The Army still has major issues with alcohol related incidents, what can we do as Leaders to stop it?

2015-06-04T16:53:58-04:00

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/special-ops-commander-reprimanded-for-repeated-public-intoxication/2015/06/03/73cba24c-0a09-11e5-95fd-d580f1c5d44e_story.html

Special Ops commander reprimanded for repeated public intoxication

The Army general was stripped of a star after an internal probe cited him for misconduct, documents show.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Jun 4 at 2015 5:10 PM

2015-06-04T17:10:01-04:00

Promote individual accountability and show a genuine interest in your people's health and well-being. Too many leaders take the high road and lose sight of the individual - that's a big mistake. Sometimes you make it all the way to the "top" without having had a good mentor along the way - it's rare - but it happens. I was one of those cases, however, I took what was done to me and learned from it and vowed never to let it happen to anyone I knew - ever!

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jun 5 at 2015 12:01 AM

2015-06-05T00:01:16-04:00

@CW3 Tiaqunia (TJ) Hayes, BAED, LSSGB, DSL
Take actions to prevent the occurrence, don't promote alcohol at military events or if you feel you must, mandatory stone sober drivers.
Encourage personnel to find out how to deal with drinking if they have problem.
As leaders we need to hold personnel accountable when they are DUI or PI.

It takes consistent behavior over time by all leaders to change the culture.

Response by LTC Wayne Brandon made Dec 30 at 2017 8:11 AM

2017-12-30T08:11:38-05:00

Regrettably, there is no way to control an individuals decision making but leaders can certainly have an influence on it through educating SM's to the many negative effects of alcohol consumption, whether physically, psychologically, emotionally, professionally, legally or financially; all of which can seriously impact their personal life in many ways.
My personal feeling is that it cannot be a 'one time' introduction only, never to be addressed again, briefing, but more of a continual reinforcement process through PSA's on Armed Forces radio and TV, "Silent" reinforcement such as signage in conspicuous places or something as significant as a mandatory bullet item on the EER, SEER or OER.
Alcohol abuse has damaged more military families and careers than we care to think about and the physical problems brought about by chronic alcoholism has cost the government untold billions over the years, in medical treatment for the affected SM, not to mention the loss of productivity of the individual and effectiveness of their influence in and over their unit depending upon their status.
The military has fostered a culture that is openly accepting of alcohol consumption over the years and while there have been recent attempts to change that culture they have been largely ineffective.
I say this because I routinely visit various Army installations in my travels and take note of such things which degrade individual and unit effectiveness; this factor remains a constant wherever I visit.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Dec 30 at 2017 12:53 PM

2017-12-30T12:53:45-05:00

It's a tough one. Force as much as possible individual responsibility, beat up their battle buddies for allowing it. Keep alcohol at functions to a minimum, designated drivers or bed them down in the billets, and restrict them there till next morning. Also our folks are self medicating with alcohol ( better for career than drugs) because of PTSD/TBI, which they don't want to admit to. Leadership has to be proactive not reactive, know your people, raise questions when behavior changes, CARE ABOUT THEM 24/7!

Response by SSgt Thomas Hirschey made Dec 30 at 2017 4:16 PM

2017-12-30T16:16:02-05:00

Continue to prosecute, if you let anyone off, it starts a trend