Wetting Down

This is an old Navy tradition and I don't think it is too health.  In today's military, the officers are preaching drinking in moderation.  But they have a tradition that when an officer gains rank, the officer is required to use that first raise to buy every officer drinks.  This goes up to the amount of the raise.

This tradition contradicts what the officers are preaching to the men.  A leader should always lead by example.  If the officers go out and get sloshed, what does that say about the men.  

What if the officer has a moral thing against the tradition, and does not drink?  That officer is still expected to participate in the tradition.

Yes, traditions are good to keep moral up in the military, but if you are trying to stop the "drunken sailor" but you drink yourself, isn't that hypocritical?