Reviving Army Traditions—Black Tie Tactical Style

You’ve been there—you ordered the perfect outfit for an upcoming event, and it turned up as an example of, “This is what I ordered, but this is what arrived,” if it even arrived at all!

Under the central Kansas sun, in the center of Fort Riley, is Black Tie Tactical (BTT), an all-volunteer operation founded by Lynda Rose Smith to help remedy this problem by bringing men’s and women’s free formal wear and business attire to the area while also reviving military traditions and etiquette.

This on-post boutique truly embraces the community of Fort Riley as much as the community embraces the 1st Infantry Division.

Tucked into the terraced topography and golden sunsets of this historic post, their mission is simple: to help you “dress your best.”

BTT has grown beyond just ball gowns since its inception in May of 2022. Working closely with the Fort Riley chapter of AUSA (Association of the United States Army), BTT collects donations from individuals and local businesses to provide attire for active-duty, dependents, and retired military.

Their selections include ball gowns, prom and homecoming dresses, Class A and AGSU uniforms and accessories, as well as options for middle school dances.

After opening their doors, BTT was inundated with many questions about military protocol, basic etiquette, and workplace manners.

To bolster the Army community, BTT stepped beyond clothing and began Black Tie Basics.

Their basics program includes a long list of topics focused on helping everyone feel comfortable in social settings and military events with discussions and demonstrations of etiquette basics to help you “be your best.”

Their most popular topics are also highlighted on their website.These topics include:

Proper Table Manners: sit when asked to do so or when host sits, remember BMW (Bread plate is left, Meal is center, and Water glass is right), no cell phones at the table, and chew with your mouth closed.

Receiving Line Etiquette: polite greetings, no food or drinks, and the primary invitee proceeds their guest in line. 

Military Balls: stand for the flag, no children or pets, and the silent toast for the POW/MIA Missing Man table.

Dress Term Chart Review: appropriate examples of casual, business casual, informal, and formal. 

Official Ceremonies: standing to receive gifts, wearing the unit pin on the left side (close to your heart); young children should not attend unless it is their parent’s ceremony. 

Correspondence: the importance of R.s.v.p. “please respond,” accepting or declining an invitation, timeliness of the reply—within 24-48 hours. 

Social Engagements: when a host/ess gift is appropriate, acceptable items to bring, the importance of a thank-you note and its timeliness—within a few days after the event.

Flag Etiquette: Soldiers salute and civilians place their right hand over their hearts during the following:

• US National Anthem (not Foreign) 
• Taps
• US Flag Passing
• Pledge of Allegiance
• Movement of a Flag-Draped Casket 
• Reveille
• “To the Colors” after Retreat

*Exception is during the playing of “Ruffles and Flourishes”. Civilians stand with their hands by their sides while Soldiers salute.

BTT extends past the gates of Fort Riley.

Beyond the Fort Riley gates, BTT is privileged to work with the local Jobs for American Graduates Kansas (JAG-K) program. This program provides local school students, regardless of military status, with free business attire as needed for interviews or competitions, as well as the essentials of appropriate dress and manners in the workplace.

BTT is also honored to partner with two wonderful volunteers dedicated to helping families grieving the loss of a child.“God’s Little Warriors” uses military uniforms from all branches to make bereavement gowns given to military hospitals across the country.

“My Angel Baby Project” provides free bereavement gowns for civilian and military families from donated wedding dresses.

Any items BTT receives that are stained or torn beyond repair are passed along to one of these charities.

Amid all their community outreach programs, BTT opens its doors regularly to support their biggest demand—formal gowns and etiquette training.

Whether planning or attending a military ball, preparing for an upcoming interview, or just needing a refresher for dinner with the boss, visit their website for protocol and etiquette basics.

When you’re in the area, be part of bringing traditions back to life; stop by Black Tie Tactical to donate, “shop” their store, and join their in-depth discussions to help you “be your best!”

*Learn more from the Protocol and Traditions Team.