Wing leaders highlight focus on responsible choices

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
"One drink, two drinks, three drinks, floor ..." this is a phenomenon that base leadership is looking to change. 

To reinforce a change in the culture of responsible drinking, the rescon policy at Spangdahlem Air Base has been replaced with a new program designed to reflect the need for personal accountability regarding choices involving alcohol. 

"As Airmen, we readily accept responsibility while accomplishing the mission," said Col. Darryl Roberson, 52nd Fighter Wing commander. "Responsibility is an inherent part of every mission, every day, and forms the foundation of our Saber Culture of Responsible Choices program. A key element of CoRe Choice is the "Saber Responsible Drinking Policy," which establishes minimum standards for responsible drinking." 

The standards which are emphasized in the Saber Responsible Drinking Policy focus on individual choices and the impact they can create. 

"Feedback from our wing members told us we needed to look at our program and consider changes," said Chief Master Sgt. Vance Clarke, 52nd FW command chief master sergeant. "We also saw that it was time to shift from 'group impact' issues to more personal responsibility type measures."  

To facilitate this change, program implementation has been shifting to the squadron level. 

"I expect group and squadron commanders to establish programs within their units to achieve the standards put in place by Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe," Colonel Roberson said. "Experience has shown that success in promoting responsible drinking can be fleeting and that sustained success requires constant attention and vigilance. Continual reshaping of efforts while building a true culture of change in each unit is what we must have." 

Colonel Roberson's feelings on this are mirrored by Chief Clarke. 

"We felt that putting the emphasis on squadrons allowed for the development of the best tools to manage this issue," Chief Clarke said. "The squadron is the basic level of command in our Air Force and is where we know one another best. We believe that commanders can best motivate their people to success as they work with them each and every day. What one commander may need to motivate his/her people might be different than another one may need." 

In taking care of one another, Airmen should realize that poor choices let down every member of the team. 

"This works for our Air Force, Major Command, wing, squadron and most of all for our families and ourselves," Chief Clarke said. "As Colonel Roberson has stated on numerous occasions, drinking is a personal choice - driving after drinking or getting involved in an ARI is a career decision. Ensure you know what you want to do with your career, hang around with friends and people who will honor and help you with your career, be a good wingman/Airman and assist others as you can. However, never lose sight that this is a personal responsibility ... other Airmen can and are only here to help as best they can, it is your choice." 

The wing has established standards for responsible drinking at the squadron level. These are the same standards the wing is held accountable for by USAFE and that USAFE is to by the Air Force. 

"Squadrons achieving this standard will be presented with a Saber Responsible Choices coin, which will be displayed prominently at each squadron," said Col. Thomas Feldhausen, 52nd FW vice commander. "If there is a DUI or ARI within a squadron, the individual who got the DUI or ARI will be required to return the coin to the wing commander. This symbolizes that their actions have caused the squadron to fall from established standards." 

Making the right decision does not magically happen, but is something that is facilitated through planning beforehand. 

"Responsible drinking requires planning," Colonel Roberson said. "Our decisions must reflect living our culture of responsible choices and upholding our Air Force Core Values. I need your support in achieving our wing goals and in making CoRe Choices every day both on and off duty." 

Working together and looking out for fellow wingmen will be the key to the success of this program, according to Chief Clarke. 

"We must ensure our units work as a team to conquer this blemish we have," the chief said. "Some of our units have gone over a year without a DUI / ARI ... some smaller sections, even longer," the chief said."