We had a lively discussion today at work about Air Force members drinking in uniform while off-base at “non-alcohol-centric” places.  For example, drinking a couple of beers with lunch.  I’m sure we all remember “back in the day” when this was a common practice.  I fondly remember lunch-time at the E-Club, RAF Croughton, circa 1987.  I was a young Buck Sergeant, and several of us would go to the E-Club and play darts, eat pizza and down a couple of pitchers of nice British lager before going back to work.  This practice was common-place.  It was not frowned upon.  I admit, our cultural views towards drinking have changed dramatically over the last 20 years or so.

For example, last year I volunteered to participate in a flag detail during the opening ceremonies for the first Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees spring training game.  After the detail we were allowed to stay for the game.  I was in my ABUs (Airman Battle Uniform).  On two occasions, fans offered to buy me a beer as thanks for my service.  Both times I accepted.  A young Master Sergeant who did the detail with me was quite vocal about how my actions were prejudicial to good order and discipline and harmful to the Air Force’s image.  I countered by saying that my actions were hardly prejudicial to good order and discipline, and in fact reinforced the Air Force’s image of good order and discipline in public.  An Air Force member could, in fact, drink in public, directly in the public eye, and positively portray good order and discipline.  Further, by gracefully accepting public gratitude I fostered more positive relations between our military and the throng of curious civilians.

Sadly, this same young Master Sergeant brought a change of clothes with him, so he could drink without being in uniform.  Evidently he felt that he could not maintain good order and discipline.

As far as I can tell, even though we are different culturally from our past,  the Air Force Instruction is extremely ambiguous when it comes to drinking in public.  AFI 34-219, Alcoholic Beverage Program, doesn’t address members’ use of alcohol in public, only on-base programs.  Installation Commanders do have the authority to implement their own policies.  I think that’s why the AFI is so “fuzzy.”

Our sister services don’t take this stance – they are much more directive.  I believe the Air Force’s stance is best viewed as trusting its members to do what’s right.  I think that’s called “integrity.”  Your thoughts?