From the inception of the United States Army, one of the problems that has plagued countless commanders is the abuse of 'Bug Juice,' army slang for alcohol. This problem can be traced all the way back to 1776 when the newly formed Continental Army granted its soldiers a daily ration of 1 gill (approximately 2 ounces) of whiskey, rum, or brandy. Obviously the Government felt the medicinal qualities of alcohol far outweighed the detrimental qualities inherent to drink. By 1818, at least a few people recognized there was a problem. Surgeon General Joseph Lovell recommended that 'this troublesome poison caused dysentery and should be banned.' This was not done and in fact the next year in addition to there regular ration of liquor, each soldier that performed extra duty work was granted extra money and a gill of whiskey per day.
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