Substance Abuse in the Military
It is actually embarrassing that I feel the need to write this. However, substance abuse in the military like alcohol and drugs continue to be an issue for the military and civilian employers. This comes down to a simple word: values. The military has and always will he held to a higher standard. I have lost several soldiers over the years and have watched others’ careers end to alcohol and drug-related offenses. The military takes every precaution to prevent drug use, but for some, it seems like the best way to spend off-duty time is at a bar or flat out drunk. Those individuals then come to work smelling of booze and are around their leaders and others soldiers still half-drunk or hungover from the night before.
Problems of Substance Abuse in the Military
When I joined the Navy, I witnessed the old saying “drunk as a sailor” my first day at my permanent duty station. This behavior tarnishes our military and embarrasses us and others. I have been at MOB preparing to deploy into a combat zone and have witnessed others fail drug tests, sneak in alcohol into barracks, or even worse, sneak out off base, and of course, get caught. Ask yourself, “Is this the type of behavior I want in our military?” I know I don’t. The number of DUIs committed by our military is a constant issue that can affect any unit and its mission.
Alcohol
The drinking issue in the military goes back centuries. When soldiers back then returned from battle, they partied, and this is when the hateful saying of “pillage” came about, when military men destroyed towns, taking whatever they wanted because they were drunk. When you think about it, that is what some do today in bars around the world. Their fighting makes fools of themselves and our military while embarrassing us all. There is a lot more to do off duty in the military than party, get drunk, and spend your money on booze. This will give you nothing to show for your military career other than an alcohol problem and a dishonorable discharge. Is your career worth a DUI, a demotion, fines, or jail time? Which do you value more: a beer or being an NCO? If it’s being an NCO, then act like one. Hold yourself to a higher standard and quit buying booze for under-aged soldiers and quit partying or getting drunk with them. You have to be the one that is ready to help them and not to be drunk with them. I am not saying you should never have a beer or drink with them on your own time. However, be the responsible one. Don’t drink and drive and don’t come to duty drunk! Be the solution. Be a true leader, not a follower. It’s important to teach your soldiers and those around you that alcohol is still a drug even though it’s legal, and it can be a problem for everyone.
Drugs
Drugs are illegal and it does not matter what state you live in. Read the UCMJ if you’re in the military: the tolerance is ZERO! The biggest drug issue we have in the military, and this has been an issue for years, is marijuana. The use of this along with other drugs can get you demoted, fined, and may even end your career! Do you like being in the military? When you came in, you swore an oath to uphold the UCMJ. Then on day one or prior, you were tested and told that the military policy on drug use is zero tolerance. You’re the pride and honor of our country, so act like it. When you swore in, you became part of the world’s strongest military. Do not weaken it with illegal drug use!
The other drug issue is a problem worldwide: inappropriate prescription drug use, pain pills mainly. This also has no place in our military. Many people in the military do not have a choice but to take prescription drugs. You should use it the way it is prescribed and do not share! If you have authorized use of drugs, you will be tested and the results will show proper prescribed use if that is what you are doing.
How Do We Fix Substance Abuse in the Military?
The first thing we must do is change. We cannot take drug or alcohol offenses lightly. We must quit giving wrist slaps for these offenses. Instead, we should make everyone aware that if someone is found guilty, they will be disciplined accordingly. The next item is awareness. After boot camp, it would be helpful for young military members to attend a course on alcohol and drugs. Have violators come in as part of their punishment and tell the students what happened to them and what it cost them. Have leaders come in with first experiences of what it did to their commands, to morale, and to the ability to complete their mission. As leaders, you should monitor your soldiers’ whereabouts and how they spend their off-duty time. You won’t be a real leader until you truly invest in your soldiers.
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- Veterans without Care: What’s Wrong with the VA? - December 18, 2017
