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“Marines should always have a plan before they leave the house,” said Staff Sgt. Daniel Paredes, the I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group Substance Abuse Control Officer. “Always have a designated driver, and make sure that person stays designated to drive.”
If for some reason a designated driver cannot drive, Marines have other options available to ensure they arrive at their destinations safely, said Paredes.
One option is the Arrive Alive card, which is a cash voucher that covers half of the cost of a cab ride in the local area. It is designed to prevent Marines and sailors from operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Service members do not have to pay anything at the time of use and are only responsible to pay 50 percent of the total cab fare at a later time. Every Marine of I MEF is issued an Arrive Alive card when they check-in.
SSgt. Anthony Consul, the I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group legal chief, said alcohol-related incidents negatively affect I MEF readiness.
“If a Marine is pending legal charges, that Marine will be put on legal hold automatically,” said the San Diego, Calif., native. “That means the Marine will not be able to deploy until the issue is resolved.”
Consul said alcohol-related incidents can be detrimental to a first-term Marine’s career.
“For first term Marines who have {received non-judicial punishment}, especially for DUI, it would be very difficult to re-enlist.” He said. “It will require a waiver, signed off by the commanding general, for them to be approved.” He also said a career Marine’s promotion could be affected if charged with a DUI.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is taken seriously by I MEF. An individual will be processed and ready for NJP in as little as 48 hours. An NJP can cost a Marine his rank, 45 days of restriction and extra permissive duty, and a forfeiture of half of their pay for two months.
In addition to the consequences handed out by the Marine Corps, the Marine could face charges in civilian court.
“I have heard of drunk-driving cases costing a Marine up to $10,000, after fines, court fees and lawyer fees,” said Consul.
Every time a Marine decides to drink and drive, he is putting his life and the life of others in danger. Before you think it may too expensive to call a taxi, remember drinking and driving can cost you a lot more than a cab ride.
| Date Taken: | 11.17.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 11.17.2010 20:11 |
| Story ID: | 60362 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 64 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, Holiday season should mean more cheer, less beer, by Cpl Monty Burton, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
