In a case that pits rules against reality, a senior Canadian soldier was found guilty yesterday of drunkenness for an indiscretion at a luncheon in Kosovo where his Russian hosts pressed him to drink their free-flowing vodka.
Soldiers testified yesterday that instead of the serious meeting they had expected, the Russians had prepared what they call a dog-and-pony show, with demonstrations of their weaponry and vehicles and a strange display of fire-throwing and soldiers biting the heads off frogs. The spectacle was followed by a vodka-fuelled meal.
Major Cliff Reeves, who was charged in November with drunkenness, testified yesterday that he saw no alternative but to break military policy by consuming the alcohol at the event in the summer because a refusal would have been extremely insulting and would have further inflamed relations between Canadian and Russian troops.
"I did not do so for pleasure, but as a means to an end," Major Reeves said.
Testimony at Major Reeves's summary trial in Edmonton marked the first time the circumstances of Aug. 20 -- which also saw the second-in-command of the Canadian contingent, Lieutenant-Colonel Steve Bryan, charged with the same offence -- have been made public.
It also highlighted problems that Canadian soldiers -- dubbed by some countries as the Gatorade brigade for strict rules limiting consumption to no more than two drinks a day -- routinely face on overseas missions in cultures that accept and even promote high levels of drinking on duty.
"When you go to a social function with the Russians, then naturally drinking's going to occur. It puts the Canadians in a somewhat awkward position," said retired General Lewis MacKenzie.
Colonel Bryan and Major Reeves had high hopes for their visit to the Russian compound. Although both countries were acting as peacekeepers in the troubled region for several weeks, no meaningful contact had been made.
Soldiers testified yesterday that they viewed the Russians, whom they had dubbed "the other hockey team," with wariness. Earlier in the summer, Russian troops had outraced forces of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to the Kosovo capital, Pristina, sparking a major embarrassment and tense relations for several weeks.
Major Reeves, as the senior liaison officer for Col. Bryan, who was the commander of the Edmonton-based First Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, finally arranged a meeting for Aug. 20 at the Russian compound.
After the Russians put on their show, Col. Bryan and Major Reeves entered a mess tent with about 15 Russian officers and 25 senior officers from other allied countries.
The tables were set with water, beer and Russian vodka. Given the 40-degree heat, the water fast disappeared amid a series of Russian-led toasts to fallen soldiers. At first, Major Reeves drank juice provided by a Dutch officer. The Russians objected.
"I received disapproving looks and gestures from the head table of Russian officers. They insisted that the toast to the dead be conducted with vodka," said Major Reeves, 33.
Noting that his boss, Col. Bryan, had begun drinking vodka, Major Reeves also allowed the Russians to fill his glass.
Major Reeves was given a reprimand and a $950 fine.
At a court martial in Hull Tuesday, Col. Bryan was found guilty and sentenced to a severe reprimand and fined $1,500. Yesterday was the first time details of the incident were made public.
Jill Mahoney