In chapter 15, James’s platoon is granted R&R. As someone who has been deployed in combat to both Iraq and Afghanistan, it is always important to allow Soldiers a refit and rest period. During my tours in Iraq, Soldiers were granted rest cycles in either the Green Zone, or what was known as freedom rest in Quatar. In both cases, the Soldiers were allowed to consume alcohol in limited quantities. Honestly, at the time, I felt that there wasn’t a point to it. I didn’t drink alcohol at the time because I was not of age.

When it comes to mind altering drugs, combat personnel need to be of sound mind and clear heads in order to be effective. It is clear that there cannot be a disconnect between the two. However, it is a social adaptation when it comes to combat and the consumption of alcohol. Wars were fought much differently back then. There has been a transition of social characteristics, and studies of combat, that prove our development as a military. I truly believe that back then, those men deserved their beer. I think today, our military do not need the distraction in order to be effective in combat.