leave when you have eaten what you want Do not stack plates or clear the table Discuss the procedures…then add this… This week will seem rushed due to all of the training. Once classes start, you will have a little more breathing room…not a lot, but enough to catch your breath and get to class.

Decorum Talk in a normal volume and tone of voice Includes “popping off” Keep head and eyes on your respective mess Not speak unless spoken to, then stop eating to respond No elbows on the table Practice good table manners throughout the meal Stop eating and be quiet during announcements Discuss the decorum…then add the following This week will be noisy…once classes start the noise will decrease.

Knob Knowledge By the end of Challenge Week: By Parent’s Weekend: The Citadel Code Values The Mission of The Citadel The Citadel Cadet Creed The Citadel’s Honor Code The Citadel Alma Mater The Chain of Command Cadet’s own Chain of Command By Parent’s Weekend: Date The Citadel was established Date campus moved to present location What is The Citadel 8 Battle Streamers Phonetic Alphabet 4 Pillars of Leader Development Definition of Hazing Definition of Sexual Harassment Definition of Fraternization Rifle serial & butt number Cadet & US Military Rank These are the items you should know based on what is written in the Blue Book and Guidon.

“Working Knowledge” Regulations Manual (The Blue Book) The Honor Manual Organizations, Functions and Administration Standard Operating Procedures Manual (The White Book) History of the Citadel, as contained in The Guidon The Cadet Prayer – on a voluntary basis These are items that you need to study to operate in your daily cadet environment. For those of you who may not this, all of these regulations can be found online. I would encourage you to read some of these sections as your schedule permits.

Kitchen Procedures “Waitees” work hard – respect them, be polite There are limited portions of main entrees If you run out of other dishes or beverages, ask your waitee for more Only ask for more if you know it will be eaten If there are concerns or issues with the staff, find a supervisor (wearing a white uniform) When it comes to kitchen procedures, your level of courtesy is important. Under no circumstances will you take food out of the mess hall or condiments. If an upperclassman asks you to take something out, respectfully request to use good judgment.

Mess Carvers Criteria Cadet Officer Sword-bearing NCO Trained Responsible for maintaining order and discipline of mess Only a single mess carver through Parent’s Weekend then all 4C will be assigned to company tables composed of all classes. Your mess carver has been trained to ensure you receive a balanced meal as well as ask you questions at your mess. There should be no reason for any chaos. Show them the level of respect they are due to their rank and position.

Additional Information Evening Mess Formation and meal are required for freshmen [Monday – Thursday] Exception: General Leave and Sundays Uniforms Duty uniform ROTC Lab uniform – 4C only 4th Class Varsity Athletes Must attend breakfast and lunch formations Not required to attend evening mess formation Separate mess – sit by team With regard to evening mess, it is a mandatory formation. You will be seated at a mess with no mess carvers. You will continue to demonstrate good manners. Notice in the uniform section…under no circumstances will you wear PT gear. Corps Squad cadets will attend regular formations but will eat in a different section.

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