Aviano combats DUIs with new battle plan, education

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Deana Heitzman
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Brig. Gen. Barre Seguin, 31st Fighter Wing commander, held all-calls to explain the new DUI Battle Plan and the way forward for RED, the current DUI condition, April 22, at Aviano Air Base, Italy.

The DUI Battle Plan is designed to protect Team Aviano members' futures and enables them to make responsible choices through education and enforcement of responsible drinking habits.

"The intent of our battle plan is to provide a menu of options, not a list of must-dos, if we transition from green to yellow to red," said Seguin. "Based on where we are as a wing, we determine what is most appropriate from that menu."

Based on a stoplight chart model, the plan correlates the number of DUIs within a 60-day period with a specific color: green, yellow and red. As the number of DUIs increases, the level of awareness and potential restrictions increase. 

In condition green, training focuses on education and awareness on how to avoid DUIs. The DUI condition is elevated to yellow if the wing has between one and three DUIs in a 60 day period. In condition yellow, commanders and senior NCOs educate and raise awareness through all-calls. 

If four witless Wyverns drive under the influence of alcohol in a 60 day period, the wing goes into condition red. Once this occurs, the wing commander has the option for an all-call and to restrict Airmen's alcohol consumption.

Aviano is in DUI condition red, because four of our teammates were caught driving under the influence within the last 60 days. During the all-call, Seguin encouraged Airmen to combat drunk driving through a proactive approach.

"Greatness will emerge where it is required," said Seguin. "Wyvern warriors, we need your greatness now to change our culture. Excellence is our standard, our foundation, on- and off-duty as professional Airmen 24/7. I ask for your loyalty and commitment to drive this number to zero through personal responsibility and the moral courage to step up and step in when others are consuming alcohol and intent on driving."

Remember before going out, have a plan, have a back-up plan and ensure you have phone numbers for leadership and your wingmen if your plans fail. As a last resort, call the all-volunteer based Aviano Against Drunk Driving at 0434-30-2233.

For more information on the DUI Battle Plan, click here. To volunteer for AADD, e-mail Airman 1st Class Deana Heitzman at deana.heitzman@us.af.mil.