MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. – A morning hangover on duty may cost Marines more than just a headache after the Alcohol Screening Program went into effect Jan. 1.
Marine Administrative Message 709/12 was released Dec. 12 announcing the program and how the Marines Corps will require Corpswide random breathalyzer tests for sailors and Marines.
“The objective of this order is to improve the ability of commanders, substance abuse personnel, and Marines to prevent and treat alcohol and drug abuse problems that detract from unit performance and mission readiness,” said Ronnie Edwards, substance abuse prevention specialist, Headquarters Marine Corps.
The program gives commanders an additional tool to identify Marines and sailors who are at risk from the adverse effects of alcohol abuse or misuse. The program attempts to deter Marines and sailors from reporting to duty under the influence of alcohol.
The breathalyzer testing will be random but, unlike the urinalysis testing, the breathalyzer will happen to all Marines and sailors only semi-annually by all commands.
Anyone with positive test results greater than or equal to .01 percent can be sent to the base substance abuse counseling center for screening and, if needed, treatment.
The SACO will do the initial screening to determine if someone with a position test must go to Consolidated Substance Abuse Counseling Center for an assessment.
During the full comprehensive assessment to see if treatment is needed, counselors evaluate things such as past alcohol-related incidences, motivation for treatment, family history and withdrawal assessment, said Michael Broderick, director, CSACC.
Anyone with a positive test of .04 percent or greater will be sent to medical for a "fit for duty" determination.
“Alcohol abuse and the distribution of illegal drugs deters from the effective performance of Marines and from the Marine Corps’ mission and will not be tolerated,” Broderick said.
For questions concerning the program, call the Substance Abuse Section of Headquarters Marine Corps at 703-784-9526.