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So here's a question sure to drive some opinions from all over. Two beers in a combat zone, should it be allowed or no? I know for me personally, and no I'm not an alcoholic, but after a long day at work or busy day doing stressful tasks, I enjoy coming home and cracking a cold one. When I was in Iraq in 08-09 we were allowed to have two beers at our little JSS while watching the Super Bowl. To me it was a nice chance to kick back and take a load off. My thinking is, with all the cases of PTSD coming up, what if we allowed that decompression each night (provided soldiers are not immediately going out on mission), would it potentially lower the stress levels of soldiers knowing no matter how bad the day is that at the end of it they can crack a cold one and chill out a bit? So, should it be allowed or not?
Posted in these groups: 
Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)
Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) - Afghanistan
Alcohol
PTSD
Deployment
Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) - Afghanistan Alcohol PTSD Deployment
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 115
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We arrived in theater the weekend of that Super Bowl (in time to see my Steelers win). For every one, such as yourself, that can control their drinking, there are countless others that may not be able to in such an environment.
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1LT William Clardy
That's one reason God created sergeants, SFC (Join to see). Other reasons include scaring impressionable young women and children, but I digress...
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Gonna have to say no here overall, but I could see it being ok in particular situations. Speaking in generalities, there's too much room for disaster with giving troops booze down range on a constant basis. Occasionally and in a controlled environment is one thing, but handed out cold ones every day...I just see way too many problems arising.
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Combat Zone, FOB, Convoy, anyplace that can be considered "hot" at any time, NO! R&R base, maybe. I just think it would be abused.
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I am going to Say no. But we all know what happens on long deployments behind closed TOCs.
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1LT William Clardy
Well, you did talk about what goes on behind TOCs, and that happens to be the only unusual activity I ever noticed on a recurring basis...
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My answer is, "It depends". In Bosnia-Herzegovina we were allowed 2 beers once a month. The environment and mission is much different than Iraq or Afghanistan. I've observed our European allies consume alcohol in Afghanistan. They do it in moderation.
If it is good for morale and low risk then it may be fine like it was done in the Balkans. Out in a COP where your life depends on being alert (high risk), probably not.
Then there is the CYA factor. I don't think any commander wants to explain to his higher how a soldier did something un-hooah because he/she was under the influence.
If it is good for morale and low risk then it may be fine like it was done in the Balkans. Out in a COP where your life depends on being alert (high risk), probably not.
Then there is the CYA factor. I don't think any commander wants to explain to his higher how a soldier did something un-hooah because he/she was under the influence.
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Yes I think that it's not a problem as long as you are not pulling duty on that day.
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Alcohol impairs judgement and does not belong in a combat zone. Just my opinion.
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SSgt (Join to see)
Lt Col (Join to see) Yes, I would. As long as it is classified as a combat zone, I would support that.
Additionally, alcohol is a depressant and would likely exacerbate the condition of an individual that is suffering from PTSD. Another reason to keep it out of combat zones.
Additionally, alcohol is a depressant and would likely exacerbate the condition of an individual that is suffering from PTSD. Another reason to keep it out of combat zones.
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Lt Col (Join to see)
So if it impairs judgement and increases the symptoms of PTSD...would you ban it for all SF troops at home station, who need good judgement? Aircrew? What about folks who fly combat missions from home (specifically, RPAs)? Should RPA bases have a ban on alcohol because their crews are actively engaged in combat?
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1LT William Clardy
SSgt (Join to see), what would you say to a 15-year-oold National Institute of Health report which states, "several recent studies suggest that moderate alcohol consumption may have a positive effect on cognitive function"?
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I don't think that is a good idea. As mentioned by others there will be that one person that would screw it up. There were some good points the COL is right with the GO 1A which is above all what we follow as well as the customs of the country
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My first reaction is to say why not but we all know the one or two people that would find a way to game the system or outright steal and abuse the privilege. They would get caught or someone would do something stupid and a blanket order would kill said privilege.
I would propose that the current policies are sufficient: New Years, Super Bowl, and Xmas with strict 2 beverage control, and at R&R with whatever makes sense.
I would propose that the current policies are sufficient: New Years, Super Bowl, and Xmas with strict 2 beverage control, and at R&R with whatever makes sense.
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