[cplmpes30]

Probably something to do with habits and generalised drinking culture.

I remember having US personnel stare at us when we took them to the local for a beer in camo and with our rifles stacked in the corner.

They told us that the policy for your forces was very strict and no way could you come from the field directly to a bar.

That's probably the strange aspect of the citizen army we are, something in line with the British Territorial Army of WW2 memory.

An Italian also told me once he had an american Master Sergeant come to the italian base now and then to swig a beer in Somalia.
US policy being total ban on alcohol in operative areas he was suffering withdrawal symptoms.

Cheers, Slainte