The Army black mess and black evening mess uniforms are authorized for year-round wear by all female officers. The Army blue mess and blue evening mess uniforms replaced the Army black mess and evening mess uniforms. The wear-out date for the Army black mess and evening mess uniforms is 30 September 2003. Effective 1 October 2003, only the blue mess and evening mess uniforms may be worn for the occasions listed in para 26â3, below. Enlisted females are not authorized to wear the black mess uniforms.