Posted on Apr 29, 2014
Will a military based on complete abstinence (no drugs, alcohol, smoking, etc...) be effective in the long run?
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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?
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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.
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.
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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.
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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
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SR Christopher Donovan
they will always say the same shit to bring us down doesn't matter when, where, or who you serve yet it is us busting our butts to keep them safe but when we need a down time or something to relax with we are bad for doing said things
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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!
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SN Castellano
I think I get where you're headed with your point (at least I hope I do)..... However, you're talking to a man who came into the Nav right after the U.S. pulled out of Viet Nam. Drug use was rampant. Guys were shooting up on the fantail within eyesight of the XO. Drug gangs / alcohol brewing / crap games (to name just a few) in every cubby hole imaginable. Smoking permitted in a man's bunk, with provided ash trays! I remember going to the forward pump room to get some hooch from the local "provider" and getting so drunk I don't remember going to chow that evening or breakfast the next morning - though they say I did just fine. Times change - attitudes change. It started about 1977 / 78 when officers and chiefs were randomly ordered to participate in "operation golden flow"....and now of course we have the same gentle movements on alcohol and cigarette/tobacco. I know all the arguments say it's for the best.....but I'm not so sure....
I think I get where you're headed with your point (at least I hope I do)..... However, you're talking to a man who came into the Nav right after the U.S. pulled out of Viet Nam. Drug use was rampant. Guys were shooting up on the fantail within eyesight of the XO. Drug gangs / alcohol brewing / crap games (to name just a few) in every cubby hole imaginable. Smoking permitted in a man's bunk, with provided ash trays! I remember going to the forward pump room to get some hooch from the local "provider" and getting so drunk I don't remember going to chow that evening or breakfast the next morning - though they say I did just fine. Times change - attitudes change. It started about 1977 / 78 when officers and chiefs were randomly ordered to participate in "operation golden flow"....and now of course we have the same gentle movements on alcohol and cigarette/tobacco. I know all the arguments say it's for the best.....but I'm not so sure....
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PO3 (Join to see)
PO1 Medley,
I get what you are saying; that there was a major problem with drugs and alcohol. I get the idea that some sailors will do anything as long as they can, or believe that they can get away with it. I believe that is a problem anywhere and at every moment in history and currently. "Operation Golddn Flow" should only be a problem for those drinking at work and dooing drugs that are deemed illegal. So if a sailor wants to go do drugs or drink before work thats there own issue and will be dealt with accordingly i.e. seperation, brig, counseling. However to remove and illegalize common legal things such as tabacco and alcohol it would be detrimental to moral. Currently it is treated as though alcohol is the issue whether used responsibly or not. If either drug were to be persecuted it should be Tobacco; due to the fact that it holds no possible health benefits and is only detrimental to health and highly addictive. I get while working and on deployment any sort of mind altering substance is a risk to those under the influence and those around them; however in off time this shouldn't apply yet it is treated as such and those doing the punishing are the hypocritical ones who were doing the same things if not worse when they were in the place of the sailors being awarded punishment.
I get what you are saying; that there was a major problem with drugs and alcohol. I get the idea that some sailors will do anything as long as they can, or believe that they can get away with it. I believe that is a problem anywhere and at every moment in history and currently. "Operation Golddn Flow" should only be a problem for those drinking at work and dooing drugs that are deemed illegal. So if a sailor wants to go do drugs or drink before work thats there own issue and will be dealt with accordingly i.e. seperation, brig, counseling. However to remove and illegalize common legal things such as tabacco and alcohol it would be detrimental to moral. Currently it is treated as though alcohol is the issue whether used responsibly or not. If either drug were to be persecuted it should be Tobacco; due to the fact that it holds no possible health benefits and is only detrimental to health and highly addictive. I get while working and on deployment any sort of mind altering substance is a risk to those under the influence and those around them; however in off time this shouldn't apply yet it is treated as such and those doing the punishing are the hypocritical ones who were doing the same things if not worse when they were in the place of the sailors being awarded punishment.
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