Underage Beer Buying: Military Base Loophole

Alcoholism is a significant problem in the military, with active-duty personnel drinking to celebrate combat victories or cope with post-combat stress, loneliness, boredom, and the lack of other recreational activities. While military personnel are discouraged from drinking, responsible alcohol consumption is permitted. However, the rates of heavy alcohol consumption are significantly higher among 18- to 25-year-olds in the military than in the same age group of civilians. In the United States, the legal drinking age is 21, but what happens if a service member under 21 is stationed abroad? This article will explore the rules and regulations surrounding alcohol consumption for military personnel, both in the US and overseas.

Military personnel under 21 are not permitted to buy alcohol in the US

The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) outlines several alcohol-related offenses that military personnel must abide by, regardless of age. These include drunken or reckless operation of a vehicle, aircraft, or vessel, drunkenness on duty, and disorderly conduct. In addition, military members who commit alcohol-related offenses are subject to disciplinary actions under the UCMJ, which may include partial or total forfeiture of pay and allowances, and bad conduct discharge.

Despite the restrictions, alcoholism is a significant problem in the military. Active-duty personnel often consume alcohol to celebrate combat victories or cope with post-combat stress, loneliness, and boredom. Factors such as low-cost alcohol, inconsistent policies, and ritualized drinking opportunities contribute to high rates of alcohol consumption among young service members.

While the minimum drinking age on military installations is 21, the rules may vary for military personnel stationed abroad. According to USC Title 10, Section 2683, the Secretary shall establish and enforce the minimum drinking age on a military installation located in a state, following the law of that state. However, military personnel under 21 are still encouraged to check with their Base Command to clarify the legal drinking age while serving overseas.

Drinking policies vary depending on the country and the relationship with the US military base

In the case of US military bases located outside the US, the minimum drinking age is 18 years, but higher minimum drinking ages may be established based on international treaties, agreements, and the local situation as determined by the local installation commander. For instance, in 2006, the Marine Corps lowered the drinking age for Marines in Japan to 20, reflecting the local drinking age. Additionally, the Marine Corps allows 18-year-old Marines to consume alcohol in foreign ports if permitted by the host nation's law.

The availability of alcohol on and around military bases has been linked to higher rates of alcohol consumption and related problems among military personnel. Social availability, such as drinking cultures and traditions, and physical availability, including the ease of access to alcohol, contribute to increased drinking among young adults in the military. While there have been efforts to reduce social availability through initiatives like "The Right Spirit" in the Navy, physical availability remains high due to the tax-free status of alcohol in base stores and the clustering of bars and clubs around some bases.

To address these issues, policies should focus on reducing environmental factors that contribute to heavy drinking. This includes increasing alcohol prices in base stores to match off-base prices, enforcing existing policies on underage drinking, and partnering with surrounding communities to implement preventive measures, such as improving false ID detection and enforcing server training to prevent serving alcohol to minors.

The UCMJ prohibits drinking for those under 21, regardless of location

The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) prohibits drinking for those under 21, regardless of location. This means that even if an 18-year-old soldier is stationed in a country where the legal drinking age is 18, they are still prohibited from consuming alcohol. The UCMJ is a separate set of laws approved by the U.S. Congress, specifically for military personnel. These laws take precedence over any local, state, or national laws, both in the U.S. and abroad.

The UCMJ's prohibition on underage drinking is absolute and applies to all military personnel, regardless of their location or the specific laws of the jurisdiction they are in. This means that even if the host country has a lower drinking age, military personnel under 21 are still subject to the UCMJ and can face disciplinary action if they are caught drinking. The consequences of violating the UCMJ's alcohol-related offenses can be severe and may include partial or total forfeiture of pay and allowances, bad conduct discharge, and even separation from the military.

The UCMJ's prohibition on underage drinking is not just a matter of policy but also a practical concern for the military. Alcoholism and alcohol abuse are significant problems in the military, with rates of heavy alcohol use among 18- to 25-year-olds in the military being significantly higher than in the general population. The availability of alcohol, ritualized drinking opportunities, and inconsistent policies all contribute to a culture of heavy drinking in the military. By prohibiting underage drinking, the UCMJ aims to curb this culture and reduce the negative consequences associated with alcohol abuse, such as dependence, fighting, missing duty, and impaired performance.

It is important to note that the UCMJ's prohibition on underage drinking is not limited to on-base or deployment situations. It applies to all military personnel under 21, regardless of their location or duty status. This means that even when off-duty or off-base, military personnel under 21 are still subject to the UCMJ's prohibition on drinking. The UCMJ's focus on underage drinking is part of its broader concern with alcohol-related offenses and their impact on the performance and discipline of military personnel.

In conclusion, the UCMJ's prohibition on drinking for those under 21 is comprehensive and far-reaching. It applies to all military personnel, regardless of their location, duty status, or the specific laws of the jurisdiction they are in. The UCMJ takes precedence over any other laws, and military personnel under 21 can face disciplinary action if they are found to be in violation. This prohibition is a critical aspect of the UCMJ's effort to curb alcohol abuse and promote responsible alcohol consumption among military personnel.

Alcohol is readily available and affordable for military personnel

In general, military personnel must be at least 21 years old and receive approval from their Commanding General or Chief of Staff to drink and serve alcohol at social gatherings during normal hours. However, there have been reports of service members drinking on base while under 21, especially when stationed in countries where the drinking age is lower. Additionally, some commanders may prohibit alcohol consumption in high-security threat areas or to avoid alcohol-related incidents that could reflect poorly on them.

The availability of alcohol, combined with factors such as stress, boredom, loneliness, and the pressure to conform, has led to high rates of alcohol abuse among military personnel. The U.S. Military was once America's heaviest-drinking profession, according to a survey. A review of CDC data from 2013 to 2017 found that troops spend more days a year drinking alcohol than people in any other profession. Military service members also binge drink more, with 20 to 28% of soldiers, airmen, and sailors engaging in heavy drinking.

The consequences of irresponsible alcohol consumption in the military can be severe, including disciplinary actions, discharge, dependence symptoms, fighting, missing duty, failing to be promoted, receiving a low performance rating, and causing traffic accidents. The Department of Defense has implemented screening measures to identify struggling service members, and treatment options catering to the unique needs of military personnel are available.

Alcohol abuse is common in the military, with heavy drinking rates significantly higher than among civilians

Alcohol abuse is a significant problem in the military, with active-duty personnel often consuming alcohol to celebrate combat victories or cope with post-combat stress, loneliness, boredom, and a lack of other recreational activities. This is reflected in the data, which shows that rates of heavy drinking are significantly higher among 18- to 25-year-olds in the military than in the same age group of civilians. For example, in the Marine Corps, 38.6% of young men and 12.9% of young women admitted to drinking heavily, compared to 8% of male and 5.5% of female civilians in the same age group.

Several factors contribute to the high rates of alcohol abuse in the military. Firstly, the low cost and ease of availability of alcohol, along with ritualized drinking opportunities, make it easily accessible to service members. Secondly, the social aspect of drinking plays a role, as it is seen as a way to connect with fellow service members. Military personnel often drink in groups to celebrate victories or socialize, and restaurants and bars often offer discounts to service members. This social pressure can also lead to individuals drinking to bury their emotions and cope with negative feelings such as depression and anxiety.

The exposure to traumatic events, including combat, death, violence, and assault, is another significant factor contributing to alcohol abuse in the military. Research indicates that military personnel with more exposure to combat have higher rates of heavy and binge drinking than their peers. A study of 1,100 soldiers returning from deployment found that 25% were misusing alcohol 3-4 months after deployment, with 12% experiencing behavioral problems related to their alcohol use. Furthermore, the onset of mental health conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety, which are more prevalent among active-duty military personnel, can drive them to drink as a form of self-medication.

The consequences of alcohol abuse in the military can be severe and far-reaching. Dependence on alcohol can lead to mood swings, irritability, depression, strained relationships, shame, and guilt. It can also result in violent behavior, arrests, missed duties, and failed promotions. Additionally, alcohol abuse increases the risk of traffic accidents, property damage, injuries, and death. Recognizing the extent of alcohol abuse in the military, the Department of Defense (DoD) has established screening measures to help identify service members struggling with alcohol abuse and connect them with appropriate treatment options.

Frequently asked questions