Marines to undergo random tests for alcohol consumption

[ellisonz]

December 20, 2012 | 10:03 am
-- Tony Perry in San Diego

Starting next month, Marines at Camp Pendleton and other bases will be subject to random Breathalyzer tests twice a year under what is billed as the toughest anti-drinking policy in the U.S. military.

An order issued last week by Lt. Gen. R.E. Milstead Jr., deputy commandant for manpower and reserve affairs, calls for any Marine or sailor who tests positive at .01% or higher to be referred for counseling. Any Marine or sailor who tests .04% or higher will be referred to medical personnel to determine their fitness for duty.

Milstead's order notes that while the new order "is primarily for deterrence and education," nothing precludes commanders from handing out punishment. Each unit will have a staff non-commissioned officer to act as the alcohol screening program coordinator.

More: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/12/marines-random-alcohol-tests.html

[Liberal_in_LA]

1. so no drinking on their time off?

[Recursion]

6. No drinking to .04% BAC

So, drinking a few drinks slowly should be fine.

[Historic NY]

2. That ought to be interesting...

near me we have had lots of fatalities involving them on or near the post. (mostly civilian base) where a wing is detached.

[Fumesucker]

3. Young aggressive risk takers and alchol are not particularly compatible

Although they have a considerable affinity for each other.

[Historic NY]

8. more a lack of older supervision too...

my buddy was the CSM he hated the weekly calls , even with a club by the barracks they still got stupid.

[Recursion]

4. I remember back in '04 Pendleton said we couldn't have alcohol in our barracks rooms

There's a saying that in your first tour in the Corps you either find Jesus, lift weights, or become an alcoholic. Not sure if this is too draconian, but it's good that somebody's doing something about it.

[DollarBillHines]

7. Now THERE is one hell of a recruiting tool. nt