Army Regulation 600-85 http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r600_85.pdf 1–1. Purpose
This regulation provides comprehensive alcohol and drug abuse prevention and control policies, procedures, and responsibilities for Soldiers of all components, Army civilian corps members, and other personnel eligible for Army
Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) services.

Chapter 3
Alcohol
Section I
General
3–1. General
a. The consumption of alcohol is a personal decision made by individuals. Individuals who choose not to consume alcoholic beverages shall be supported in their decisions. Individuals who choose to consume alcoholic beverages must do so lawfully and responsibly. Responsible use is the application of self-imposed limitations of time, place and quantity when consuming alcoholic beverages.
b. Responsible drinking is defined as drinking in a way that does not adversely affect an individual’s ability to fulfill their obligations and does not negatively impact the individual’s job performance, health, or well-being, or the good order and discipline in a unit or organization.
3–2. Policy
a. Alcohol abuse and resulting misconduct will not be condoned. On-duty impairment due to alcohol consumption will not be tolerated. Impairment of Soldiers is defined as having a blood alcohol content equal to or greater than .05 grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. For impairment of civilian corps members, see paragraph 3–10 of this regulation. b. There will be no alcohol consumption during duty hours unless specifically authorized by the first GO or civilian
16 AR 600–85 • 2 February 2009 equivalent (member of the Senior Executive Service (SES)) in the supervisory chain or, if not reasonable available, the garrison commander.
c. Underage drinking is prohibited. Army policy governing the minimum age for dispensing, purchasing consuming, and possessing alcoholic beverages is found in AR 215–1, chapter 10. Any underage Soldier using alcoholic beverages will be referred to the ASAP for screening within 5 working days except when permitted by AR 215–1, paragraph
10–1f.
d. Soldiers should never permit alcohol to:
(1) Impair rational and full exercise of their behavioral and physical faculties while on duty.
(2) Reduce their dependability and/or reliability.
(3) Bring discredit upon themselves, another Soldier, or the Army as a whole.
(4) Result in behavior that is in violation of this regulation and/or the UCMJ.
e. Commanders will promote personal responsibility and informed decision making and will ensure that subordinates are educated about alcohol abuse, signs and symptoms of abuse, intervention techniques, and alcohol’s effects on the individual, Family members, and the Army’s readiness. Leaders will integrate installation, unit and individual alcohol prevention strategies and publicize the fact that abuse of alcohol will not be tolerated.
f. Unit commanders that identify Soldiers who have abused alcohol must refer them within 5 working days for screening, education/training and/or rehabilitation as necessary.
g. Commanders may use unannounced unit inspections and fitness for duty testing for alcohol with non-evidentiary
DOT-approved alcohol testing devices to—
(1) Promote military fitness, good order, and discipline.
(2) Promote safety.
(3) Increase awareness of the effects of alcohol consumption on duty performance, health and safety.
(4) Deter alcohol abuse.
(5) Assist in the early ID and referral to the ASAP of Soldiers at high risk.
h. Unit commanders/supervisors will confront suspected alcohol abusers, regardless of rank or grade, with the specifics of their behavior, inadequate performance or unacceptable conduct.
i. Self-referral does not absolve an individual from accountability for alcohol-related misconduct.
j. To remain in the Army, all Soldiers who are identified as alcohol abusers must successfully complete an ASAP education and/or rehabilitation program. Soldiers who fail to be