Photo By Cpl. Jonah Lovy | The Marine Corps has a zero tolerance policy on substance abuse. Just like drugs,...... read more read more
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Just like drugs, alcohol physically impairs the body to perform to its full capabilities. Drinking and driving not only puts the driver at risk, but the passengers and other motorists are in danger as well.
The Marine Corps has a zero tolerance policy on substance abuse but alcohol related incidents still occur more frequently than expected.
“There’s not a week that goes by where there isn’t an alcohol related incident,” said Gunnery Sgt. Courtney Hunt, assistant operations chief for the Provost Marshal’s Office aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.
Alcohol related incidents can range from drinking and driving to domestic abuse, but each incident that has a tie with alcohol has serious consequences. It is important to know what the legal drinking limits are and how to avoid exceeding them.
Blowing a blood alcohol content level of .08 on a breathalyzer test is illegal out in town, said Hunt.
Many variables factor in to how a person gets drunk such as, body weight, age, type of alcohol and how fast it is consumed. The same amount of drinking can affect two people differently. It is everyone’s responsibility to know their own limits to prevent alcohol related incidents.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, one standard drink contains 14 grams of pure alcohol. This amount can be found in a 12 ounce beer, a 5 ounce glass of wine, or a 1.5 ounce shot of liquor.
No one should get behind the wheel of a car if they have had more than their legal limit of drinks. There are safer options for Marines that may be intoxicated or simply do not have money for a safe ride back to base.
“[Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron] has an ‘Arrive Alive’ card that works with taxis in the area,” said Staff Sgt. Jan Scrimshire, the substance abuse counselor for H&HS. “The Marines give the card to the driver and they are brought back to base to the duty desk. The SDO pays for the ride, and the Marine has two pay periods to pay it back without penalties.”
Using the ‘Arrive Alive’ cards helps alleviate some of the DUIs or alcohol related incidents in the area. If a Marine feels like they have a problem with alcohol, it is important that they seek help.
“My job as the SACO for H&HS is to be the CO’s representative by helping Marines with guidance, counseling, and education in the field of substance abuse before it’s too late,” said Scrimshire. “If a Marine has an incident where alcohol was involved, then the Marine will come see me and I’ll refer the Marine to right people to get help.”
Driving under the influence or while intoxicated can lead to criminal penalties in court and administrative penalties, leading to fines of more than $6,000 and up to three years jail time, according to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. PMO advises drivers to not take their chances driving into the base intoxicated.
“Our Marines here at PMO are highly trained and know what signs to look for if they suspect someone driving under the influence,” said Hunt.
Marine and civilian law enforcement officers are posted at every main entry of a military installation and every individual that drives through a check point will be seen. If a Marine gets a DUI, their license is automatically suspended to drive aboard the installation.
“A DUI can cost a Marine more than $10,000 out of pocket,” said Hunt. “Whether you get a DUI on base or out in town, there are automatic restrictions and consequences, and if you’re a career Marine or Staff [noncommissioned officer], and you get a DUI, you’re done. Your career is over.”
With the seasonal festivities upon us, alcohol tends to be served at events and parties. Have a plan before going out to avoid blowing thousands of dollars into the breathalyzer this holiday season.
| Date Taken: | 11.05.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 11.06.2015 12:24 |
| Story ID: | 181194 |
| Location: | BEAUFORT, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 206 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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