After a long week in the field sometimes our plt Sgts would buy a case of beer for the platoon. Do you believe that is unprofessional?

2016-02-22T13:19:39-05:00

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Feb 22 at 2016 1:22 PM

2016-02-22T13:22:32-05:00

In a word NO!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 1:25 PM

2016-02-22T13:25:30-05:00

If it increases moral, and no one is breaking the law, then what's the problem?

Response by CPL Brendan Hayes made Feb 22 at 2016 1:31 PM

2016-02-22T13:31:17-05:00

I used to do that for guys in my section after a long field problem. It was greatly appreciated and needed.

Response by SSG James Valentine made Feb 22 at 2016 1:32 PM

2016-02-22T13:32:10-05:00

Nope

Response by Sgt Tammy Wallace made Feb 22 at 2016 1:33 PM

2016-02-22T13:33:40-05:00

nope

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 22 at 2016 1:36 PM

2016-02-22T13:36:06-05:00

It's a way for Leadership to show appreciation to subordinates on a personal level. Enhancing & maintaining the morale of the unit is part of leadership's duties, therefore this would fall under a professional act.

As long as the PSG doesn't exclude anyone (non-drinkers) by only picking up beer (by providing a case of soda, etc, as well), then it's within lanes.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Feb 22 at 2016 1:37 PM

2016-02-22T13:37:15-05:00

It is if there are kids under 21 in the platoon....that being said, buying the platoon a case of sodas and pizza works along the same lines, and raises less eyebrows.....and gets around the legal drinking age thing.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 1:45 PM

2016-02-22T13:45:40-05:00

Way back when we were spending New Years Eve in the barracks. Each of us had a bottle ( I know we were not supposed to have booze in the barracks) As I was lifting my to take a drink it was taken out of my hand. The CO (a LTC) took a swig, returned it and said Happy New Year. Stay within a reasonable limit.

Unprofessional? Made me want to follow him more than ever.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 1:46 PM

2016-02-22T13:46:28-05:00

Nope, us Joes love it!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 2:01 PM

2016-02-22T14:01:05-05:00

telling my age here. back in the day, a good PSG would bring a case of beer to the field for the platoon.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 2:30 PM

2016-02-22T14:30:24-05:00

Isn't that the standard?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 2:33 PM

2016-02-22T14:33:35-05:00

There's nothing wrong with this. As long as simple rules are followed, mainly just to cover his own ass. Make sure there are DD's, if in the states no one under 21 drinking, etc. The real issue's just come about when people don't use sound judgement.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 2:40 PM

2016-02-22T14:40:02-05:00

My commander and I use to buy beer, soda and pizza for the company after Bradley Gunnery. We would leave the range and line up the vehicles at the wash rack, the CO and I would roll out and grab the goods and return. We would sit up all night drinking beer and telling war stories, the Soldiers loved it and it was great to wind down after everyone stressed out all week worrying about qualifying the crews. We would wake up the next day, wash the Brads and go home.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Feb 22 at 2016 2:49 PM

2016-02-22T14:49:56-05:00

I think that's fine as long as people do it responsibly

Response by SGT Robert Cupp made Feb 22 at 2016 2:58 PM

2016-02-22T14:58:35-05:00

Sadly at least in my state they no longer allow drinking in government buildings. Our alcohol consumption was typically in whatever billets they put us up in on our last night there, which seemed ideal since it was a controlled environment. Now our guys have to resort to buying their own at the px and then drinking it in the barracks parking lot.

Response by MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht made Feb 22 at 2016 3:17 PM

2016-02-22T15:17:43-05:00

Vietnam. The whole crew went to a place on base where the whole crew could drink. later we met at a bathhouse. The LTC showed up in a white long sleeve shirt, shorts. and flipflops. The MP's came by and said he was little out of uniform. I had talked to the MP's before and told them these were combat troops and all they cared about was the mission. No harm done.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 22 at 2016 3:33 PM

2016-02-22T15:33:57-05:00

I don't like the liability associated with it.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Feb 22 at 2016 3:40 PM

2016-02-22T15:40:12-05:00

Personally I see nothing wrong with it UNTIL Carl shows up. Once he shows his face, it's a wrap and someone is looking at a 4856 with an Art15 recommendation on it. I know we should treat everyone as adults (being they ARE adults), but this is one of those cases where, you know your Joes, you know what they're capable of doing....sober. Do I want to "tempt" fate? And the underage drinking thing....that's gonna happen. It always does...thanks Carl. While I see nothing at all wrong with it, I see once the tap is opened, there's no turning back, and shit will happen.

Response by SPC James Dollins made Feb 22 at 2016 4:00 PM

2016-02-22T16:00:07-05:00

I don't see a thing wrong w/ it. Our Top & CO would meet us @ the CO 'bar' on Friday nights in Korea, & we would all just chill & relax after a good long week in Korea. There was ALOT less stress in our company back then.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 4:01 PM

2016-02-22T16:01:12-05:00

Do you find it to be unprofessional? If so, why?

Response by SGT William Howell made Feb 22 at 2016 4:14 PM

2016-02-22T16:14:36-05:00

I am of the opinion if you can tell a 18 year old soldier to do something that may ultimately lead to his death, you damn well can buy that young man a beer and drink with him!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 5:59 PM

2016-02-22T17:59:30-05:00

THe last 3 AT's for my unit once we got back in from the field, equipment was clean, accounted for and turned in I would send one or 2 of my Squad Leaders to the PX with a $100.00. Told them no change, beer, sodas, and Gatorade for the Platoon. Rules were. A. No leaving barracks area. B. No underage drinking. C. Have fun! I'd take off for a couple of hrs to go do Sr NCO "business" ie: go throw some back with other PSG's, PL's, 1SG, and CDR. I'd check back in later and the hiliarity that was going on was priceless. I'd toss back a few with the Platoon, and we'd make fun of who ever was "that guy". Never had any issues that couldn't be taken care of from my level.

So no. I don't see any issues at all for doing that.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 6:13 PM

2016-02-22T18:13:01-05:00

I think it's a great idea. Done responsibly, it builds esprit de Corp

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 22 at 2016 7:26 PM

2016-02-22T19:26:28-05:00

Hell, the Wardroom would take up a collection and we'd load a deuce and a half up of party for the crew. It was mostly due to there was no where to go, behind the wire was IED friendly, and the senior NCOs were very happy to ramrod the event. Like everything else, there's a time and place but more importantly circumstance where having everyone let down their hair will equate to a safer unit next week. My "guidance" as skipper was senior officers footed half the bill, JOs the rest and the Bees knew the senior patrons were for real. And I made it a point to stand my watch mess cooking on the BBQ.

Response by Sgt Lew Dunham made Feb 22 at 2016 7:46 PM

2016-02-22T19:46:21-05:00

Absolutely professional .... here's an old video I took of our party after a mission ... Four days after the Mayaguez incident was Ho Chi Minh's birthday. May 19, 1975. Both the 40th ARRS and 21st SOS had returned to NKP from the mission days earlier and were now restricted to base (along with everyone else) because intelligence feared violence on Uncle Ho's birthday. To celebrate the occasion, an all day party was held by the enlisted crews. Here are a few minutes of the festivities captured with my 8mm camera. I edited out the nudity, but not the profanity ... I think everybody had a good time ....

Caution: NOT politically correct!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G45B7uOFbIs

40th ARRS and 21st SOS celebrate Ho Chi Minh's Birthday May 19, 1975 NKP (No Audio)

Four days after the Mayaguez incident was Ho Chi Minh's birthday. May 19, 1975. Both the 40th ARRS and 21st SOS had returned to NKP from the mission days ear...

Response by SSG Eddie “JD” Brown made Feb 22 at 2016 7:58 PM

2016-02-22T19:58:53-05:00

No as long as the realization both ways is what happens off the clock and out of uniform is seperste than what happens in uniform! Ive hi fived drank and talked smack with many superior officers enlisted and not. However when the uniform goes back on we never speak of those times and its dress right dress!!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 8:03 PM

2016-02-22T20:03:33-05:00

Until our tag implemented a zero tolerance policy, we would have hard training for two weeks and we'd get everything reset so the day before wed hop on the bus to go home, our command would throw us a cookout. Anyone 21 or over was allowed two beers. It was an amazing close after two weeks of no showering and 18 hour training days in the heat.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Feb 22 at 2016 8:05 PM

2016-02-22T20:05:49-05:00

Maybe you meant to say they bought a 'keg' for the platoon? This practice may have fallen out of favor in the New services, but at one time was not frowned upon so long as you remembered to invite the CO, XO, staff, and things did not get 'out of hand'. With the increased emphasis on responsible alcohol consumption, drinking & driving, and press coverage of drinking abuses by SMs as discussed on RP, there may be more emphasis on alcohol free parties now than before. Be interested to hear how it really is in this day and age.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 8:35 PM

2016-02-22T20:35:28-05:00

Some of the best bonding I ever did was over a beer after hard training. As long as they make sure people don't get out of control I don't see a problem with it.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 9:45 PM

2016-02-22T21:45:39-05:00

We had a few pilots in our squadron fly us in some beer while doing a field exercise, so no.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Feb 22 at 2016 10:22 PM

2016-02-22T22:22:36-05:00

Unprofessional? In my day it would have been unbelievable this new Army is something else,just kidding I'm an old fart and Ijust could not let this go by

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 10:38 PM

2016-02-22T22:38:58-05:00

Yes this is highly unprofessional. You should know SGT

Response by SGT Vince Albert Dickson made Feb 22 at 2016 10:55 PM

2016-02-22T22:55:47-05:00

Nope!! Because We are all Enlisted!! Now!? If an Officer Did the Buying it would be!! But I love MAJ Papanicolaou's answer better! That's why He makes the Big Bucks! Lol

Response by SSG Nick Tramontano made Feb 22 at 2016 11:13 PM

2016-02-22T23:13:49-05:00

If they were having MWR time it's cool but you'll need more than a case !! In Basic Training(1978) at Ft.Jackson, we had a young LT. for a CO . On M-16 qualification day he came to the range with a trash can with ice and beer. All that qualified Expert got a beer. We held an informal ceremony: Prepare to open--OPEN, Prepare to drink--Drink !!

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Feb 22 at 2016 11:47 PM

2016-02-22T23:47:55-05:00

Yes ..we spend several weeks in the field and often our Plt Sgts would conduct rifle inspection after we returned to our barracks. They never brought us anything but did try to keep us ready for being deployed when called upon

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 6:31 AM

2016-02-23T06:31:33-05:00

Not at all, in fact I'd rather see the 1SG/CO buy a keg for the whole company. Keep it controlled, of course and don't use Army money. A week of hard work deserves a beer.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 6:48 AM

2016-02-23T06:48:00-05:00

This is why the military is the way it is today. .. people whining and complaining about dumb stuff like this.

Response by SFC Roman Lopez made Feb 23 at 2016 8:33 AM

2016-02-23T08:33:56-05:00

If they not driving home!

Response by Sgt John Steinmeier made Feb 23 at 2016 9:25 AM

2016-02-23T09:25:20-05:00

Not at all. Back in the day at the end of base and/or NATO level exercises we would remount for "choir practice."

Response by SGT Kristopher Lather made Feb 23 at 2016 9:39 AM

2016-02-23T09:39:10-05:00

No, it's it's a reward for a job well done, the only way I could see this being an issue is if someone is underage. Free beer, quit crying about it.

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Feb 23 at 2016 9:47 AM

2016-02-23T09:47:20-05:00

That was common years ago. Everyone was allowed to drink. They should start doing it more

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 10:12 AM

2016-02-23T10:12:09-05:00

Extremely. Now if he had a platoon bbq where ppl could bring their own beer that'd be another story.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 10:13 AM

2016-02-23T10:13:50-05:00

I have been in also when that was not an s issue, now the climate is different, it is frowned upon I do agree with SGT Brown, MSG Early MAJ Burch, 1SG Rudolph, CPT Brown, SGM Oldsen, back in the day(80's 90's) this was ok m but as with all things times have changed. I think there must be a balance, I was trying to find the response when there was a mention of a CAV unit, its really the trust and maturity of the leadership to set the boundary, if there is a concern that there may be any backlash, then a straight NO, if there is trust that folks can have a beer to just say well done as like any person that may have done a chore, having a beer should not be an issue, I would love to say I have shared many a drink with allied troops( and I have shared quite a bit serving as a NAVY HM and now Army Soldier, and they had many an issue, but I would be lying . The lack responsible drinking taught and role model projected is part of the vicious cycle that causes broadsword policies instead of scalpel actions that makes this topic so touchy . So for now yes I would have to agree with the standard as a NCO, at this time , no booze in the field. Unless the Command say otherwise then its up to the individual to exercise the blending of their personal and military values. Case in point. on my last activation , I was very mindful not to engage publicly any excess alcohol drinking ( and mean literally one drink around the bbq pit in the barracks) to Soliders in my unit. I did however take out my brand new NCO ( who was a family man and aged 32) and 2 other new NCO's that belonged to a fellow SSG friend who was saving up for a home so I wanted to take care of his 2 super trooper( one was 31 the other was 40, we are all Reservists) and they ran a good tab on my treat, we got a cab back to Barracks and no incident, we got my car the next day and got the drivers pickup and no problem so its a question as always , maturity , responsibility and integrity. final note, we had our unit dining out at end of mission and I had maybe 4 drinks (2 beers, one scotch and a glass of wine with dinner over a 7 hour period(1700-2400) my last drink was at close to 2200.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 10:17 AM

2016-02-23T10:17:17-05:00

I think it's a great way to bring your boys together to celebrate the field problem being over. Plus, it's a chance to get to know each other. A lot of new guys are hesitant to talk to higher ranking NCOs. There is one catch point. The soldiers need to know, this doesn't mean we're buddies. I'll still scuff you up, if I need to.

Response by CPT Jim Schwebach made Feb 23 at 2016 10:25 AM

2016-02-23T10:25:17-05:00

It's only unprofessional if the PSG fails to provide milk, soda pop or sweet tea for the little boys and girls who are not old enough for the Devil's cup. This, of course, only after they have cleaned and secured the real live weapons and ammunition we trust them with. Or do the underaged only get nonlethal weapons these days?

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 10:54 AM

2016-02-23T10:54:55-05:00

I've seen this happen as well. What came out of it was a relaxed environment, where everyone for the most part didn't have to regard ranks. Lots of NCOs found out new information about their soldiers as well.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 1:05 PM

2016-02-23T13:05:44-05:00

I don't think so, I think as long as there is a DD (designated driver) then I don't think it's a bad idea. We did this while at Carson and Polk, Korea, well that one is a different story. Hardship tours= (usually) increased drinking.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 1:23 PM

2016-02-23T13:23:48-05:00

As long as it's done responsibily no issue with it. Had a LtCol CO at my old unit, for a mess night he made all the Marines who lived out in town stay in the barracks, even SNCOs. After the mess night it was litterly a battalion party at the barracks, with the CO drinking and chilling with his Marines. This was after our 2013 Afghsn deployment. LtCol Hrudka, best CO I EVER HAD.

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made Feb 23 at 2016 2:04 PM

2016-02-23T14:04:25-05:00

I don't think is wrong sgt, but just buy an extra pack of soda just in case those soldier who's underage.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 3:16 PM

2016-02-23T15:16:58-05:00

Yes and no. 21yo and above who can appreciate the guester of what it means and can responsibility enjoy it then yes. But that excludes the soldiers who are under 21yo.

Maybe offer a cookout to better support everyone fairly.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 4:48 PM

2016-02-23T16:48:43-05:00

It all depends on the group!!! I think it's nice to be able to drink a beer and be able to relax and be normal with your team....

Response by SGT James Rosier made Feb 23 at 2016 6:30 PM

2016-02-23T18:30:17-05:00

Still happens sometimes. Keeps moral up

Response by SGT Joe Sabedra made Feb 23 at 2016 6:55 PM

2016-02-23T18:55:24-05:00

Not while in the field.

It is a nice gesture if you teach them an AAR while having a beer.

Response by PO3 Scot Fahey made Feb 23 at 2016 7:31 PM

2016-02-23T19:31:57-05:00

Team building, 2 beers with your plt is about bonding a team

Response by LTC Donell Kelly made Feb 23 at 2016 9:01 PM

2016-02-23T21:01:00-05:00

After moving upcountry in Panama, putting up our clinic tent & sleeping tent (after getting the ground flattened out by an engineer team member) our SGT brought back a case of beer from the nearest town, several miles away. It was hot, sweaty, hard work and that warm beer was the best tasting beer I've ever had! There was enough for 2 bottles for each of us and no one was stupid.

Response by SGT Leon Riege made Feb 23 at 2016 9:22 PM

2016-02-23T21:22:21-05:00

did you enjoy the beer ?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 11:14 PM

2016-02-23T23:14:19-05:00

The military always lectures how important morale is. Well that's an example of a good morale booster.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 11:44 PM

2016-02-23T23:44:44-05:00

It's only unprofessional if you don't bring enough or it's PBR.

Response by BG Mike Bridges made Feb 24 at 2016 12:09 AM

2016-02-24T00:09:56-05:00

No.

Response by PO2 Timothy Bonestroo made Feb 24 at 2016 10:18 AM

2016-02-24T10:18:11-05:00

A case. For a platoon. Well, if that platoon had only 2 members, then maybe.

Response by CPL Brendan Hayes made Feb 24 at 2016 11:43 AM

2016-02-24T11:43:14-05:00

One of the best memories I have from my time in the National Guard was the first day back from the field during AT. Coming from active I wasn't sure what to expect, but everyone cleaned up a bit and went to the bar on post. Later in the night, I'm finishing up my beer and before I can order another I hear, "I got it." Looking closer I realized it was the BN XO. After thanking him we chatted for a while and found out we were from the same area of Chicago. We chatted for a bit more before he finished his beer and left. Years later in a similar situation he bought a couple pitchers for my section. Turns out he was former enlisted and liked to take care of his troops.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2016 1:00 PM

2016-02-24T13:00:57-05:00

I think it can be a great morale booster if they also provide soft drinks for non-drinkers and place no pressure intended or implied to the non-drinking troops.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Feb 24 at 2016 2:00 PM

2016-02-24T14:00:32-05:00

Did it a million times...although it did occasionally raise eyebrows. in the long run you gain more by having the respect and loyalty of your troops than a few tight-asses that look down their noses at everything anyway.

Response by SSG Michael Primm made Feb 24 at 2016 4:28 PM

2016-02-24T16:28:23-05:00

Hell no.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Feb 25 at 2016 10:21 AM

2016-02-25T10:21:08-05:00

IMO, not at all, it is a morale building exercise showing the PLT that the PSG cares about what they have been through together and as long as no one under the legal drinking age partakes, and it doesn't go overboard, like turning into a raging kegger, nothing wrong with it at all.

Response by Lt Col Brett Meyer made Feb 25 at 2016 12:54 PM

2016-02-25T12:54:27-05:00

Only if the the platoon could not find it with the provided grid coordinates.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2016 2:53 PM

2016-02-25T14:53:17-05:00

I think everyone here is missing the question that was asked. Is it unprofessional? Absolutely.

However just like everyone else has said, if it increases morale... Go for it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2016 10:33 PM

2016-02-28T22:33:35-05:00

If your old enough to do a mans job and fight in a war side by side. Then you should be mature enough to have a beer together.

Response by PO3 David Fries made Feb 29 at 2016 6:37 AM

2016-02-29T06:37:11-05:00

Outside of trying to getting rid of the link between the military and alcohol, I certainly don't see anything wrong with it.

Response by SrA Paul Pfeil made Feb 29 at 2016 4:21 PM

2016-02-29T16:21:35-05:00

Just be cautious how much you relax in front of your leadership. We had mandatory picnics, and we're ordered to participate.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 29 at 2016 5:16 PM

2016-02-29T17:16:16-05:00

Remember when shooting the enemy in the face was the military's primary concern?

Response by PO3 David Davis made Feb 29 at 2016 9:03 PM

2016-02-29T21:03:12-05:00

Buy the beer two cases.

Response by SSG James Bigbie made Feb 29 at 2016 10:34 PM

2016-02-29T22:34:00-05:00

Of course not, as long as he's not drinking the most, LOL. Seriously, there's nothing wrong with that as long as no laws are broken and everyone does it in moderation.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 8:36 AM

2016-03-01T08:36:49-05:00

Very unprofessional. The new army now wants to be buddy with their soldiers instead of the their NCO. It is not ok to buy beers for soldiers at any time. If you do you shouldn't be wearing strips.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2016 2:43 PM

2016-03-01T14:43:45-05:00

I love my Soldiers but do not drink with them. I do not personally like the rule, but nobody under 21 will drink in my unit. We will abide by all local drinking laws and there are no exceptions.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jun 21 at 2022 12:18 PM

2022-06-21T12:18:47-04:00

That'll be up the UCMJ authority at the NJP or Courts Martial when a Soldier drives home and wrecks while intoxicated, some drink idiot tries to PLF off the third story with a sheet or goes home and commits domestic abuse under the influence.
Alcohol and Soldiers are a terrible mix. Have been since 1775.