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Men and women in military service use, and abuse, alcohol more than their civilian counterparts. Is there something that can be done to decrease alcoholism within the military?
Military Industry
Alcohol
Infographic
Command Post
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 37
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When I was in the Navy, alcohol impacted me as part of Naval tradition as a Sailor. Sailors are known to be hard drinkers and party-goers, and mostly known for a bad reputation. We had a motto in our Division (V-2 Launch & Recovery): "Work hard, party hard." It was part of being on a carrier and part of being in "One of the worst Divisions in the Air Department."
People labeled us as "Grease Monkeys" because we worked ungodly hours and could never stay clean since maintenance always involved some type of heavy grease. We did what we did best on liberty - drink.
I never got arrested or anything but yes, alcoholism affects our military. It really just boils down to how your Chain of Command handles morale. I don't think that there is anything wrong with alcohol as long as you drink responsibly.
When the morale is good and high, tension and stress are minimized which equals less instances regarding alcohol-related events. When morale is low, alcohol can be a problem when not considering it responsibly.
People labeled us as "Grease Monkeys" because we worked ungodly hours and could never stay clean since maintenance always involved some type of heavy grease. We did what we did best on liberty - drink.
I never got arrested or anything but yes, alcoholism affects our military. It really just boils down to how your Chain of Command handles morale. I don't think that there is anything wrong with alcohol as long as you drink responsibly.
When the morale is good and high, tension and stress are minimized which equals less instances regarding alcohol-related events. When morale is low, alcohol can be a problem when not considering it responsibly.
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MSG(P) Michael Warrick
More often than not if creeps in and affects our military families and organizations in a great manner.
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LCpl Steve Wininger
We had a similar motto in my Marine Corps unit (3/3) Work hard, play harder.I adjusted quite well to the social culture of the Marines in the 80's. I do not recommend it to anyone. It took another ten years after I was discharged before I was able to give up the party life.
It destroyed one marriage and led to many hard times that could have been avoided had I been sober and cared.
One of the biggest side affects I have noticed about party animals is the I don't give a crap attitude.
It destroyed one marriage and led to many hard times that could have been avoided had I been sober and cared.
One of the biggest side affects I have noticed about party animals is the I don't give a crap attitude.
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See, this is why I don't drink! These statistics are scary. I don't understand the whole, 'gee, I had a stressed out day, I need a drink' mindset. I think we need more programs for service members, esp. the young ones. Programs that don't get axed because the risk assessment came back to high. Why not have a boxing club? We could start 3 gun competitions. Push more intramural sports programs. How about starting something that can be funded by the DoD and allow service members a healthy alternative to drinking and doing otherwise unhealthy things. We reduce the service members 'need' to drink, we can lower a lot of problems we are currently experiencing.
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SSG Keven Lahde
SPC(P) Jay Heenan Well said. I agree that we should look into a DoD sponsored program. But problem with is, trying to spark interest and not make it mandatory to participate.
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SFC (Join to see)
Programs are great, but at what cost? DOD is already strapped for cash; I am not ok with spending more of your hard earned check to cover more programs. If you are a married E-4 and I tax your income even more than it already is, then I am hurting your family, that is just not right. If you choose to buy a 6 pack a week or have a glass of wine a night that is your choice. I, your CoC, DOD, municipalities, or even the Fed Gov. should not be able to take that choice away from you...until you show that you are not able to handle the responsibility of it.
Obviously this is not directed "at" you since you do not drink, but I feel it is important to think that way as a leader. "Never put yourself in a position where you can take from these men." CPT Dick Winters
Obviously this is not directed "at" you since you do not drink, but I feel it is important to think that way as a leader. "Never put yourself in a position where you can take from these men." CPT Dick Winters
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34,400 arrests per year, with half of those for driving under the influence. OMG, I didn't realize the problem was this pervasive. This is another great infographic produced by the RallyPoint Team!
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SSgt (Join to see)
I've always joked and told my friends that anywhere from Friday night to Monday morning, an attack could happen and no one would see it coming.
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PO3 Camille Romero
This is one reason why I don't agree with the military employing "Humanist" chaplains (predominantly those who have atheistic mentality/beliefs). Alcoholism affects people physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. How can a body overcome such powerful addiction strictly with human guidance alone?
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MSG(P) Michael Warrick
More often than not if creeps in and affects our military families and organizations in a great manner.
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