The alcohol policy that is in effect today for Soldiers deployed is the appropriate one. When I was stationed in Korea we didn’t have a Class 6 shop but alcohol was available for purchase on Camp Hovey and Camp Casey. Though, the biggest concern for the posts was alcohol related incidents on and off the post. While stationed there, I must have went through countless alcohol briefs and heard numerous incidents of Soldiers (enlisted, NCO, and commissioned alike) of the things they have done. It was until almost a year and half later the new post commander banned the sale of alcohol and created a “no alcohol tour” policy for all Soldiers.

I do agree with Schmidt to this degree. Though, from experience, I have learned that you might take alcohol away from Soldiers it does not mean Soldiers will not still drink given the opportunity. We afford Soldiers the opportunity to drink at military events and some would still act inappropriately. We all know that alcohol lowers inhibitions on Soldiers discipline and professionalism and yet alcohol is still part of the equation. That is why we give Soldiers brief after briefs on the effects of alcohol and the effect it may have on the unit and others in the hopes that it will curtail the irresponsibleness of them (this is not always the case).

LT McDonough and his platoon was given R&R and immediately their pay was taken upon arrival. The only outlet to this was their beer rations. Perhaps, during this time, alcohol was not such a problem because of how it was managed differently. Perhaps rationing alcohol allowed the Soldiers to appreciate the use of alcohol – as a trade commodity.