Having been raised in a military family (my Dad was an 0-6) I remember the formal occaisions where the "O" Club was the center of the universe and obligatory formal functions were rampant. The kind of party laughingly referred to as a "Mandatory Formation." As my Mother was not a big OWC social type it was sometimes an act of pure torture for her. When I enlisted (retired E-9) I saw a different side of the military Caste System and realized the social side of the military was not my forte. By the time I retired the whole social fabric had changed. Drinking and driving is not tolerated, as it was for so many years, and working spouses had other obligations that put an end to the "Mandatory Formations" at the Club. Today we have a different mind set and careers (at least MOST careers) are made in the performance of your duties and achievements and not at the Stag Bar. We are better for it! The advice about alcohol consumption is right on. If you imbibe, don't over do. CMS SLP USAF RET
Great column, as usual, and it very much reminds me of some of the functions I have attended, first as a date, then promoted to girlfriend, fiancee, and now spouse. Always had the most fun watching others make complete fools out of themselves )
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