Breathalyzers on the quarterdeck good or bad?

While I agree with PO1 (Join to see) that you have to be cautious how to use the results, in cases where (like the story) that person could be endangering others (in the XO's case, driving while under the influence, or the example of being on watch while under the influence), let the dogs loose and see what they discover.

In the story, if the XO exercised even a modest amount of good judgement and stayed on board as advised or even called a cab if he absolutely had to go somewhere, there wouldn't have been an issue. According to other stories, Sailors aboard the ship observed signs of intoxication in Ramirez and he was offered the chance to sleep on the ship but declined to do so. As a Navy spokesman said, “He chose instead to leave and drive his car, and that's what got him in trouble.”

I have absolutely zero sympathy for idiots like this. He was obviously intoxicated (assuming it is even somewhat accurate and assuming about a weight around 200, a .114 would indicate that he had more than a six-pack of beer, got into his car, and drove to the ship.

He's damn lucky he didn't kill anyone on the way there.

PO1 Adam White,

While not a sailor, I do not believe this is a good idea at all. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen need to be able to act and behave as adults. One of the choices we make as an adults is to drink or not to drink. While I agree that drinking to excess is not so good. Individual rights and liberties need to be protected, even for service members.

If driving, implied consent laws require you to provide a sample of your breath, blood, or urine depending on the state in which you are licensed for the purpose of analysis if it is suspected you are driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages or substance. Unless you are actually driving the ship or reporting for duty, I fail to see the point.

My view, solely my view. We need to get back to individual accountability combined with trust in our leaders and subordinates. If you screw up you are held accountable. If you are a leader you present the message.

SFC Joseph M. Finck USA (Ret)

Wow, what in the world. Why do people like fucking people over so much nowadays, this is horrible. Just another tool to get people in trouble, this is unbelievable. Whats next, inspections on residences outside of base?

This is disgusting, the fact that people think its a good idea is just typical. I don't know why I honestly thought the results would be different, I should already know better. Navy is full of people who like to screw over their shipmates and then preach one team one fight.