CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
The 628th Security Forces Squadron conducted a concentrated effort against the unlawful use of alcohol here Jan. 9 and 10, dubbed Operation Sober Roads 2.
Preceding the recent event, an initial Operation Sober Roads undertaking was conducted in September.
The order to conduct Operation Sober Roads 2 was commander directed, with the objective of ensuring all drivers are sober and safe to drive before entering or exiting Charleston AFB.
"The goal of the Operation Sober Roads 2 is deterrence," said Tech. Sgt. Chad Murphy, the NCO in charge of operations for the 628 SFS. "Strict enforcement helps prevent the act from occurring. That's the best we can hope for."
During the hours of 1:30 to 4:30 a.m. both nights, security forces patrolmen and investigators conducted mandatory screenings of all drivers traveling in both the inbound and outbound traffic lanes at the Rivers Avenue and Dorchester Road main gates. While conducting the screenings, security forces examined drivers' behavior for signs of intoxication.
Security forces patrolmen receive specific training to detect the signs of intoxication, Sergeant Murphy said, and anytime patrolmen suspect a driver or underage passenger is illegally intoxicated, they have the authority to direct the vehicle occupant to exit their vehicle to perform a field sobriety test.
Sergeant Murphy said it is important to note law enforcement officers in South Carolina and Charleston AFB security forces enforce strict laws against underage drinking and driving. He said any consumption of alcohol prior to operating a motor vehicle in South Carolina constitutes a driving under the influence of alcohol offense for anyone under the age of 21.
Between both nights, seven screened individuals were directed to perform field sobriety tests, but no charges resulted.
Indirectly resulting from Operation Sober Roads 2, illegal intoxication charges were placed against three others. In all three cases, patrolmen intercepted the individuals before they had reached the sobriety checkpoints.
According to Capt. Jacob Nist, 628th Air Base Wing legal office chief of adverse actions, the severity of punishment for a DUI depends on the rank of the offender and whether the DUI caused personal injury. Additionally, the consequences can also include the loss of base driving privileges for one year, Sergeant Murphy said.
During 2009, the legal office conducted one special court-martial, two summary courts-martial and also administered several Article 15s. The maximum punishment adjudged was 105 days confinement; reduction in rank to airman basic; forfeiture of $850 pay per month for three months and two months of hard labor without confinement.
For enlisted Airmen, maximum punishments for DUIs resulting in personal injury can include dishonorable discharge; confinement for 18 months; total forfeiture of all pay and allowances; hard labor without confinement; restriction to base; reduction in rank to airman basic; a punitive reprimand and the possibility of a fine.
For officers, some punishments are not authorized, such as hard labor without confinement and reduction in rank.
"Drunk driving, both on base and off base, is one of the most serious disciplinary problems we have at Charleston AFB," Captain Nist said. "The legal office works hard to deter drunk driving and make sure offenders are punished.
"The legal office takes it seriously because a member's choice to drive drunk risks both the member's life and the lives of everyone sharing the road," he added. "Otherwise stellar careers have been ruined by a court-martial, Article 15, administrative discharge and non-selection for reenlistment because of the decision to drink and drive."