When I went in they made us dump our smokes and lightersin basic, that was back in 87 when the new no smoke policy went into effect. They used to let the 18-21 year olds get tanked on post with that 3.2 pistol beer. What a waste that was.
IMO drunks, dopers, and smokers can stay civilians...times are changing and we need all the edge we can get.
that's kind of a sad post. you think if someone drinks or smokes, they need not apply?
perhaps we are recruiting in the wrong places. we ought to set up shop outside the theology schools. maybe we could just have big old debates instead of war?
oh wait, that's what the un is for....that didn't work well, did it?
i guess if you reduce stress enough by not training hard, or giving "time out" cards, or not YELLING at the poor kids, then no stress relief is needed?
We usually got 1 smoke and coke a day as it was called in basic. That was if everything went right. On Sunday it was a bit more lax and this was in 1976. Letting 18 years olds get tanked on 3.2 beer on base makes perfect sense. It's on base. They walk back to the ships or barracks usually a mile or more. Better to have them where they are safe than in town drinking much stronger stuff in illicit clubs. Base clubs were safe. Few fights, no weapons, and the riff raft con artist were kept out.
Times aren't changing. These things have been with us for a few thousand years. I speak from experience of a MED Cruise and a half of transporting drunk sailors from shore back to ship in port on liberty boats. The problem is being greatly overblown. Maybe twice a night on a carrier {meaning 5000 plus} one squid would have way too much and be a problem. You put a life jacket on the out of control drunk and did the following. You took 2 wire mesh stretchers placed him in it and tied it shut. Instant jail cell. You tied life jackets to the stretcher also. You took him back to ship and in a week or so he went to see the Captain who placed him on restriction to the ship for 45 days PLUS a mandatory ride along with Shore Patrol a few off nights to deal with the drunks. Most didn't repeat the offense.
It was just good old fashioned common sense and a good sailor was not lost due to PC. Next time he learned when to cut it off.