You booze, you cruise, you lose

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joel Pfiester
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  In an attempt to further combat Airmen from getting behind the wheel while intoxicated, the 509th Bomb Wing implemented a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Battle Plan.

The DUI Battle Plan is operationally based and is a targeted response to the total number of DUIs that occur by Whiteman personnel. As the total number of DUIs increase, so do the prevention measures and consequences. The plan serves as a tool for commanders and supervisors to ensure Airmen and members of Team Whiteman understand the risks of drunken driving and the importance responsible decision making has on their safety and the safety of others on the road.

"The DUI Battle Plan builds upon and strengthens the installation's already robust DUI prevention program," said Master Sgt. Shane Sudman, the 509th Security Forces Squadron NCO in charge of operations. "With the new tracking system, we might see a minor upswing in DUI related incidents. The battle plan supports good order and discipline, while reinforcing the importance of taking care of our Airmen."

Whenever an Airman receives a DUI, the Airman and their unit are responsible for updating the DUI sign at the front gate every day. The sign keeps track of how many days it has been since a member of Team Whiteman has received a DUI. The Airman is relieved from updating the sign once the installation reaches 60 days without a DUI, or another DUI occurs. The goal of the plan is to see a 20 percent decrease in DUIs over a three-year period by regularly disseminating information regarding the DUIs that are occurring. The number of DUIs during calendar year 2016 currently sits at six.

There will be three different colored condition indicators known as DUI conditions. Green indicates there has been zero DUIs in the last 60 days, yellow indicates one to three and red indicates four or more. During condition levels yellow and red, the respective unit of the Airman with the DUI will have increased commander intervention actions which may include increased all-calls, and the utilization of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) sponsored focus groups.

"Driving under the influence is never acceptable, and it will have severe consequences," said Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets IV, the 509th Bomb Wing commander. "Every member of our team is a valuable member, and I hope this effort to increase the social pressures on our Airmen to do the right thing will see real change within our wing and become another way we keep our Airmen safe and mission ready. This truly must be a team effort, and I am confident we will succeed."

For additional information on alcohol abuse, contact the ADAPT office at (660) 687-4341. If you have questions about this policy, please contact your supervisor.