opnavinst 5350.4 d - Navy Medicine - U.S. Navy
opnavinst 5350.4 d - Navy Medicine - U.S. Navy
opnavinst 5350.4 d - Navy Medicine - U.S. Navy
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OPNAVINST <strong>5350.4</strong>D<br />
4 Jun 09<br />
important element to managing an effective alcohol and drug<br />
abuse prevention program is maintaining a command climate<br />
intolerant of any alcohol or drug abuse.<br />
5. Policy<br />
a. The minimum age to consume alcohol is 21 for all<br />
personnel. In foreign countries where the installation is<br />
located, the minimum age to consume alcohol shall conform to the<br />
legal age set by the host country. In the absence of any local<br />
Law, the minimum age to consume alcohol shall be 21 for all<br />
personnel.<br />
b. Alcohol and drug abuse by <strong>Navy</strong> members can seriously<br />
damage their physical and mental health, jeopardize their<br />
safety, the safety of others, and can lead to criminal<br />
prosecution and separation from naval service. Alcohol and drug<br />
abuse is detrimental to operational readiness and is<br />
inconsistent with <strong>Navy</strong> core values and initiatives to promote<br />
personal excellence and healthy lifestyles among <strong>Navy</strong> members.<br />
As required by references (a) and (e) , it is <strong>Navy</strong>'s goal to be<br />
free of the effects of alcohol and drug abuse.<br />
c. Commanders, commanding officers, and Officers in Charge<br />
(OICs) must exercise sound judgment in enforcing <strong>Navy</strong>'s alcohol<br />
and drug abuse policies and ensure proper disposition of<br />
individual cases. They must analyze all available evidence to<br />
determine whether alcohol or drug abuse exists and shall respond<br />
:o unacceptable behavior or substandard performance with<br />
appropriate corrective actions. Consistent enforcement of<br />
existing rules, regulations, and policies specified in this<br />
instruction by officers, enlisted leadership, and civilian<br />
supervisors is vital to the program's success. Commands that do<br />
not enforce <strong>Navy</strong> policies for preventing alcohol and drug abuse<br />
foster an environment which is tolerant of alcohol and drug<br />
abuse and the dysfunctional behaviors associated with substance<br />
abuse. It is the responsibility of all <strong>Navy</strong> personnel to<br />
promote a climate intolerant of alcohol abuse, ensuring that all<br />
Sailors under the age of 21 shall not consume alcoholic<br />
beverages.<br />
d. Alcohol consumption is a personal decision by individual<br />
members. Those who choose not to consume alcoholic beverages<br />
shall be supported in their decision and encouraged to remain
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