Maybe there's a method to the German's madness...

"US forces have been very frustrated by the caution of German rules of engagement - German troops operating alongside US forces have refused to open fire on occasion for fear of causing civilian casualties."

Yeah drunk fighting, always a good idea!!

I'm not sure I could make it on two pints a day.

As a German-American, beer loving, generally pro-war guy, I really don't know what kind of opinion to have here.

If you arent fit, whether it would be from beer or gorging yourself on food, you are not fit to serve. Do they not have standards like that in the German army?

Yeah stephley, I dont think there is a method-

"A trial is currently underway in the German courts following an incident in which German soldiers opened fire on a car that approached a checkpoint believing it contained a suicide bomb - several civilians died in the incident "

Well duh!

Agreed, Steph.

But I've been drinking for about 3 hours now, so maybe I shouldn't post.

Or maybe the germans are just fat and cant shoot.

Thats crazy. At least Americans try to respect the no alcohol thing, if we can't have it, no one should be able to have it.

Honestly if they are out of shape then I'd rather they just not be there at all, its pretty embarassing to their country and they probably just get in our way if they can't move out of the way fast enough.

BTW, a long time ago Bush visited an Army base in Iraq and I remember him looking out on the crowd and saying "How y'all doing?" (big cheer) then "Looks like you've got enough to eat!"

Ouch.

i'm too fat to care if these soldiers are too fat. how's that.

hahahahahahahhaha
that must hurt !

I believe they have the right to drink but they should be responsible and know their limits.

Hi, this is my 2 pence:

1. I am a active German Army Officer for 20 years now. I´ve served several times on
the Balkans and in Afghanistan together with US, British and other NATO Forces.
One of my best friends is a active (US) Army Officer who has serverd within the
IRAK as (lucky we where) we both served in AFG the same time….

2. Yes, german soldiers are allowed to have a max. of 2 cans of beer per day. But
only when they are off shift and only inside the camp. They still face disciplinary
action whenever they are just near to be drunk (which could happen quite easy in
such climate – dehydration), even if they just had their 2 cans. So
“Cupcakechatter” is right with what he says. Be responsible and know ur limits.

3. I´ve met a lot of British AND US soldiers and officers who, at night/ late evenings
came (sneaking) to the GE Canteen asking for a beer or the less fearless were
asking their GE comrades to bring them a beer….In both cases GE regulations
would´nt allow GE soldiers to do so – but they gave a sh*t….we are all human –
are´nt we?

4. GE troops not fighting in the east or south of afghanistan is not because
the soldiers resist to do so or that they are not able to fight (what a laugh) – it´s GE
politicians who are feared to death about bad public relations within Germany
(After 50 years of educating Germany to be a peacefull nation – I tell you it worked
out quite nice!). GE Gov officials still name the Afghanistan operations “human
aid” not “War”!!

5. I enjoyed US Army meals (within Army dining facilities as well as US MRE´s)
Be told that GE Forces regulations concerning the max/ min calories as well as the
“health factor” trough fruits, veggies and their freshness are a lot more strict then
the US are. If I still get this right: A US Army (Forces?) Breakfast contains the
whole daily amount of fat and calories given by GE Army regulations (But it still
taste fantastic, lol).

6. The average GE soldier is as healthy and physical fit as the US or British soldier.
But there is a differnce within the goal: While US Armys (except Special Forces)
do a lot more for physical strenght (Bodybuilding), GE Armys aim is more on
condition (long runs and marches). I know US Rangers do the same…..

Well, sry to be such a pain in the ***, but I´ve got the feeling this had to be said……