ARMCONs: The latest benchmark for Saber Nation safety Published June 29, 2015 By 2nd Lt. Meredith Mulvihill 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The 52nd Fighter Wing recently unveiled a new program to increase alcohol abuse awareness and prevention at Spangdahlem Air Base. The Alcohol Related Misconduct Condition, or ARMCON, is a color-coded three-leveled system that adjusts the intensity of preventative actions to match the prevalence of ARMs on base. ARMCON designers aim to promote a community approach to curbing alcohol misuse, and will publicize the monthly ARM rates while providing guidelines for responding to those rates. "Implementing these condition levels will not only help Airmen better understand where we are as a base regarding DUIs and ARMS, but give us a set of guidelines to respond to potential increases in alcohol misuse," said U.S. Air Force Col. Joe McFall, 52nd FW commander. "The ARMCON is an integral part of a plan that we hope will give Airmen the information they need to help prevent alcohol-related issues, highlight negative trends, and ultimately build a safer Saber Nation." To do that, the ARMCON is broken down into three statuses: green, yellow and red. ARMCON Green ARMCON green is the standard condition for Spangdahlem Air Base. Under ARMCON green, squadron commanders may brief low-risk drinking guidelines to their units every six months, and are encouraged to have their Airmen complete the Electronic Check-Up to Go annually. Additionally, squadron commanders should consult with at least one on-base helping agency per quarter to ensure their unit is kept informed of outreach and prevention services on-base. Finally, professional and private organizations on-base may schedule monthly outreach and prevention activities such as information booths and handing out information cards. ARMCON Yellow Under ARMCON yellow, commanders are required to follow all ARMCON green preventative measures. Additionally, unit leadership is encouraged to institute weekly Wingman checks to ensure all personnel have an identified Wingman and a readily available Airmen Against Drunk Driving information card. ARMCON Red During ARMCON red, alcohol misconduct preventative measures can increase to include random on-base DUI checkpoints by the security forces squadron. The wing commander may also choose to implement restrictions regarding the sale or use of alcohol on-base. According to McFall, the ultimate goal of the ARMCON system is to help Sabers make informed and responsible decisions regarding alcohol and ultimately preserve mission capability by preventing injury and loss of life.