What regulations cover alcohol in uniform?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Oct 2022 17:58:40 -0400

What regulations cover alcohol in uniform? Always have heard you are only allowed to have one drink while in uniform.

Response by COL Randall C. made Oct 30 at 2022 6:18 PM

COL Randall C. — Sun, 30 Oct 2022 18:18:13 -0400

In the Army it is AR 215-1 and unit/installation policies - other Branches have their own regulations.

The "you can only have one drink while in uniform" sounds like a local policy restriction.

I've been on installations where the policy is "no consumption while in uniform - exceptions have to be submitted to the installation commander and approved ahead of time" and others where "local commanders (O-5 and above) may allow consumption at unit gatherings and other MWR events".

For instance, you're with III Corps at Ft. Hood. Fort Hood regulation 210-65* covers alcoholic beverages. It states you are prohibited from "Consuming alcoholic beverages during the Soldier’s duty hours, including mealtimes during that period." and from "purchasing alcoholic beverages by the drink while in uniform prior to 1630 on duty days (except on Friday beginning at 1500)."

However, "During the announced III Corps and Fort Hood holiday season (half-day
schedule), alcoholic beverages may be sold and served in all facilities commencing at
1200 to customers in civilian clothes and military uniform."

So, again, local policy will dictate.
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* FHR 210-65: https://home.army.mil/hood/index.php/download_file/view/15bdf6df-93a8-409c-a787-fbf7633b785b/676

676

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2022 6:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Oct 2022 18:38:49 -0400

That's all local policy. I've been on bases where you'll have people actively approach you if you order a beer in uniform, to units where we keep beers in the fridge to pass out on Friday to anyone working after 1500, to units that have an actual functioning bar serving in the working area during duty hours.

It varies by location and culture. In Florida phase of Ranger School, the Gator Lounge has been serving beer to Cadre and students since before I was born. The alcohol rules are written by the commander of your location, you just have to learn your local culture.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Oct 30 at 2022 10:38 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sun, 30 Oct 2022 22:38:15 -0400

It varies by Post. Ft Bragg/82nd and corps units allow 0alcohol when in deployment readiness status- 9 weeks out of every 27.

Response by SGT James LeFebvre made Nov 2 at 2022 11:57 AM

SGT James LeFebvre — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 11:57:06 -0400

As has been pointed out, it's basically a YMMV (your mileage may vary) situation. You need to look up local post and unit policy for that. Now, if policy allows, for the love of Pete, don't be drunk in uniform.

Personally, I was never comfortable having alcohol while in any uniform, but that's just me. And while I drove for Uber, I had a SSG who was already drunk headed to a post unit party. Really unprofessional look. His spouse tipped extra the next day for dealing with him.