Military

Marines On Duty To Face Random Breathalyzer Testing

By Beth Ford Roth / Home Post Blogger

Published December 17, 2012 at 8:01 AM PST

This story was published more than 11 years ago.

Starting January 1, the Marines Corps will require service-wide random Breathalyzer tests for members. A Marine Corps memo released December 12 announced the Alcohol Screening Program, or ASP, to make sure Marines aren't drinking while on duty.

According to the memo...

The purpose of the ASP is to provide commanders an additional tool to identify Marines and Sailors within their commands who are at risk for the adverse effects of alcohol abuse/misuse. The ASP accomplishes this through deterring Marines and Sailors from reporting on duty under the influence of alcohol.

Additionally, the ASP provides an opportunity for commanders to identify those individuals in need of alcohol abuse/misuse training, counseling, and/or treatment.

The new policy requires Marines and Sailors to be tested randomly twice a year. Marines and Sailors who test positive for a blood alcohol content of .01 percent will be referred for screening and treatment. Commanders will be required to refer Marines and Sailors who test positive for a blood alcohol content of .04 or above to medical staff for a "fit for duty" determination.

Marine spokesman Lt. Col. Joseph Plenzler told The Washington Times that everyone in the Marine Corps is subject to the new Breathalyzer tests. This includes senior officers and even Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James Amos.