South Carolina Corps of Cadets

1. South Carolina Corps of Cadets

2. Mess Carver Training

3. At the end of this training Mess Carvers will know: Mess Carver Leadership Blue Book Guidance Mess Carver Responsibilities Knob conduct at the Mess Areas of Concern OVERVIEW

4. Mess Carver Leadership • Myths and Lies of the Mess Carver • “Knobs can have anything they want. They just have to ask.” • “Knobs can have condiments. They just have to ask.” • “We don’t force the knobs to eat anything they don’t want.” • “This is the way it was done last year.” • “It was done to me as a knob.” • “It’s a tradition.” • “No one told me.” • “Serve” before self • Ask them if they want it before they “have” to ask. • Put it out there and tell them to take it if they want it. • Go find more if they want more • Stop the food races • Be a shield against the “rogue sharks”

5. “The cadet chain of command is responsible for the Corps of Cadets’ seating assignments, conduct, general decorum, and meal counts to the Director of Dining Services. The chain of command is also responsible for ensuring the proper provision of all food and beverages at all meals to all cadets.” Paragraph L. 4. of the Red Book. BLUE BOOKCHAPTER 4

6. The table Mess Carver (Commander) for 4C cadets will be a cadet officer or a junior class sword bearing NCO who has attended and completed the Commandant’s Mess Carver Certification Training. Mess Carvers for other than fourth class messes will be cadet officers, first class privates, or junior sword bearers, only. During the cadre period no other upper-class cadet will sit at a knob mess. After Parent’s Weekend only one upper-class cadet may sit to the immediate right or left of the Mess Carver. This cadet MUST BE mess carver certified; however, he/she may NOT interact with the 4C cadets. Mess Carver Responsibility Chapter 4 Blue Book

7. Proceed quickly to seats, without running Prepare the mess Remain standing until “Rest” Practice proper table manners Not speak unless spoken to – respond in a normal tone of voice Not rest arms on table Serve themselves before Upper-Class 4C Conduct in the Mess HallRed Book, para L.4.1 of 2

8. Be prepared to recite an item of Knob Knowledge at noon mess Stop eating when addressed Keep head and eyes confined to their respective mess Stop eating with back straight and head and eyes straight ahead during announcements No requirement to leave at 2nd Rest Eat without ANY interference of UC after 2nd Rest Do not stack plates or clear the table 4C Conduct in the Mess Hall2 of 2

9. The Citadel Core Values Cadet’s own Chain of Command Name, location and purpose of campus buildings Definitions of Hazing, Sexual Harassment, and Fraternization Alma Mater Cadet Creed What is The Citadel What honor and duty are Rifle serial and butt numbers Cadet rank insignia What it means to be a lady/gentleman What 4C Cadets outrank Where is the food? How is the cow? Why 4C Cadets come to the mess What time is it? Definition of Leather Phonetic alphabet Knob Knowledge

10. Fourth Class System Manual (Red Book) Change Coming Regulations Manual (Blue Book) The Honor Manual Organizations, Functions and Administration Standard Operating Procedures Manual (White Book) History of the Citadel, as contained in The Guidon The Cadet Prayer – on a voluntary basis “Working Knowledge”

11. Hydration – de-hydration & over-hydration Food Allergies General Nutrition Special Concerns Uniforms Areas of Concern

12. Food provides some hydration Beverages are the main source Water is best for quick replacement Gatorade is best for both liquid and electrolytes “Bug juice” is slower to absorb Milk is good nutritionally, but not for hydration Over-hydration can be just as dangerous as lack of hydration Hydration

13. Talk with knobs on your mess immediately Know if they have allergies Make Mess Hall staff aware of allergies Seek alternative meal items when necessary Speak to Mess Hall management Food Allergies

14. Meals are planned to provide balanced nutrition over the course of each day Eat some of everything prepared for the meal Plenty of protein served to meet needs Carbohydrates fill energy needs Vegetables provide fiber and minerals Fruits provide carbohydrates, minerals and fiber General Nutrition

15. Food allergies Digestive problems Eating disorders Anorexia nervosa Primarily affects females – intelligent – disciplined Symptoms Physical: not eating – weight loss – loss of energy – abnormally cold Mental: hyperactivity – takes things too personally – perfectionism Seek help in diagnosis Special Concerns

16. The uniform for meal formations is “duty uniform” PT Uniforms and uniforms “worn while recently participating in physical activity” are not worn in the Mess Hall – Exception: Approved medical reason Any authorized uniform, except PTs, during General Leave, unless otherwise directed Blazer uniform when authorized by Special Orders Uniforms

17. Maintain order and discipline within company area. Chapter 4, Paragraph C.8. – “When the Corps is called to attention, Cadet Commanders, Battalion SGMs and Company 1SGs will rise and supervise their areas until second rest. When attention is given, all talking will cease.” Special Note for Commanders and First Sergeants

18. Identify primary/alternate Mess Carvers Provide list through chain of command to Battalion TACs Follow up after Training

19. QUESTIONS