By: Capt. Paul L. Croom II
1st MAW Substance abuse campaign strategist
CAMP FOSTER, Japan - The 1st Marine Aircraft Wing’s initiative to root out substance abuse in every form has now turned its focus to driving under the influence of alcohol.
Service members and dependents in Okinawa have likely noticed the anti-spice public service announcement developed by Maj. Gen. William D. Beydler, commanding general of 1st MAW, III Marine Expeditionary Force, airing regularly on American Forces Network Okinawa.
The message is part of the 1st MAW’s “Not In My Corps” campaign, an initiative to fight illicit substance abuse. Beydler said 1st MAW has made progress on eradicating drugs during the past year. However, alcohol-related issues – drunk driving in particular – are also detrimental to individual and unit readiness.
“Regional security depends on Marines and sailors on Okinawa being ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. Readiness is our fundamental responsibility,” Beydler stated. “Alcohol abuse erodes responsiveness in individuals and [1st MAW] as a whole.”
The blood-alcohol content limit allowed by Japanese regulation is 0.03 percent by volume, or approximately one drink, compared to the 0.08 percent limit in most of the United States. This disparity may contribute to U.S. personnel DUIs in Japan.
“Differences in BAC limits are absolutely no excuse for committing a DUI,” says Staff Sgt. John Dorre, military policeman and accident investigations chief for the Provost Marshal’s Office on Camp Foster. “The 0.03 BAC limit is briefed and stressed at the mandatory newcomer’s orientation briefs to all incoming III Marine Expeditionary Force personnel on Okinawa. When someone gets a DUI, it means they decided to get behind the wheel after drinking.”
Regardless of the reasons, Beydler deems DUI incidents “a leadership challenge” that requires dedicated energy from everyone across the wing, especially non-commissioned officers and staff non-commissioned officers.
“We must create and sustain an atmosphere where Marines and sailors consistently make the right decisions regarding alcohol use,” he said.
Beydler plans to reward personnel who make the right decisions and to hold accountable those who drive intoxicated. He believes changing behavior begins with example-setting leadership, clear expectations, and consistent enforcement of the standards.
Putting the idea into action, however, is inevitably more difficult.
“A Marine is not going to tell his friends it’s time to go home after midnight or take a drunk Marine’s keys if he or she sees officers and senior non-commissioned officers getting DUIs,” stated 1st Lt. Vincent DePinto, intelligence analysis officer, 1st MAW. “Okinawa is like a small town. Everyone knows when someone messes up. Officers and SNCOs cannot hold junior Marines to standards they themselves don’t personally keep.”
Small-unit leaders can prevent DUIs by knowing their personnel and looking out for their welfare, said Petty Officer 2nd Class Leonard Thomas, 1st MAW surgeon’s office.
“The simple fact of knowing how your junior is doing at home and at work and keeping them informed on the consequences of alcohol-related incidents will help leaders mitigate DUIs,” explained Thomas.
Lance Cpl. Dayne Barden, embarkation clerk with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, Marine Wing Support Group 17, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, believes planning ahead is also an important step in avoiding DUIs.
“Many times, Marines who like to drink a lot check out with other Marines who like to drink a lot,” Barden said. “Having a designated individual with you who remains sober can prevent blurred judgment and poor decisions from the group.”
For many, advice on preventing and combating DUIs begins to ring hollow with repetition. However, those who have endured the consequences of DUIs strongly caution against such complacency.
“The best advice I could give is to take a couple of minutes to think about your plans for the evening. Then, think about whether or not you are doing the right thing,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher Howard, intelligence chief, MWSG-17.
Okinawa police cited Howard for DUI at a random stop in Chatan in August.
According to Howard, it can only take one uncharacteristic mistake for a DUI to impact anyone. Without proper prior planning, it only takes being at the wrong place at the wrong time, and that cannot always be avoided.
Although Beydler maintains oversight of only 1st MAW personnel, he stresses that his concern regarding DUI and all substance abuse extends to all Department of Defense personnel and dependents on Okinawa and will continue to make combating substance abuse a priority.
“We are a forward-deployed, expeditionary force in readiness. Being individually and collectively ready is what we are about,” Beydler said. “That is what the American people want and expect. DUIs break the faith with those we serve.”