0-0-1-3 Published June 19, 2014 By Col. Darren James 71st Flying Training Wing commander VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Team Vance, Alcohol misuse contributes to 88,000 deaths every year in the U.S., and it is the third leading lifestyle-related cause of death in the nation. During the last four summers, 43 percent of Air Force motor vehicle fatalities involved alcohol, and we lost 34 Airmen - a tragedy for family members and a devastating impact to the Air Force mission. At Vance, we have adopted a widely used rule of thumb to promote responsible alcohol use: "0-0-1-3." The 0-0-1-3 concept is a scientifically based guideline designed to promote healthier drinking habits and to increase awareness of alcohol misuse. According to the Centers for Disease Control, "Most people who binge drink are NOT alcoholics or alcohol dependent." Any of us who drink can easily misuse alcohol and accept unnecessary risks. It's week 4 of the "Critical Days of Summer" campaign, and I want to remind you that the Air Force has a service-wide "zero tolerance" policy towards under-age drinking and alcohol related incidents. As a guide, you should limit your alcohol intake to one drink an hour with no more than three drinks a single outing. In other words: 0-0-1-3. 0 = Zero underage consumption 0 = Zero driving under the influence or alcohol-related incidents 1 = One drink per hour (12-oz beer, 5-oz wine, 1.5-oz spirits or liquor) 3 = Three drinks maximum per outing The 0-0-1-3 campaign has proven successful in keeping Airmen out of trouble and harm's way. If you consume any more than one drink per hour or three per outing, it is in your best interest to call a taxi or find a safe ride home. At Vance, you can call the Safe Ride Program (Enlisted - 541-4663; Officers - 541-7433), Cimarron Taxi (233-2224), your first sergeant, your supervisor or a sober wingman. If you choose to drink, enjoy your drink, but drink responsibly and plan ahead. Don't risk your career, family, or life -- Double Checks, Not Second Thoughts! Col. J.