Thursday, February 26, 2009

Soldiers drunk on duty abroad

Polish soldiers are consuming alcohol while on international missions despite a ban, says the latest report by the Poland’s Military Prosecutor’s Office.

2008 saw 58 Polish soldiers reported to be under the influence of alcohol while on duty. Eight of them, included in the report, were caught either on duty or while driving a vehicle.

Military officers admit that they happen to use alcohol from time to time despite this being strictly forbidden. However, they complain about being the only nation with such heavy restrictions put on them, saying that soldiers from other countries have special canteens where they can drink on their time off.

For using alcohol on duty soldiers may be forced to pay up to 20,000 zlotys in fines or a possible suspension.
Link