Will a military based on complete abstinence (no drugs, alcohol, smoking, etc...) be effective in the long run?

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 17:20:27 -0400

I've seen comments about individuals escorting military personnel straight to the MP's for breathalyzer tests, etc. So...where does it leave us when some of our greatest General officers (Sherman comes to mind - but there ARE others) were essentially drunks! To say nothing of the fact that there were and continue to be things like opium dens/crack houses that cater to those who indulge. The question is: will a military based on complete abstinence (teetotaling - no drugs, alcohol, smoking, dipping, snuff, or anything that will interfere with our "pure essence" be effective in the long run?

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2014 6:02 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 18:02:20 -0400

Petty Officer as a junior guy I beleive so. I Understand everything in moderation but the guys need a release. These things are legal to do. Yet everytime they are consumed smoked whatever we feel like at any moment we will be in front of the man getting are shit pushed in. No offense to those with feelings but I'm pretty sure the song of our people involves Drinking to the Foam!

Response by SR Christopher Donovan made Apr 29 at 2014 8:15 PM

SR Christopher Donovan — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 20:15:08 -0400

hell you take away the stuff that calms our nerves after a hard day then you are going to see a lot more guys going crazy

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2014 7:23 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 19:23:34 -0400

My take is, yes. Though it might be a bit 'easier' for me since I don't drink or smoke by choice, for others it might be a challenge somewhat, at least initially. Think about it: 2-3 months in boot camp of your choice branch, not a drink or smoke, and virtually everyone comes-out just fine! Many revert to the old habits, mostly by choice or a weak will.

Military has created programs and right spirit campaigns to encourage total abstinence of drinking and smoking. The best ways so far that I'm convinced of, are the leaders and the role models, particularly LPO/LCPOs and NCOs. They have HUGE influence being that juniors see them more often than others, and if we can reach out to those ranks for the right spirit promotion, we'll have a great success going overall minimal consumption.

Also teaching some history wouldn't hurt either: Prohibition era which banned alcohol from 1920 to 1933. Most casual drinkers who did not break the law did just fine! If we can remind young service members who are the most prone of getting DUI of our country's history on alcohol, it might do some justice as well.

Response by PO2 Leonard Anderson made Jun 24 at 2015 3:34 PM

PO2 Leonard Anderson — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 15:34:25 -0400

While serving in the Persian gulf on board dd977 I always enjoyed having to be lowered in the captains gig to get my 2 beers.drinking responsible is a navy tradition it will always be.yes some sailors get drunk, it happens its part of growing up in the navy.military life has a lot of pressure.long deployments away from family strict rules, low pay etc.back in 1980 navy wasn't as strict about partying as long as you did a great job for them.