Don’t ‘DUI’ it: Bad decisions can result in costs far greater than loss of stripe

  • Published
  • By Karen Abeyasekere
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  With almost 12 years as a security forces defender, Staff Sgt. Kevin Burk, 100th Security Forces Squadron Reports and Analysis NCO in charge, has seen a lot of incidents involving alcohol and DUIs.

One in particular sticks in his mind, which happened when he was stationed in Japan.

“We had one individual who got a DUI over on the flightline side of base,” Burk explained. “He flipped his car into a ravine; when we showed up as investigations, the evidence – bottles of alcohol – was all over the place. He was still revving his engine, as if it wasn’t dawning on him that he wasn’t going anywhere. But the car was upside down, and the wheels were just spinning but going nowhere.”

The driver from that incident walked away, but that’s not always the case. Even worse, someone driving drunk can end up seriously injuring or killing an innocent person.

Another 100th SFS Airman has seen something similar happen first hand. While stationed in Guam some years ago, Tech. Sgt. Steve Pyott, 100th SFS investigator, responded to a DUI incident which resulted in a motorcyclist losing his life.

“A U.S. Air Force Airman was drunk and driving down the main road when a motorcycle pulled out in front of him,” said Pyott. “He hit the motorcycle, causing the hood of his car to decapitate the rider.”

The motorcyclist was a Guam local national.

“That was a bad day,” said Pyott, explaining that jurisdiction was taken over by the local police and the driver ended up in jail for approximately 28 years.

The number of DUIs for Team Mildenhall has risen sharply since 2015. In the first seven months of this year there have already been 10, compared to a total of nine in 2015.

Trends show that Team Mildenhall Airmen who received a DUI this year have all been enlisted males that unusually haven’t been confined to any particular age group, but roughly equal in those aged 18 to 36. Nine of the 10 happened off base, and the majority of drivers were caught after being involved in either vehicle accidents or after breakdown.

Those caught for a DUI here so far this year have been lucky; “all” they’ve lost has ranged from a stripe to pay.

Making that wrong decision to get behind the wheel and drive after drinking can result in far worse consequences such as serious injuries or death. Anyone making the decision to get behind the wheel after consuming any amount of alcohol, can change lives forever; not just his or her own, but also that of passengers or innocent people who ended up being collateral damage.

Anyone who receives a DUI off base will initially be taken to a holding cell by the British police, closest to where the incident happened. The police then notify the 100th SFS and give an estimate of when the person might be released to their first sergeant.

“From there, the individual has to report to our base defense operations center,” said Burk, explaining that they are then advised of their rights under Article 111, ‘Drunken or reckless operation of vehicle, aircraft or vessel.’ Also, they’ll be issued a suspension of their driving privileges, which they will lose for one year, not counting the sentence from British authorities.

“However, if the magistrate states they lose their license for 18 months or two years, then that’s how long they lose it for – the one year is given automatically as a minimum,” he said.

The driver could also receive an Article 15, followed by an Article 92, “Failure to Obey Order or Regulation.” The Airman will then have to put on service dress and meet with their commander and first sergeant.

Choosing to drink alcohol and drive not only risks lives, but also puts careers in jeopardy. Most Airmen will usually lose a stripe and therefore receive a reduction in pay, on top of all the associated court costs.

“Alcohol can cause otherwise logical people to make illogical decisions,” added Burk.

There are always other choices. Team Mildenhall values all its members and cannot afford to lose anyone.

If at all possible, it’s advised people avoid driving a vehicle anywhere there’s a chance that drink may be consumed. If there’s no alternative to getting to the destination where there is alcohol, make sensible choices beforehand. Airmen should put the number of a local cab company in their cell phones, and have a “Plan B” or “Plan C” if their initial plans fall through. Alternatively, call a friend, coworker or even first sergeant to come get you.

Having a plan and sticking to it will help keep our people safe.

Airmen can also call Airmen Against Drunk Driving on 0800 3280178.

A little thought beforehand could be the difference between having a great night out, or having one that changes lives completely, for all the wrong reasons.

Remember: Don’t DUI it …!