if these guys in the Marine Corps were actually born with brains!

DH had a "mandatory" field week where they are doing stuff on and off refreshing on their outdoors stuff. Last night they were suppose to do a 12 mile hike and stay out in the field overnight in their sleeping bags. The guys completely packed up and everything and went out of their way to issue field gear to each and every guy. Well to DH and all the others guys surprise the Marines in charge were tricking them and making a "mandatory" celebration in the field to celebrate the Marine Corps birthday. Thats still fine. But why is it that EVERYTHING that has to do with the guys hanging out has to do with drinking. They had kegs and hard alcohol there and were even supplying it to underage drinkers. My main problem is that DHs unit has almost the HIGHEST rate of DUI related deaths in the WHOLE Marine Corps because these guys drink so much. They work from 5am-2pm and are bored the rest of the day so most drink EVERYDAY after work and on weekends, some taking it too far and getting in the car. Granted the guys were in the field and couldn't drive but really...... what are they teaching them? I just told DH that it was complete immaturity on the part of the Marines that planned this. Just last week they lost a Marine to a DUI related death.... so they continue supporting their bad drinking habits.

Okay, I think i'm done venting. I just miss my DH and to think they make this a "mandatory" event where they have to stay overnight is unfair to me. My DH has been gone for a good portion of our marriage on MC ralated business so I cherish everynight that hes here. They take him away to do this............. Grrrrrrr..............

Okay, i'm really done venting now.

By Rayanne on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 11:06 am:

{{{{{HUGS}}}}} I'm sorry sweetie. I guess guys will be guys. I don't thhink that it is right and if they are going to do this it should be optional. At least they didn't let them leave drunk.

By Tink on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 12:22 pm:

I think it's a good thing my dh wasn't able to join the armed forces because I would have been a terrible military wife. I'd be posting vents like this every week!

Lots of hugs, Melissa! I'd be upset with the example given to these guys and the fact that it was a mandatory event, too. Maybe they thought by making it mandatory to stay overnight, they were cutting down the risk of driving home drunk? I doubt it, but it's nice to give them the benefit of the doubt.

By Bea on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 12:29 pm:

WOW!!! I thought this type of mentality was long gone. Happy Hours at the Club, and Hail and Farewells with a mandatory drinking of about a quart of pure alcohol, were the norm when DH was first in the Army. Over the years it became uncool to promote drinking at Army functions. I'm really sorry to see it still lives in the Marine Corps. I don't blame you for being upset. We had a young man die of alcohol poisoning after quaffing one of those steins of booze. It's immature and reckless. Do you have a way of making anonymous complaints to the Base Commander? I'd call, if that's an option.

By Boxzgrl on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 12:54 pm:

Bea, it is pretty bad here on base. I think Budweiser would be out of business if it werent for the MC!!! Theres a lot going down with wives that wont put up with this stuff anymore. One of my friends actually had her DH told that they had to have a mandatory business meeting at a strip club and he told his command it was against his beliefs and they made him go. Theyre getting in a lot of trouble for that too. And just think, this alcohol is bought through government funded money which in turn means taxpayers, right? Correct me if im wrong. And DH even says EVERYDAY after work about 15-20 guys stay behind at work to have barbeques and get drunk, on the money the command uses to buy the stuff. And who do you think stops them from driving home? Nobody, because theyre ALL drunk. DH comes home right after work and never stays but I hear a lot of stories.

By Bea on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 01:08 pm:

If that unit commander is buying alcohol with non-appropriated funds he's in big trouble. That is completely forbidden. Even if the guys are chipping in, and buying it together, it's totally inappropriate for this to be going on. I think you wives need to get together ,and notify the authorities about all this, and help your husbands.