The Importance of The Cadets’ Mess

I cannot take lightly the importance of the cadets’ mess for I have appreciated its goodness for the three years I have been in training. The mess meals are meant to boost morale, enhance comradeship and give cadets a chance to unwind and relax together especially after a long day’s training. For instance, you sit and have supper and then you crack some jokes back and forth, a few toasts and speeches. The cadets’ mess comprises of the dining area, the bar and recreation facilities like the pool tables and DSTV hall for entertainment. It also has its own rules that have to be followed to the letter.

Mess etiquette is one of the crucial teachings acquired from the daily interactions in the mess. Starting with the dress code to the conduct while eating makes the mess a wonderful place to be. The dress code for each day varies, unique in its own. Each mess has its own traditions, and failure to adhere to this comes with consequences. For example, not appearing in the mess for a given period calls for punishment; it is our home, and failure to be at home requires an explanation. The sitting arrangement in the mess has its own drill. No one sits at his or her own will but instead follows the laid down procedures.

The mess on the other hand provides a place to share our joys and sorrows, both individual and group experiences. We do multitask at the mess, not only are we busy chewing food but also telling endless stories that leave us relieved off our sorrows. At times, the stories are much that we are forced out of the mess, but nevertheless, the sessions are never called off, we only take a short break.

The facility has also one of the most important site: the bar, a place where taking a drink from is a no offence. The cool facility provides an ample location for those who practice to share their own experiences in the field. The beauty of the place is that it does not exclude or discriminate. Soft drinks are all over the counter to accommodate all of us. The bar also has its own etiquette; no one dares to conduct himself or herself in an unruly manner while here. Noise is not allowed and any attempt to cause disturbance calls for suspension from the bar. The duration of the suspension is upon the mess committee and the nature of the offence. This is one of the worst experiences. From a distance, you will be watching your friends enjoy their evenings.

The games room also offers a recreational facility for us. The place introduced some of us to games we had never played before. The games include; pool tennis, darts and chess. Pool tennis is one game of its kind; everyone wants to get to know how to play it, not forgetting chess. These games help us to enhance sharpness and keep our brains active. The mess is a place to call home, a place everyone enjoys sitting, a place to forget some of your problems if not all. We will miss the facility, indeed a facility we wish we could carry to every place we go.