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AFCENT Intel dines-in

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jonathan Bass
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. --  The U.S. Air Forces Central intelligence directorate held a combat dining-in here, Oct. 10.

The purpose of the dining-in was to build esprit de corps, said Col. Scott Murray, AFCENT director of intelligence.

"It's one way that I, as their senior officer, can support and foster feelings of pride, fellowship and common loyalty among all members of the AFCENT intelligence directorate," said Murray.

Approximately 40 people attended the event.

Festivities included dinner, a water gun fight, and a traditional 'grog' bowl.

A grog bowl is an Air Force tradition that contains a concoction of assorted beverages in one bowl.

Two grog bowls were created, one 'leaded' the other 'unleaded'. The leaded grog contained a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, whereas the unleaded featured only non-alcoholic beverages.

The path to the grog was original however.

The 'gauntlet' as it was called, consisted of two barriers to climb over, a low crawl area, a water pit, followed by a tackling dummy, then a slip and slide, said Master Sgt. Stephanie Field, AFCENT intelligence directorate NCO in charge of weapons and tactics.

The history of the grog bowl goes back to the 17th century. When sailors on vessels crossing the ocean were given beverages to go with a meal, oftentimes the drink was a mix of beer, rum, water, and lemon or lime juice.

Despite the gagging, repugnant, odious glob that the Airmen drank, knowing the importance of a dining-in should not be forgotten.

"A combat dining-in allows the entire unit to take time to honor our most sacred traditions through a military ceremony while at the same time enjoying an evening of fellowship with rules that are flexible to the occasion," said Murray.

Combat dining-ins are an Air Force tradition likely going back to the 1930s when Gen. Hap Arnold, held his 'wing ding' parties.

By Murray's standard the event was outstanding in every way. From set up to tear down, the evening was a success full of great food, fun and fellowship.

While this was the first dining-in for the intelligence directorate since autumn of 2010, Murray said there's not a chance they'll wait four years to host another one.