Combat Dining In

Master Sgt. Tammy Cope, 48th Force Support Squadron, dives in to the pool at the beginning of the obstacle course, after being ordered to take a drink from the grog bowl June 19, 2009 at RAF Lakenheath, England. Airmen who broke the rules of engagement for the combat dining in had to go through the obstacle course and drink the grog. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Perry Aston) (Released)

Combat Dining In

48th Fighter Wing squadron commanders get an extra soaking from their Airmen after they were ordered by 48th Fighter Wing commander to go through the obstacle course and drink from the grog bowl during the Liberty Wing's Combat Dining In June 19, 2009 at RAF Lakenheath, England. The event was hosted by the Liberty Wing 56. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Perry Aston)(Released)

Airmen get morale boost during combat dining in

Published June 24, 2009
By Senior Airman Kristopher Levasseur
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- More than 350 48th Fighter Wing Airmen participated in the combat dining in hosted by the Liberty 56 club at Hangar 6 here June 19.

This celebration was designed to allow Airmen of all ranks to come together and celebrate wing, unit and individual acomplishments.

The history of the dining-in ceremony is believed to date from the time of the Roman Legions, when military commanders frequently held banquets to honor individuals and units. A combat dining in is far less formal than a traditional dining in and is geared more toward enjoyment.

The event featured creative activities for attendees such as the presentation of the grog, an obstacle course and a water fight. Also included was a tribute to 48th FW fallen Airmen and a POW/MIA table presentation.

"We held a combat dining in to bring the wing together and boost morale overall -- let your hair down a bit and remember that we play as hard as we work," said Staff Sgt. Stacie McHugh, Liberty 56 treasurer. "It was awesome to see military members just being people, having fun together while honoring the great things that we do every day."

According to Air Force guidelines, the primary purpose of a dining in is to enhance unit morale and esprit de corps. It offers Airmen an opportunity to experience how ceremony, customs and traditions build these traits.

As with many combat dining ins, after the formal ceremonies were complete, the mess erupted in a free-for-all water fight using a variety of weapons. Participants in the fight were held to a complex set of rules. Violations against the rules would require the participant to complete an obstacle course to drink from the grog bowl, which was a toilet bowl containing several unpleasent substances mixed together.

"The obstacle course was the best part of the event," said Tech. Sgt. Christina Martinez, Liberty 56 president. "Overall, the camaraderie and enjoyment during the event was excellent."