Drink Responsibly with 0-0-1-3 Published June 22, 2015 By Senior Airman Ty-Rico Lea 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- As the summer season continues, service members may choose to engage in activities involving drinking. With this, there are bound to be incidents involving the use of alcohol. To alleviate alcohol related incidents, Air Force leadership reminds Airmen to become more familiar with the 0-0-1-3 concept. According to www.vance.af.mil, each numeral in 0-0-1-3 has a specific meaning. 0 = Zero underage consumption. Approximately 5,000 people under the age of 21 die each year due to alcohol related incidents. According to the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, the highest prevalence of alcohol dependence is among 18 to 20-year olds. 0 = Zero driving under the influence incidents. Driving under the influence kills thousands of people each year. 1 = One drink per hour. This is the standard amount of alcohol that the liver can process and metabolize in an hour. Higher intakes can cause liver, heart and stomach diseases, high blood pressure and obesity. 3 = Three drinks maximum per outing. This standard has been established to ensure you stay below 0.05 blood alcohol concentration and deter binge drinking, which can lead to irrational decision making. The 0-0-1-3 program is a Department of Defense wide prevention method established to educate U.S. service members on how to drink responsibly and what can happen to them if they choose to drink irresponsibly. First conceived in 2004, the 0-0-1-3 alcohol abuse prevention program was developed by Col. Evan Hoapili, then-commander of the 90th Space Wing located at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. Research for the program was done in part with the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. "The program, if implanted properly, is a good general guide for many Airmen," said Capt. Vincent DeFabo, 325th Fighter Wing Judge Advocate assistant staff JA. "Like any curriculum, it can be taught, but it is up to individuals to take responsibility for their actions and implement the lessons learned." Records from a 325th Security Forces Squadron quarterly summary reports a total of 21 DUI infractions have occurred from October to June this fiscal year. These reports include both on and off-base infractions. "Underage drinking is usually caused by a group mentality that 'everyone is doing it so I can do it'," said Capt. Katherine Metkus, 325th FW/JA assistant staff JA. "Most underage drinking stems from either dorm parties or drinking at an off base party. Punishment for underage drinking can range from letter of reprimand or counseling to non-judicial punishment Article 15." There are programs in place for Airmen to receive transportation home, like the Airmen Against Drunk Driving program, aimed at getting Airmen home safely after a night of drinking. The AADD program is led by the Tyndall Active Airmen Association. "The illegal use of alcohol is a violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Drinking alcohol excessively is a violation of Article 134 of the UCMJ," said Metkus. "Drunk or reckless operation of a vehicle violates Article 111 of the UCMJ and being drunk on duty is a violation of Article 112 of the UCMJ." Another Program which helps Airmen is the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program that can be reached at (850) 283-7511. "Many Airmen do not realize that not only their commander, but the wing commander and the legal office find out about incidents shortly after they occur," said Metkus. "Once an incident is fully investigated, the commander, with the advice of the legal office, will decide an appropriate punishment."