Preparing the Human Weapon System

While the population at-large suffers from the global impact of alcohol abuse, the consequences for the military may be even more profound. Alcohol abuse not only negatively impacts health, relationships, and job productivity, but also the readiness posture of the military. Despite ongoing prevention efforts, heavy alcohol use continues to pose a problem. In fact, alcohol use contributes to 50% of alleged sexual assaults, 29% of completed suicides, and 25% of motor vehicle fatalities. Moreover, the 2002 Department of Defense Survey on Health Related Behaviors reported that 25% of all military personnel utilize alcohol to cope with life stressors. In light of evidence that heavy alcohol use is rising, we must examine a more effective prevention strategy. The community prevention approach provides an empirically-validated paradigm to combat alcohol abuse.