Military Beer: Who Pays For The Brews?

Alcoholism 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. While military personnel are discouraged from drinking, responsible alcohol consumption is permitted. However, many service members exceed the healthy limit and develop a dependency. A 2001-2002 study found that 35.4% of Marines and 20% to 28% of soldiers, airmen, and sailors admitted to heavy drinking. To address this issue, the Department of Defense (DoD) has implemented screening measures to help commanders identify struggling individuals and offer treatment options.

Beer and wine sales in military commissaries

The pilot program aimed to increase customer satisfaction and convenience, aligning with the practices of civilian grocery stores. The 12 stores had limited selections and floor space for beer and wine, ranging from 4 feet to 12 feet of shelf space each. Despite the limited space, the pilot program saw success, with the 12 stores selling a combined total of nearly $1.1 million worth of beer and wine in the first 13 months.

In 2023, the pilot program expanded to 26 commissary stores, with the new commissary director expressing interest in increasing that number further. The expanded program saw a significant increase in sales, with a 153% rise in dollar sales of beer and wine and a 119% increase in fiscal 2023 sales compared to the previous year.

The sale of beer and wine in military commissaries has sparked concerns about excessive drinking and the military's drinking culture. While some have questioned why alcohol is sold on military bases, an independent review committee did not recommend banning alcohol sales. Instead, they suggested banning the promotion of alcohol on DoD property, increasing alcohol prices, and limiting the days and times of sales.

Alcohol consumption policies for military personnel

Alcoholism is a significant problem in the military, with active-duty personnel consuming alcohol 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 still permitted. However, many service members exceed healthy limits and develop a dependency.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has established screening measures to help commanders identify service members struggling with alcohol abuse. Treatment options catering to the unique needs of military service members are available, including inpatient and outpatient facilities offering medically supervised detoxification, psychological counseling, family therapy, support groups with military-focused themes, nutritional and fitness counseling, and art and music therapy.

To address the issue of excessive drinking in the military, the DoD takes steps to deglamorize alcohol use. For instance, they follow requirements regarding the minimum age, eligible purchasers, quantity limitations, responsible use, segregation of stock, inventory controls, and signage. Additionally, distilled spirits are not included in commissary sales.

The sale of beer and wine in military commissaries is currently limited to 26 stores, with the new commissary director aiming to increase this number for added customer convenience. However, the expansion of alcohol sales in commissaries has led to concerns about the impact on overall alcohol sales on installations and the potential negative consequences on quality-of-life programs.

Alcohol-related offences and disciplinary action

Alcohol-related misconduct in the military pertains to any alleged misconduct connected with the consumption of alcohol. These acts can range from minor infractions, such as disrespect towards a superior or failure to appear to formation, to more severe transgressions like driving under the influence (DUI) or assault.

The penalties for alcohol-related misconduct can be severe and have repercussions on two fronts for military personnel. Even if the misconduct is addressed by civilian authorities, the command can use it as grounds to take adverse action against the service member. In addition to a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand (GOMOR) or Nonjudicial Punishment (NJP), the command may also leverage the misconduct to initiate administrative separation. Most military branches mandate the initiation of separation for a service member who engages in two alcohol-related misconduct incidents within a 12-month period, regardless of the specific nature of the misconduct.

Minor alcohol-related misconduct is typically addressed through nonjudicial means. However, more egregious cases, particularly those involving injuries or fatalities, are likely to be prosecuted at a Court Martial.

In the United Kingdom, the Armed Forces Act 2006 outlines the main offences against military law. Alcohol-related misconduct falls under the category of discipline offences, which can only be committed by members of the armed forces or, in rare cases, by civilians subject to service discipline. The maximum sentence that a Commanding Officer can impose for a discipline offence is generally 28 days in service detention, or up to 90 days with the authorisation of a Major General or equivalent.

• Drunk on post (Article 95, UCMJ)
• Drunk on duty (Article 112, UCMJ)
• Incapacitation for duty due to drunkenness (Article 112, UCMJ)
• Drunken operation of a vehicle, aircraft, or vessel (Article 113, UCMJ)
• Conduct unbecoming of an officer and gentleman (drunk and disorderly – Article 133, UCMJ)
• Drunk and disorderly (Article 134, UCMJ)
• Underage drinking (Article 92 or 134, UCMJ)

Alcohol abuse and treatment in the military

Alcohol abuse is a significant problem in the military, with many active-duty service members turning to alcohol to cope with the stress of combat. This can lead to the development of alcohol dependence and, in some cases, full-blown substance use disorders (SUD). According to army officials, 85% of soldiers seeking outpatient substance abuse treatment are doing so because of alcohol.

The high exposure to combat stress, social pressures to bury emotions, and separation from family members can all contribute to the increased risk of alcoholism and substance abuse disorders among military personnel. Binge drinking is also prevalent, with up to 43.2% of active-duty military personnel engaging in this behaviour, particularly those aged 17 to 25. Binge drinking can lead to increased alcohol tolerance, which can then transition into dependence and, eventually, alcoholism.

The first step towards recovery is making the decision to get sober. This involves changing familiar behaviours and creating a new, healthier lifestyle. Treatment for alcohol abuse in the military may include residential rehabilitation, education and therapy sessions, counselling, and self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous. These treatments aim to address more than just substance use, helping individuals develop new coping mechanisms and rebuild the brain's connections altered by addiction.

Treatment facilities offer a range of therapies to support recovery, including support groups with military-focused themes, nutritional counselling, and art and music therapy. These therapies address the spiritual disease of addiction, healing the mind and body to reduce the likelihood of relapse.

Alcohol availability on military bases

Policies and Regulations

According to the U.S. Department of the Army, 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 during social gatherings. Additionally, they are prohibited from bringing privately purchased alcohol into on-post facilities that serve alcohol. However, they may bring lawfully imported, duty-free alcoholic drinks for special occasions with proper approval.

Availability and Convenience

There has been a push for convenience in recent years, with a limited test selling beer and wine in 12 military commissaries in 2018, which has since expanded to 26 stores. This expansion aims to match the offerings of civilian grocery stores, where beer and wine are typically available. While the selection and floor space for alcohol in these commissaries are limited, the initiative has resulted in significant sales, with some stores experiencing substantial increases in wine and beer sales.

Health Considerations

Alcoholism and excessive drinking are significant concerns in the military. Active-duty personnel may turn to alcohol to cope with post-combat stress, loneliness, and boredom, or to celebrate combat victories. The rates of heavy alcohol use are significantly higher among young service members in the military compared to their civilian counterparts. As a result, the military provides various treatment options, including detoxification, psychological counseling, and support groups, to address alcohol abuse and promote responsible drinking.

Frequently asked questions