Drinking with our allies during a NATO deployment; should it be allowed?

That has to be a theater commander rule or lower. If you are in a War Theater it kinda makes sense. Is that true military wide, Hell No. I served side by side with Brits, Aussies, Germans, Canuks and did I drink with them you betcha. Destroyed way to many Brain Cells drinking with the Aussies.

Way late comment to this but I can say yes.

Commanders restrict alcohol because they're concerned about the negatives they will have to deal with. Which I could understand if you're in an operational area that requires constant vigilance. Places like Kuwait however... The thing is, that's what the UCMJ exists for, alcohol has its own little provision.

Additionally, being told don't do it hasn't exactly stopped Soldiers from doing it. I remember the Brits, Germans, and Canadians all had alcohol and they would give it or sell it to US troops and the local TCN's would always be willing to sell it. Then of course there are the guys that would make their own, pretty much mead or wine.

Authorize it, so you can put some measure of control on it. If someone steps out of line and goes off the handle, well that's what your local BLO or OSJA is for.

Near Beer and Cigars was the best we could do to unwind, one or two actual beers once a week would have been better. Is what it is though, and it's not likely to change. So the joe's that want it bad enough are going to flirt with not getting caught.

Our command told us we needed to stay alert at all times. In the event of something going wrong, we couldn't afford to be intoxicated. Before you know it, an argument may arise between people or other issues associated with drinking would unfold eventually. So near beer it was for our deployment.