The top U.S. military commander in Iraq has expanded an order that originally would have allowed only Baghdad-based U.S. troops to enjoy a couple of beers while watching the Super Bowl.

Gen. Ray Odierno, commander of Multi-National Force–Iraq, issued an expanded waiver to the policy last week, according to military officials.

The change allows all units in Iraq to serve two beers per servicemember during the big game.

Originally, Multi-National Division–Baghdad had received permission to allow its servicemembers two beers each while watching the National Football League’s championship game, which takes place Sunday, Feb. 1 in Tampa, Fla.

Odierno’s order is the first time all servicemembers in Iraq are allowed to break General Order No. 1, which prohibits the possession and consumption of alcohol, among other things.

Odierno, a football fan and New Jersey native, played tight end when he attended West Point, according to his biography. His memo reminded commanders to "exercise discretion and good judgment in enforcing these guidelines and restrictions."

Previously, units other than MND-Baghdad had declined to follow suit by approving the two beers.

General Order No. 1 has banned U.S. forces from drinking alcohol in Iraq since troops deployed to the Middle East.

There has been at least one previous instance in which units could drink in Iraq, military officials said, but it is not known exactly how many times this has been done in the past.

The beer must be consumed in the dining facility where soldiers can watch the game.

While some soldiers have cheered the decision, others — particularly those in combat units — worried about how the beer would affect readiness.

The policy is fine for support units on the large bases, but combat arms units can get called out anytime, soldiers have said.

Others say they are looking forward to the feeling of normalcy that would come from having a beer while watching the NFL title game.

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