Do I allow my soldiers to drink alcohol in the combat zone of Iraq? While serving as the Senior Enlisted Adviser for the 1st MTR, I had to deal with this question more than any other. NCOs and Officers would come to me with this ethical dilemma. The scenario was almost always the same. Fine, outstanding, hard working groups of men just need a break. Insurgents frequently shoot at them. Further, they would state their worry about improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and similar dangers that are common threats inside Iraq. These Soldiers did not plan for a "beer bust", but their comrades just "show up" with a case of beer purchased on the black market. The comrades ask for permission to "drink a few". I can easily overcome this ethical dilemma. The answer is NO!! I prove my thesis by referring to General Order 1 and the Army Values that all enlisted soldiers wear with their dog tags.

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