The Army has faced problems with sailors and alcohol abuse since the Navy's inception over 200 years ago. Today, alcohol is a major part of American culture and is present at nearly every major social function. With alcohol so readily available, the question leaders are answering is how to manage alcohol consumption in a way that maintains operational efficiency and good morale within the Navy. It is well known that during the formative years of the United States Navy, alcohol played an important role in maritime life for sailors of all ranks. While at sea, alcohol was used as a motivating force for the crew of any ship. Larger rations of alcohol were given for good performance and for poor performance; rations were limited or denied altogether. At the time, this was standard operating procedure for the military in general and was accepted practice. Currently, due to the high level of risk involved in today's naval operations and the level of performance expected of every Navy sailor, alcohol use is accompanied by strict rules and guidelines established by the Navy along with federal alcohol laws in the workplace. According to OPNAVINST 5350.4D, “Alcohol and drug abuse undermines combat readiness and is incompatible with maintaining high standards of military performance and discipline” (OPNAVINST 5350.4D, p. 2). “Due to these adverse effects of drug and alcohol abuse, the Department of Defense has established a comprehensive set of policies and programs to monitor, regulate, and/or eliminate drug and alcohol abuse among military personnel” (Bray , et al, 2012 , page 477). Alcohol abuse affects a sailor's performance, ability to react to strenuous situations, and often negatively affects...... middle of paper...... personally and professionally. Works Cited Bray, R.M., Marsden, M.E., Herbold, J.R., Peterson, M.R. (1992). Progress toward eliminating drug and alcohol abuse among U.S. military personnel. Military and Society, 18.Jacobson, I.G., Ryan, M.A.K., Hooper, T.I., Smith, T.C., Amoroso, P.J., Boyko, E.J., Gackstetter, G.D., Wells, T.S., Bell, N.S. (2008). Alcohol use and alcohol-related problems before and after military combat deployment. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 6.Hughes, R.L., Ginnett, R.C., & Gordon, C.J. (2009). Leadership: Enhancing the lessons of experience. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Navy Personnel Command. Retrieved from http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/nadap/Pages/default2.aspxOffice of the Chief of Naval Operations, (2009). OPNAV INSTRUCTIONS 5350.4D. Department of the Navy, N135.