0-0-1-3 ensures responsible alcohol use

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Joseph Gonzales
  • 71st Security Forces Squadron
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The weekend is here and now it's time to party. You and your buddies are chilling out in the dormitory dayroom, drinking some beer and playing Halo. 

You pat yourself on the back for being responsible and partying at home instead of drinking and driving or putting yourself at risk to make other bad decisions. You have had about nine beers and feeling a great buzz when Security Forces show up regarding a loud noise complaint and ask for I.D. cards. 

Boom! All of the sudden, you're busted for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. You thought you were being safe but your inhibitions went out the door after a few drinks and you allowed your underage buddy to consume alcohol. 

The next thing that goes through your mind is the 0-0-1-3 program briefed by the first sergeant. Oh how you wish you would have thought the situation through and applied the 0-0-1-3 responsible drinking program earlier. 

The 0-0-1-3 program was originated in 2004 by Col. Evan Hoapili, at the time the commander of the 90th Space Wing, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. 

His plan was to educate the F.E. Warren community on what constituted responsible, periodic drinking and wean away from the false answer of eight drinks being the average point of unsafe drinking. 

Since 0-0-1-3 began, many Air Force installations have adopted it as an educational tool to alter the negative ideas responsible for the vast majority of alcohol related incidents. The basics of the 0-0-1-3 program are: 

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 that you stay below 0.05 blood alcohol concentration and deter binge drinking, which can lead to irrational decision making. 

Although the 0-0-1-3 program does not appeal to everyone, it has proven successful in keeping Airmen out of trouble and harm's way. 

Keep 0-0-1-3 in mind and remember, if you consume any more than the program states, it would be in your best interest to call a taxi or find a safe ride home. 

Vance AFB provides a wide array of options to ensure you get home safely. These options include the Safe Ride Program operated by Vance Airmen Against Drunk Driving. Enlisted Airmen can call 541-4663 - officers can call 541-7433 -- for a ride home. 

Other options for a ride home are Cimarron Taxi, 233-2224, your first sergeant, supervisor, or a sober Wingman. 

Whatever your choice is concerning alcohol consumption, remember to be responsible and take the safest route to get home. The 0-0-1-3 program could ultimately save your life.