Why are military balls mandatory for the soldiers? If you don't have the money to cover the fee for the ball, how do they expect for you to pay for it?

There is such a thing called priorities and the ball is not one of them.

Has anyone ever brought their baby with them to the ball? If we go, I will have to bring our youngest with us because she won't sit with anyone, she is a momma's baby, my other kids are old enough to sit with a friend and not cry. 

From what I understand if they are mandatory it is usually mandatory for senior enlisted and officers only, and if for some reason it is made mandatory for everyone, the soldier usually goes alone if there is a problem with cost/childcare.

sorry I know sometimes they dont think this stuff thru 

It's usually made mandatory because there weren't enough volunteers purchasing the tickets. Rather than cancel the entire event that someone worked hard on planning and reserved space and food for.

If price is the problem, suggest to your unit or FRG to do some fundraisers to reduce the cost of tickets. Pie in the face (Commander & 1SGT work REALLY WELL), renting the parking space of command for a day, bake sales, car washes, etc cut down the cost really quick! Our lower enlisted tickets were only $5 after raising $1200 from the pie in the face alone.

Children are usually NOT welcomed at Balls! These are designed to be adult "unit cohesion" events and often times provide alcohol. Again, your FRG or unit should set up some sort of organized child care (on site or off site) at your request. If your child can not stay with a sitter...you may as well plan on not going.

These events and more about them are covered in the "Customs & Courtesies" portion of AFTB (Army Family Team Building) classes available through your local ACS or online at http://www.myarmyonesource.com/default.aspx Under ONLINE TRAINING. 

Looks like he won't be going if he cannot pay for his ticket. Lord knows I hope they cancel both because no one really wants to be bothered with a ball at this time of year (the holidays). Family is more important than hanging out with other adults especially when these men/women spend a lot of time in the hot zone. I am just angry that they make it mandatory and people fail to realize we have priorities right now that need our full attention money wise. What is more important paying your bills or spending your money on nonsense? To me formals are nonsense and should be a choice not a requirement. The same goes for these unit picnics. People should not be forced to attend. 

I can't stand military balls. I hated them when I was active duty, but as a spouse, I hate them worse. With all the deployments, the TDYs, the extra hours, I do not think the army should have "mandatory fun". My opinion, but if you're gonna make something mandatory fun, I think the soldiers should have a say in what it is, and spending a small fortune to dress up, listen to long winded speeches, and watch drunk officers "get down" wouldn't be high on anyone's list of priorities.

It used to be that the FRGs did care about the cost to the lower enlisted, but in the past few years, that seems to have vanished. You can try to talk to your FRG leaders, I can't guarantee it'll do anything, but you can try. As far as childcare, I haven't been in a single unit that has offered childcare for a ball. If you can't find a sitter, you may want to skip it. But, as much as it sucks, you should encourage your husband to suck it up, at least until the dancing starts. There's usually an exit that can be used to sneak out of. Make an appearance and run. The higher ups do tend to notice who was there and who wasn't. 

The soldier should be able to get someone to possibly help pay for his ticket. It is not mandatory for you to attend. My husband has gone to several Military formals without me. 

The soldier should be able to get someone to possibly help pay for his ticket. It is not mandatory for you to attend. My husband has gone to several Military formals without me.

I really don't like to sit at home while my husband is out like that. Neither one of us do night out with our friends unless it involves the church. They do stuff for the men and they do stuff for the women. 

Not once in my carreer has a ball been mandatory... it has been highly recommended and for Seniors that mean you best be there... But they can't legally make something that you have to pay to go to mandatory. In my units we have done fundraisers and we have sponsored our jr enlisted so they didn't have to pay for a ticket. 

We just moved here from Ft Hood and the last ball we went to was mandatory. But my husband waited till the last minute to pay so instead of paying 25 each we only paid 10 total. Also me and my husband don't go out like that without the other. When we went we had about 300 in the bank. My hubby made sure we had everything we needed then got my dress and shoes. We were broke for 2 weeks but he said he wasn't going without me. I hope everything works out for you Ktown. Also my youngest is still attatched as well. But if you live by me I will sit for you for free. Let me know 

We just moved here from Ft Hood and the last ball we went to was mandatory. But my husband waited till the last minute to pay so instead of paying 25 each we only paid 10 total. Also me and my husband don't go out like that without the other. When we went we had about 300 in the bank. My hubby made sure we had everything we needed then got my dress and shoes. We were broke for 2 weeks but he said he wasn't going without me. I hope everything works out for you Ktown. Also my youngest is still attatched as well. But if you live by me I will sit for you for free. Let me know

Thanks Nina. I take it you are at Bragg? I am from Killeen (grew up, went to school and army brat). Looks like we will have to wait till the last minute because I have a lot of things that need to be done before we can even spend money on a ball. A friend of ours who happens to be the God parents of our kids can watch all of them, I just feel bad for her having to watch the little one who tends cry like crazy when she is not around me. I am sure she will stop after a while because the 2nd to the youngest was the same way. Poor baby ran after me when I drove off. She does not charge but I usually give her enough money to order pizza for her 5 kids and mine plus for her time. That is how I am, if someone watches my kids I have to be able to compensate for their time. Her kids are all school age so she does not need a sitter. The older ones watch the little ones. I am not worried about a dress, I don't wear the norm attire. Last year I wore an Asian dress and everyone LOVED IT! As a matter of fact met another wife who wore the same dress different color. Another wife wanted to wear the same dress but was not for sure. The year before I wore an Asian dress and got all types of positive compliments. I have tons of Asian formal attire (being that I am part Asian myself). I am sure I can find someone I know to do my hair if I barter with them. Our unit has not done one fundraiser as of yet. They have many ways to make some money. I even offered to do an Avon fundraiser and give them 50% of what I get after Avon takes their cut. Apparently people don't know Avon caters to men, women, teens and kids. 

I am at ft hood. We have been here 1 month now and the hubby started to process in today. He was on a 30 day leave. I hope you get the chance to go and it works out for you. 

I am at ft hood. We have been here 1 month now and the hubby started to process in today. He was on a 30 day leave. I hope you get the chance to go and it works out for you.

Thanks, in all honesty neither one of us really want to go...it is time and money wasted if you ask me. I would rather go to a church function.


Enjoy your stay at Hood. If you have any questions about the area feel free to ask. I watched Killeen and the area grow over many years. 

Nina, welcome to Ft. Hood. I hope you like it. How did you like Bragg?