As of Thursday afternoon I was told once again to wear my kilt, however knowing that the Sergeant Major did not want me to wear the kilt I was still going to catch flack for my choice of ball attire.

In an Off Topic thread there was some disagreement to me wearing my tank, “That said, I tend to agree with the decision that active duty military should attend the Army Signal Ball in uniform, as it clearly draws the line between the Army (hosts of the evening's festivities) and any invited civilian personnel. Showing up in civilian attire may give to some the unintended impression that one does not want to be associated with the other members of his unit, or recognized as a soldier in the United States Army.”

During dinner my boss Lieutenant Colonel Vazquez came over to my table and told me that when I was done eating the Commanding General of Fort Riley Brigadier General Perry Wiggins would like to see me about my kilt. I was not concerned since LTC Vazquez gave me permission to wear the kilt. When I approached the general’s table LTC Vazquez introduced me and the CG asked me what tartan I was wearing, the significance of it, but the highlight was when he said that he really liked the rabbit fur sporran, and I said so do the women and the entire table broke out in laughter. That was the highlight of my evening.

What was interesting is that several years back when I was a member of B Troop 4th U.S. Cavalry (Memorial) I attended a ball in my 1880’s uniform which consisted of blue wool pants, blue shirt, tall black riding boots with spurs, and cavalry saber. This was done at the request of our First Sergeant because I and another member of his unit was a member of B Troop.





So, without further ado I present my pictures from the 2009 Fort Riley, Kansas Signal Ball.

This year’s ball was held at the K-State Alumni Center and the Holiday Inn is right across the street, which enabled me to park my car and enjoy my Scotch before heading to the ball.

Here is what I arrived to the hotel in.


A wee dram before putting on my PC.


A pre ball pleat shot.