@pstofan – you bring up a great point, and one that was a big point of discussion at my last ball. Knowing the difference between a Dining In, Dining Out, and Ball will help @pauljwilkerson get off on the right foot while you concurrently get guidance from your BN leadership. It’s interesting you mention BN XO, I’ve always seen BN CDR give very direct guidance and the XO be the vehicle to get / clarify that guidance.

@pauljwilkerson – have you asked an A/S3 for who the last planner was for the last Formal event (if there was one)? This could at least get you brainstorming. Also, ask the advice and ‘war stories’ from other LTs in your unit. They’d be able to give you an idea what what the Ball looks like is experienced as. Also, don’t forget to ask your Company Commander! If you’re upfront and tell them you’ve never been to a Formal before, they can better guide you from where you are (versus expecting that you know what the event should even look or feel like). Activate the LT Mafia, just like you’ve asked on here. What good info can you get from your peers in your sister BNs? Lastly, talk to the resources inside the BN: The S4 and the S1. The S4 is handling at least some money in the unit, and they could probably give you some TTPs, and maybe even a spare receipt book for ticket sales. The S1 is always involved with Formal functions, so they could provide feedback on what the last unit event was like, inside view on the Commander, or other tips for the unit.

Things I would start looking at and thinking about (assuming the Ball is in the Summer):
– look at venues, ANY venues, in your area: what does post offer? (a community center, a community “Commons” what they might be called – basically a BIG event room that can be decorated, etc. and used in a way like a sports awards banquet or Societal event you might have been to.) What is within X-miles radius of post and/or the community people live? (again, you’re looking for large event spaces, even hotels might have options; the closest I’ve had a Ball was 5 miles from post and the furthest was 30 miles away, so it really depends on the command guidance to narrow down the options for you, get the XO involved in this).

– Once you’ve compiled a short list of options (3, 5 at the most), do the work of getting price quotes for food and max number of attendees. When you do IPRs for the commander, this is BLUF they’re looking for – why is this venue good, how much does it cost, and how many of my Soldiers and Families can attend?

– Expect to have to coordinate at some point with your BN FRG. Aspects like babysitting and dress code and Dress Swap will be coordinated hand-in-hand with the BN CDR’s wife (most likely). Also, introduce yourself to BDE Legal – Soldier and Unit money is involved and you’re going to want to have your tracking and usage on total lockdown.

– While you’re looking at venues in the initial phase, start asking for guidance on if there is going to be a Speaker (it’s Army tradition, although I’ve been to events without one) and who / what topic the Commander wants. Waiting for the last minute on a speaker can cause some unneeded stress and tempers, best to provide options early.