Soldiers coming from the field and off duty should be allowed to drink they’ve earned it. Drinking responsibly is of course the requirement. Alcohol is always an issue if not consumed in moderation. The soldiers in Vietnam in Mcdonough unit were stripped of their money but they had alcohol. Alcohol, as I’ve said, is good in moderation and even better with supervision. My Unit has had events where Alcohol was allowed but it wasn’t an issue the entire time because the leadership was responsible in ensuring everything was taken care of beforehand (designated drivers, 2nd/3rd order effects, responsible drinkers, etc.). They planned the event to a T and ensured no funny business would occur. I’ve witnessed, read about, and been briefed about the opposite for some other units when they didn’t properly take care nor plan. Given the situation in Vietnam I’d authorize the beer as long as they drank responsibly, during off duty hours, and wouldn’t affect them during the working day. The modern day rules make sense there have been far too many negative incidents involving alcohol. However if it can be done in moderation in the right way it could be used to build morale, strengthen comradery, and provide temporary relief from the stress of life. The prostitutes however are a completely different story times have changed and the social stigmas have as well – New Army. Simply thats a NO GO. I wouldn’t allow any involvement with prostitutes in the modern times we have STDs that aren’t easily cured. I agree with Bensons assessment that perhaps command took the money so none of it got in the hands of possible enemy. That makes sense but I feel like they’d explain that to McDonough instead of the reason they gave. I’d probably mix my experienced men with replacements on and off the line. The best thing you can do is try to bring your inexperienced men up to speed with your veterans. I’d want shifts set up for maximum efficiency; transferring as needed.