Commissioning attire

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riroka

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I'm just trying to figure out what to wear. My son goes to school in New Orleans, so it's going to be Hot, hot hot! Obviously I know to dress nice, but on a Facebook page I saw photos of another schools commissioning and the dads were in TUXES and the moms in full length formal dresses!!!
 
OK I could see me in a full length WHAT if my DS was commissioning from a Military Academy.....

Which is exactly why I was soooo happy to see him go the ROTC route!!!!
 
I've seen folks in business casual, slacks and sports coat, suits, and uniforms. Never seen anyone in a tux although I suppose if the commissioning ceremony is after 6 that might be OK. I expect I'll at least be in a sports coat and tie or a suit for my son's commissioning when the time comes, depending on the weather and specifically the heat.
 
I am planning on suiting up! I expect that Nashville could be warm as well. My wife was bummed that she needs to go buy a dress.
 
A couple of things. Which branch? Are you talking the commissioning ceremony itself or the senior graduation dining out?

For our DS, (AFROTC) there were two functions. The dining out is a formal function. DS wore his Mess Dress (military tux). Parents wore dark suits and cocktail dresses. GFs wore gowns. There were Dad's in tuxes, but again they were wearing Mess Dress.

The official commissioning (pin on) occurred during the day for our DS. Bullet. Commissioned DS so he wore his service uniform. The rest of us wore Sunday best. Yes, I bought a specific dress for the commissioning, along with buying a dress for our DD. It is a once in a lifetime picture taking moment. I wore Navy Blue, our DD wore Lilly Pulitzer, and younger DS wore Navy slack with white shirt and a Navy tie.

I will say this, emotionally watching them receive their college diploma is one of the proudest moments a parent can have, but until you watch your child commission you cannot even fathom it. The college degree is nothing compared to the commissioning.
~~~~ DS commissioned from UMDCP. They do it at the AF Memorial, which overlooks the Pentagon. Tourists site see there. On the day DS commissioned, many visitors were shocked to see a commissioning going on. His school allows cadets to do both a private and the public (det commissioning) oath. There was Bullet commissioning DS, and as I choked back the tears watching the father handing off the torch to the next generation I didn't see the visitors. I was in the moment holding his now fiance's hand. It was only afterwards when I heard a round of applause that I realized there were about 50 people seeing a once in a life time moment. Many actually came up and thanked DS.

That's my story.

Also, for AF parents if your child is going rated, be prepared for a big weekend, when they wing. It is a 3 day affair.
 
For commissioning, dress like you would for a wedding.
 
We were advised for men to wear a suit and women to wear a dress...this is for US Army commissioning
 
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