What is the Big Fascination with Military Balls and Socials?

Why are people talking about this affecting promotions? It doesn't. SGT and SSG are semi-centralized --- based on points and an in-person board, and SFC and above are DA centralized --- you will likely never meet the people reviewing your file, and I have enough faith in the integrity of our NCO and Officer Corps to hope that those of you suggesting this "good ol' boy, be there and meet 'em" system doesn't not work nearly as well as accomplishing mission requirements and taking difficult assignments.

Where do you guys get these ideas?

AR 600-8-19 will tell you these things.

Listen, I agree with you. These things are stupid as ****. However, (and this is what I'm assuming y'all meant) when GETTING RECOMMENDED for promotion, it is good to be seen as a team player --- also when your NCOER's are written. I've seen NCO's get "adequate" ratings because they chose not to participate in functions when their presence would have said a lot about how they respect their COC and showing unit pride.

And I too, hate CFC time. Every year with the book and the voucher....lol....but I feel guilty if I don't!!

As an officer, maybe I have a different perspective. The way I see it, for enlisted men to go to these balls is a good thing because it looks good to the promotion board. Also, it gives you a chance to improve your relationship with other men and officers, so that as you climb up through the ranks there'll be friendly faces.

Just because you're being friendly doesn't mean you're brown-nosing.

I suggest you give it a go. Even if you never go again, at least then you've tried it. You might enjoy it.

A traditional chance to socialize in a dignified manner (dining out, christmas ball, Army ball), less-dignified (dining-in), or fun (unit picnic). It allows all ranks to have a good time, break bread, talk about what the unit has done lately, celebrate achievements, etc. Also allows the spouses to socialize.

Please do not say it is a means to get recognized or brown-nose; it is a means to build camaraderie and esprit-de-corp ina traditional manner.

Anything commanders and NCOs can do to strengthening bonds with Soldiers is a good thing.

Promotion board plus, interaction with fellow military personnel, and from personal experience, they are fun and sometimes quite entertaining. (Like when you see your Flight Chief get a little intoxicated and fall out of his chair right in front of the Command Chief)

First off, I hope you are talking about the operational military. I really hate it when kids get on here and speak of their JROTC program as the real military. If you are speaking of the operational military, please ignore the previous statement. I agree completely with you except for the fact that you are more likely to gain favor in front of a promotion board if you attend these functions.

I look at it as support for your MOS....or your branch of service. You should be proud to serve and celebrate for that MOS or branch!!. I don't believe it looks good for promotions. Some people view it as brown nosing...and some people do treat it that way. We go to have a good time and get dressed up and celebrate!!!

The reason may be that as you advance in rank and position, that you are given the chance to get your name out there. It also allows you to get knowledge that you would not be able to gain in the normal work environment. I used to not like to go to these things, but after I started going, I learned who loses their tongues and who doesn't. Don't go if you don't want to. But think of what it could do for you instead of against you.

While you May see no point in going they do. It looks good for you when promotion time comes up, as for why they actually think it is so important some military psychologist told them they are good for morale. They actually are for the spouses. If your unmarried don't worry and know for sure that you will get promoted and not passed over I would worry about it.

it is actually a good thing to go to it gets you familiar with your unit and your comand the higer ups and all you actually get to shake their hands and mingle with them a bit and it familiarizes them with you they are kinda like a high school prom for the military only a bit mor soficated you payed to go to your highschool prom didnt you its up to you but i dont understand why your are complaining about it its your career and your money do what you want with it i would go if you really care about your career but if you dont then dont go

I never have either It's usually all the Brown nosers & then a Bunch of Idiot Drunk LT's