Does seeking feedback from Sailors/Marines/Airmen/Soldiers help our alcohol abuse prevention programs?

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 12:51:59 -0400

http://www.navytimes.com/story/military/benefits/on-base/2015/08/17/survey-asks-sailors-and-marines-alcohol-use/31849401/

The Navy is continuing its feedback mechanism for improving programs to curb alcohol abuse through a new survey this year. Does this method have a benefit that is being realized?

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Aug 18 at 2015 12:53 PM

SCPO David Lockwood — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 12:53:12 -0400

All feedback recieved is good feedback and can help the program.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Aug 18 at 2015 1:08 PM

SN Greg Wright — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 13:08:19 -0400

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member I don't see how it can hurt. But there needs to be a point where the surveys stop and action on what they've learned begins. 3 years seems like a good place.

Response by PO3 Cris Smyth made Aug 18 at 2015 1:13 PM

PO3 Cris Smyth — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 13:13:47 -0400

As a 100% disabled Navy guy. I think sitting and talking to others who have been in the same or similar situation. It also helps if the class is led by a veteran. My experience with the VA, on issues like PTSD, and (VA called it) traumatic headache classes don't seem to be productive with a civilian leading out.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 18 at 2015 1:31 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 13:31:09 -0400

Why not. Maybe we can find out why some of our SM are abusing alcohol in the first place, get them better access to the right kind of treatment services and better understand how and why to promote alcohol less as part of "military tradition"

Response by SA Harold Hansmann made Aug 18 at 2015 1:36 PM

SA Harold Hansmann — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 13:36:21 -0400

NADSAP.
Been drunk less than 10 times in my 45 yrs, don't do drugs,(tried marijuana, allergic,) and still got placed in NADSAP to fill the billet.

Response by PO2 Mark Saffell made Aug 18 at 2015 1:40 PM

PO2 Mark Saffell — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 13:40:21 -0400

As long as you know a certain percentage is chaff

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Aug 18 at 2015 2:15 PM

PO2 Corey Ferretti — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 14:15:22 -0400

I think you can always improve things when you survey the target audience.

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made Aug 18 at 2015 6:58 PM

CDR Michael Goldschmidt — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 18:58:17 -0400

My opinion is that soliciting feedback is good in and of itself, therefore a strategic investment which will yield dividends we can't even anticipate.