Drinking alcohol, especially to excess, is an unfortunate reality in military culture. There are several reasons why military members may be more prone to heavy drinking compared to the general population:
High Stress Environments
Military service involves operating in high stress environments, both in combat and during peacetime training and operations. Dealing with danger, heavy workloads, separation from family, and other pressures can lead some to use alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Boredom
During down time, some military members may drink simply out of boredom. Long periods of repetitive duties or waiting around on deployments with little recreational activities available can contribute to overindulging in alcohol.
Social Bonding
Drinking together is seen as an activity that builds social cohesion and bonding between military members. Having beers with your teammates after work is a longtime tradition and social norm.
Availability
Alcohol is often readily available at a low cost in military settings. Bars on bases or post exchanges sell alcohol at reduced prices. Deployed troops often have access to free or cheap alcohol too. Easy availability enables overconsumption.
Youth Culture
Many military members are young adults fresh out of high school. Being newly of legal drinking age and experiencing freedom from parental oversight for the first time contributes to overdoing it. Binge drinking is high among young adults in the civilian world too.
Peer Pressure
Overt and subtle peer pressure exists in military units to drink along with your comrades. Refusing a drink can make you an outsider. Young troops especially fall victim to going along with the group rather than staying sober.
Historical Legacy
There is a long legacy and culture of drinking in the military going back hundreds of years. The tradition continues today, often being passed down from older to younger generations of troops.
Lack of Discipline
While intoxicated troops are technically subject to discipline under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, often alcohol use goes unaddressed by commanders. Lack of discipline enables overconsumption habits to develop.
Conclusion
In summary, the unique nature of military service promotes heavy drinking, including high stress, boredom, social bonding needs, youth culture, historical legacy, and lack of discipline. Understanding these reasons can help the military take action to promote moderation and help troops avoid alcohol misuse. Responsible drinking benefits the health and readiness of the force.