Booze cruise ends with blues Published March 2, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Ryan Throneberry Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIS-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Drinking and driving: there are stupider things, but the list is very short. ~ Author Unknown Driving under the influence is a serious offense in both the civilian and military world. The Air Force has a zero-tolerance policy and the legal office here will prosecute offenders regardless of the severity of the charges. The repercussions for service members who receive a DUI can range from receiving an Article 15 to a court-martial; and in the very worst case, causing physical harm to one's self or others. "A DUI is an inconsiderate act to everyone you are putting at risk and to the loved ones you could potentially leave behind," said Capt. Chad Evans, 87th Air Base Wing Judge Advocate Office chief of military justice from Chicago, Ill. "If you were to hurt someone, you would have to live with that for the rest of your life." Six Airmen from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst were charged with DUIs this year alone. Two of those charges occurred on government property. The Joint Base Police Department, in conjunction with the 87th Security Forces Squadron, patrols the base 24/7 to weed out potential offenders. "I've been with the DOD police since 1992," said police Sgt. Gregory Rodriguez, JBPD traffic accident investigator from Philadelphia. "Drinking and driving is the biggest enemy to law enforcement and innocent bystanders alike." DUIs by service members is punishable under Article 111 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice: operating any vehicle while drunk, or in a reckless or wanton manner, or while impaired by a substance. There is no singular way to prevent service members from driving under the influence, but the defenders on base ensure the apprehension of those who would chose to break the rules. "Deterrence is key," said Rodriguez. "We can't tell people not to drink so our job is to look for driving patterns that may be the result of drunk driving - speeding and rolling through red lights are just two examples. If we don't stop them, they will just do it again." Service members caught driving under the influence off base can also expect to incur serious financial burdens. "Ten thousand dollars is a conservative estimate for the average cost of a basic DUI in which no people are hurt and no property is damaged," said Evans. "This includes fines, insurance increase, defense attorney fees, towing fees, court fees, etc. This does not include potential lost income if you lose your career or lose a stripe." Jail time, forfeiture of pay, loss of both a license and on-base driving privileges are other potential burdens an offender must bear. "When a DUI comes across my desk, I think two things: stupid and selfish." said Evans. "Stupid in that they did not plan ahead or coordinate with a wingman; selfish in the fact they could have seriously injured themselves or others because of their negligence." One reason the wingman concept was put into practice was to ensure Airmen don't let other Airmen engage in dangerous behavior. "I've seen firsthand how drinking and driving can take the life of an innocent person," said Rodriguez. "My advice is to be accountable for yourself and the people you are with to totally avoid the situation." The JBPD staff encourages community members to report any suspicious behavior by calling 562-6001. "A good wingman always takes one for the team and there is no DUI in team," said Staff Sgt. Carlton Anthony, 87th Air Base Wing Safety Office safety specialist. "Be a designated driver for your wingman."