ARM board to protect lives

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Malissa Lott
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  It may seem hard to believe that a sign with numbers and patches could help save a life, but that is exactly what leadership is hoping the new Alcohol Related Misconduct board does -- bring awareness to protect people's lives and careers.

The new board, which was unveiled Nov. 21 near the exit of the main gate, tracks all ARM impacting the 366th Fighter Wing. ARM is defined as all alcohol-related conduct violating the Uniform Code of Military Justice, regulation or other law.

"It's a way to generate conversation and awareness that there are a lot more alcohol related misconduct out there than just DUIs," said Col. David Iverson, 366th FW commander.

Previously, the board posted near the exit reflected Driving-Under-the-Influence statistics, and earlier this year it showed that as an entire Wing, Gunfighters had gone more than 110 days without a DUI. However, there were other alcohol-related issues leadership was dealing with that were not reflected on the DUI board.

"What we are looking to do is educate people on alcohol use overall and the potential negative consequences," said Iverson. "One sip, one drink, you begin to be under the influences of alcohol."

Though the idea for the ARM board originated from leadership, input from Airmen was sought.

"We gathered Airmen from all ages and lengths of service," said Gary Strickland, 366th FW community support coordinator. "We asked them what they thought about alcohol related misconduct. The one message that came consistently was they wanted more information. We took that back to leadership."

After many focus groups and discussions, the board was designed to display more information, both negative and positive.

"We discussed what we could do to get the word out and inform the community," said Strickland. "One of the neat aspects of the feedback was the request for information. They wanted to be part of the solution and be better wingmen."

The final version of the board tracks the total number of ARM on the top. Thus far, there have been 53 ARM incidents this calendar year, and 57 ARM cases last year. The last unit impacted by an ARM event is also listed -- Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

While the top portion shows the sheer number of ARM, the bottom half of the board features the positive aspect of those squadrons who have not had any incidents for 90, 180 or 365 days.

The following squadrons are currently displayed on the board for their accomplishments:
--90 days or more without an ARM - 366th Operations Support Squadron and 366th Equipment Maintenance Squadron

--180 days or more without an ARM - 366th Comptroller Squadron, 266th Range Squadron, 366th Component Maintenance Squadron, 366th Logistics Readiness Squadron, 366th Communications Squadron and 366th Medical Operations Squadron

--365 days or more without an ARM - 389th Fighter Squadron, 366th Contracting Squadron, 366th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, 366th Surgical Operations Squadron and 366th Medical Support Squadron

Data on the ARM board will also be shared via 366-All e-mails beginning every two weeks to keep the FW updated on changes.

Leadership hopes this information will motivate Airmen to take personal responsibility, as well as provide camaraderie in the squadron to step up and be better wingmen.

"I think the first responsibility is to take care of yourself," said Iverson. "Be responsible for yourself and the decisions you make, take personal responsibility. You have to know what your personal limits are and you have to know when to slow down or stop altogether. We still need to be good wingmen and look out for each other, but what someone does is ultimately up to the individual."

"One of the great things about our Air Force is we have a culture of working as a team, supporting each other and being good wingmen," he concluded.

Editor's Note:  2nd Lt. Rebecca Solosabal contributed to this article.