Don't ruin your holidays and your military career with drugs and alcohol

  • Published
  • By Cindy Middleton
  • 17th Training Wing Legal Office
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas-- --  The holiday season is upon us, the students will soon be leaving for Exodus to be with family and friends back home, and those of us staying here at Goodfellow Air Force Base will be spending time with family and friends. It is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but too often a single bad decision involving drugs or alcohol can lead to a whole lot of heartache.

DRUNK DRIVING: If you plan on drinking alcohol, please consider this: Texas, as well as most states, is increasing its DWI enforcement over the holiday season. This year's holiday "Don't Drink & Drive" campaign message for Texas drivers is: don't drive if you're tipsy, buzzed or "Blitzen"; call a cab or get a sober ride home. Many of you will be going to holiday parties, so remember, you are responsible for exercising good judgment when off duty.

The legal limit for intoxication in Texas is .08 blood alcohol concentration. However, Texas has a zero tolerance law and drivers can be stopped and cited for impaired driving from alcohol or other drugs no matter what their BAC may be. If you are stopped for DWI, it is important to know that if you refuse to take a blood or breath test, your driver's license may be suspended for 180 days. Also, if you are stopped for a DWI or DUI whether on or off base, the installation commander can immediately suspend your base government vehicle or privately owned vehicle driving privileges.

AFI 31-204, Air Force Motor Vehicle Traffic Supervision, applies to everyone who has military installation driving privileges, whether you are active duty, retired, a family member or a Defense Department civilian. Under this AFI, intoxicated driving is defined as operating a motor vehicle under intoxication caused by alcohol or drugs. Besides losing your driving privileges, you may also face civilian court conviction, military court-martial action, non-judicial punishment, civilian administrative action or other appropriate punishment for violation of intoxicated driving policies.

UNDERAGE DRINKING: If you are hosting a holiday party, be aware of the age of your guests as you could be held accountable for providing alcohol to minors. The underage drinker will also be in trouble. In Texas, the minimum age for purchasing, possessing, or consuming alcoholic beverages 21. Also in Texas, it is unlawful for anyone under the age of 21 to drive if they have consumed any detectable amount of alcohol. Air Force members who violate these restrictions may be punished under Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

ILLEGAL & IMPROPER DRUG USE: If you find yourself in a situation where drugs are being used and offered, remember there is zero tolerance for drug use within the DoD and the Air Force. No-notice testing can occur at any time and Airmen can lose their jobs if they test positive for an illegal substance. If you use or possess any intoxicating substance described in AFI 44-120, Military Drug Demand Reduction Program, with the intent to alter mood or function you may face disciplinary action as it is a violation of Article 92 of the UCMJ.

Illegal or improper use of drugs by an Air Force member is a serious breach of discipline and is incompatible with military service. It automatically places the military member's continued service in jeopardy. Illegal or improper drug use can lead to the loss of your security clearance and criminal prosecution resulting in a punitive discharge or administrative action, including separation or discharge under other than honorable conditions. A punitive discharge or an UOTHC discharge has serious repercussions in your civilian life after leaving military service as well.

THINK! This holiday season don't gamble on your career. Drunk driving, underage drinking, or drug use all result in serious consequences that can jeopardize your career and mess up your life. Think smart if you plan to drink alcohol and just say 'No' to drugs!