My Squadron is having a Change of Command and Retirement ceremony this Thursday. Picture about 100 Naval Officers all dressed in summer whites, including all of my bosses, plus families and distinguished guests (Admirals, Generals, etc… Imagine the graduation scene from Top Gun )
I myself will be an Usher. Dressed in full dress uniform (choker whites with medals) and ushering VIP’s and their families to the social gathering before the ceremony, and to their seats for the ceremony.
I’m looking for a strong, attractive, confident, professional mix to compliment the uniform and the setting. a314 seems the obvious candidate, but I feel like I may need something that hits harder and quicker than the oil.
What would you be wearing if you had a function of this scale?
NEXT: All of the Officers are headed to a social on a less formal scale. Catered dinner event to rub elbows and mingle with our new CO. My Wife will be in attendance, so a heavier sexy/attraction addition would be welcomed.
What would you add to the original mix to steer it for the social dinner?
If it were me I would still go with the A314. IME it hits quick and hard enough, maybe with a couple sprays of IH. From what you have available I would probably just add some IS and TUTH
Yup - Its A314 all the way for this - And simplicity in any overall mix. The size of the event will go against any nuances. IH or IS are the two out of that choice I’d consider.
A314/IH/P74 is what I’d use at work, for exactly the sort of reasons you want - and I’d keep some TUTH on hand to introduce for the social after.
I’d think A314 (like a drop) and Shine. A spray or two. Re-up from time to time. The idea being to gauge people’s responses and add just enough Shine to make it charismatic but not silly. A spray or two IH wouldn’t hurt. Again, adds to the 314 effect with few negatives or risks. Always easier to add sprays than subtract. These three are the best studied out there.
A314 and TAC do go together nicely but I wouldn’t say it makes for extreme respect - TAC is more easygoing/goofy and playful. Which maybe helps social engagement? TBH, there isn’t a lot other than P75 that enhances the respect side of A314 - and that is just too severe for a social function.
I’d also leave the P102 out - again, its quite laid-back on its own but with A314, it can make for a very determined/single minded mood.
I went with 2 drops a314 behind the ears, and 2 sprays IS.
Temp was hot and humid, very little breeze, and the venue was indoor/outdoor most of the morning.
I felt Very confident and Very good all morning. Walking tall and with a sense of importance, the other VIP ushers constantly sought my opinion and waited for me to make the moves toward our guests. When engaging with the guests I felt smooth, conversation opened casually and effortlessly, and it didn’t seem to matter to me who showed up… I was happy to engage and escort them to their seats.
Working for me that morning were a handful of enlisted sailors. Two females that I had the most interaction with were very receptive to my requests, all smiles, and very polite/professional. I was concerned that the a314 would cause intimidation with the younger crowd, but I think the IS and my usual casual banter buffered it nicely so I came off as the “cool boss” type.
a314 will continue to be a daily addition to my work routine. I’m going to continue with 1 drop each morning for at least two weeks, and keep an eye on how things go.
)