Alcohol abuse ends careers, hurts unit cohesion

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

04.20.2012

Story by Cpl. Garry Welch 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

OKINAWA, Japan - A worsening personal appearance, financial problems and neglecting responsibilities at home, school or work, can all be signs that a Marine is abusing alcohol.

Alcohol abuse can happen at any level within the command, but it is the responsibility of noncommissioned officers to know their Marines and to take appropriate actions if one of their Marines has a problem.

“Combating the debilitating threat posed by alcohol abuse and alcohol dependency on both Marines and mission readiness requires a total commitment from all NCOs,” said Cpl. Ricky R. Shorter Jr., an administrative clerk with Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Marine Corps Installations Pacific. “We have to be aware of the characteristics of alcohol abuse and the symptoms of the disease of alcoholism.”
Alcohol abuse can happen anywhere. For instance, Marines may find themselves bored in the barracks and turn to alcohol as a way of entertaining themselves.

“Instead of allowing their Marines to just drink, NCOs should encourage their Marines to engage in other activities such as participating in the Single Marine Program trips,” said Sgt. Justin R. Burch, a section chief with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “Or the NCOs should put together group activities the unit could do together.”
Alcohol abuse affects the Marine abusing it and every Marine they work. It degrades the abusing Marine’s readiness, and in turn degrades the unit’s overall readiness.

“It can give the unit a bad name,” said Burch. “That Marine becomes a weak link in the unit and affects unit cohesion because most of the time if they have been drinking and are hung-over they are late, tired, lazy and insubordinate. That Marine then becomes unable to help the unit during deployments and exercises.”

Alcohol abuse could pose a significant obstacle in a Marine’s future career, especially when it is time for promotion or reenlistment. If a pattern of misconduct surfaces, the Marine’s career is in jeopardy.

“With the Marine Corps downsizing, any trouble that a Marine gets in can be a career ender,” said Sgt. Robert R. Taulung, career planner with Marine Air Support Squadron 2, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF. “For first-term Marines, having a disciplinary record due to alcohol abuse reflects very poorly on that Marine, and they will probably not be allowed to reenlist.”

Although the majority of Marines are sent to the substance abuse counseling officer because of an alcohol-related incident, many Marines have gone to SACO for help voluntarily and have gone on to successfully complete four or more years in the Marine Corps.
Going to SACO voluntarily not only gets the Marine the immediate help they need, but it can save a Marine’s career and keep them out of trouble.

NCOs must watch out for their junior Marines and ensure their Marines are drinking responsibly. Junior Marines also need to watch out for one another and know their own limitations.

• Date Taken: 04.20.2012
• Date Posted: 04.27.2012 05:04
• Story ID: 87439
• Location: CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP