Posted on Oct 1, 2016
Should Commanders report their soldiers if they have an alcohol addiction issue?
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Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 25
Should we report Soldiers that have PTSD and attend ABH? Addiction is a subjective term. It's open to interpretation. If we reported every Soldier that had an 'alcohol addiction' there would be very few in our ranks to meet the mission. So I have to say no.
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CPT Dennis Stevenson
Good point. That's way out of my ken. Such questions best addressed to a psychiatric specialist.
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Agree with the others on refer/refer... Commanders cannot determine if someone has an "addiction"--they are not trained for that. However, incidents relating to alcohol can, and should be referred to a counselor. Depending on the circumstances, though--there is some wiggle room. I've had Marines get totally drunk and get in a fight. I did not consider that a referral event unless it would happen multiple times.
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I believe that is what Command referral to ASAP is for, to identify and help Soldiers before the addiction becomes a problem for the unit and mission. You can say they have a moral and duty responsibility to do so.
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The commander should ensure the Soldier is counseled and referred for treatment.
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Commander is responsible for the health and welfare of their Soldiers. They should take every step necessary to ensure their health.
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Yes, If they cared, they would and it would show that the Commander knows his soldiers.
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Absolutely they should in order for the individual to get help. Alcoholism is a disease, and most people are unable to deal with it on their own. If in a position to help an alcoholic get help, and you don't, you're doing a disservice to that individual and failing your individual responsibility. I've lived around a alcoholic family member and witnessed what it does. It's not pretty!!
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