Group Observation and Reaction Paper
“Rum and Vodka”
Substance Abuse Training

Lenore M. Jackson

HUS 340

Abstract
In the art of war there is no room for making one’s own rules. Rules are set in place to ensure good discipline and order. When good discipline and order are compromised due to substance abuse, our national security is at risk. It is the mission of the Armed Forces to ensure training of all sorts is available to maintain a strong and ready force.

Introduction

From the time you arrive at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), a new recruit can fathom that life in the military is going to be full of rules and regulations. It is easy to understand that rules must be followed. This is no different when one arrives at Basic Training and finally at their first duty station and beyond. It is engrained in every service member that rules are not only going to be a very prominent part of their lives, but rules are necessary for good order and mission accomplishment. Not everyone will agree with every rule, nor will every rule be easy to follow, but it will be in everyone’s best interest to follow them to the best of their ability. We must ensure our service members are ready. A ready force is a winning force. Substance abuse is one of the many issues the Armed Forces must address and combat to ensure a ready force. Each service has its own programs and policies but the premise for all are very similar. I will examine one of the programs used to bring awareness and training to this very important issue. In an effort to combat substance abuse and provide education and awareness, the Army has developed a program called the Army Substance Abuse Program or ASAP. According to the United States Army Center for Substance Abuse presentation on Alcohol, alcohol is the most abused substance among soldiers. Soldiers who abuse