Pubdate: Wed, 07 Mar 2012
Source: Denver Post (CO)
Copyright: 2012 The Denver Post Corp
Contact:  http://www.denverpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/122
Author: Craig Whitlock

NAVY TO PLACE BREATH-ANALYSIS MACHINES ABOARD SHIPS IN BID TO FLAG 
ALCOHOL ISSUES

NORFOLK, Va. -In 1913, Navy Secretary Josephus Daniels issued a
revolutionary order: no more alcohol aboard ships. According to
official Navy myth, sober sailors mocked their boss by nicknaming
their coffee - the strongest drink still allowed on board - a "cup of
Joe."

A century later, current Navy Secretary Ray Mabus is one-upping
Daniels, ordering the installation of breath-test machines on all
ships and submarines, as well as on Marine Corps bases. One can only
imagine how he will go down in naval lore.

According to Mabus, the breath tests are not intended as a crackdown
but rather to help identify sailors who might be struggling with
booze. The alcohol testing is part of a broader new Navy program
designed to improve the physical and mental well-being of those having
difficulty coping with the stresses of a decade of war.

"We are not telling you not to drink, if you are old enough," Mabus
told an audience of sailors and Marines on Monday afternoon aboard the
USS Bataan at Naval Station Norfolk. "We are telling you that it is
important to keep legal, responsible use of alcohol from turning into
a problem."

All ranks are vulnerable, Mabus said. He noted that 13 of 20
commanding officers recently fired by the Navy admitted afterward that
drinking was a contributing factor to their problems.

Navy officials said between one-sixth and one-eighth of those
reporting for duty on board will be automatically tested at any given
time, though others will face random testing.

The Navy will take other measures to reduce or prevent unhealthy
behavior. It will stop subsidizing cigarette sales on bases and
increase smoking-cessation programs, following a complete ban on
smoking aboard submarines that took effect last year.

The Navy also will begin random testing for synthetic marijuana, known
as Spice. The service already does random tests for other drugs.
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MAP posted-by: Matt