Beer for the Superbowl for US Troops in Iraq
 

I'mthinking General Odierno is one popular guy with his troops right about now...


BAGHDAD - American troops in Iraq will be allowed to drink beer without fear of court-martial for this year's Super Bowl — an exception to a strict military ban on drinking alcohol in combat zones.

In what is sure to be a major morale boost, the top U.S. commander in Iraq Gen. Raymond Odierno issued a waiver Wednesday paving the way for troops to participate in the popular American football tradition.

Super Bowl XLIII will kick off on Feb. 1 in Tampa, Florida, but it will be 2 a.m. in Baghdad when the live broadcast starts in Iraq. Troops will gather in dining halls on military bases nationwide to watch the game.

A copy of the waiver said the consumption of alcoholic beverages will be limited to Feb. 1-2 and service members can only have two, 12-ounce beers each.

Odierno also appeared to acknowledge the sensitivity of drinking alcohol in an Islamic country, particularly considering the game falls during a holy period for Iraq's majority Shiite Muslims.

The waiver orders commanders to "keep in mind all host nation laws and customs regarding alcohol consumption" and "to exercise discretion and good judgment in enforcing these guidelines and restrictions."

Rare exception
U.S. troops have been banned from drinking, possessing or selling alcoholic beverages under a general order that also bans them from possessing pornography and other activities. They can face a reduction in pay or rank or even a court-martial if they violate the rule.

The Washington Post reported that several service members said the only other time the ban was lifted was in 2005, for troops operating under the Baghdad command.

Drinking alcohol isn't illegal in Iraq but is banned under Islam, and extremists have frequently targeted liquor stores.

www.msnbc.com

I'm sorry but asking those guys to go risk their lives for their country while withholding booze and porn is fucking criminal.

I'm tired of politically correct war. This is definately one area where freedom of the press has done more harm than good.

two beers, those boys deserve 12 tall boys atleast, and a swig of jack :)

That's cool. I bet they will be the two best tasting beers our troops have had in a long long time. :thumb:

Agreed

They lifted the ban once during the 1st Gulf War but I can't remember why. I was also in Grafenwoehr, Germany when a ban was lifted and a two beer max issued. I ended up spending a week in the hospital with about 100 other soldiers after the 10th mountain division and 2nd armored division started fighting in one of the beer tents.

Just one of the many reasons commanders do not allow liquor in combat zones.

Beer me!

My two: 1) Goose Island IPA and 2) Rogue Dead Guy Ale

GEN O going old school with the two-beer limit. :thumb:

As someone has already pointed out - there is sound reasoning behind the ban. Imagine the passion of the Super Bowl, add ample guns and ammunition, then mix in alcohol - not the best combination to have going.

I like the move, though.

God Bless Them! :thumb:

good

Just 2 beers?

WTF?

I wonder how long it will be before those pussies in DC will make them wear pink uniforms in a combat zone...

Bunch of freaking wankers...

while i agree 2 beers is a bit weak .... there has to be some limit.

dudes are putting thier lives on the line daily so those secetary screwing politicians can keep that cozy lake house.....

Just find it revolting...

Just for clarification, it is the Central Command Commander's policy, not a Department of Defense policy.

And having been subject to it, I didn't find it objectionable.

Many Vietnam vets have told me that booze and drugs were the only way they made it through their tours.... how can you expect to ship someone off to hell and tell them they can't have a beer along the way?