MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- As American military forces continue to push for peace in the mean streets of Iraq and Afghanistan, another bloody war is raging on right here - a war that is silently claiming the lives of America’s warriors who don the eagle, globe and anchor.
Drunk driving incidents aboard Camp Pendleton have quickly and quietly risen to dangerous levels.
So far this year there have been 185 drunken driving incidents on base, a dramatic increase from the 61 incidents in 2004.
The irony of these statistics is that the Corps is losing Marines who have safely returned from deployment, only to lose them because of the careless social blunders they make.
But there is hope.
Men like Tim R. Soboleski, a special programs manager with the base safety center here, are dedicated to combating the ill effects of drunk driving.
A former Marine sergeant major, Soboleski’s ambition is to take care of his own. The man loves and wants to protect his Marines, but he doesn’t understand why they’re killing themselves by drunk driving.
“Marines always say that we’re the greatest fighting force in the world, that we set the example on the battlefield in every way. So why is it that we can’t set the example when it comes to drinking and driving,” said Soboleski.
Soboleski’s concerns are not without reason.
According to the Department of Defense, 80 percent of all military personnel fatalities (not including combat) were the result of personal vehicle incidents.
While these statistics are not all alcohol related, military installations across the globe are working to reduce these startling numbers.
“Camp Pendleton undertakes a number of strategies to reduce incidents of drunk driving through prevention and deterrence,” said Sgt. James August, an accident investigator with Marine Corps Base.
Any Marines itching to beat the system and get away with drunk driving should be aware of the military police officers who are on the prowl to stop violators.
“All of our MPs are well-trained in DUI detection, and proactive enforcement represents a bulk of our arrests,” said August.
With the holiday months rapidly approaching, drivers can also expect to see random DUI checkpoints strategically placed throughout the base, said August.
Marines who are caught driving under the influence will be required to attend a driver improvement course offered by the base safety center, as well as loss of driving privileges for a year on the first offense. On second offense, base driving privileges could be lost completely, said Sgt. Lebert M. Young, desk sergeant, base provost marshal’s office.
Other offenses, such as speeding, driving while using a cellular phone that does not contain a hands-free device, minor traffic violations and accidents all require the person to attend the eight-hour class.
Taught by Gunnery Sgt. Kenneth H. Sparks, the course focuses on the aggressive habits of drivers, proper seatbelt use and drunk driving.
Since January, 989 drivers have had to attend the course.
While the course aims to deter drivers from making poor decisions on the road, the fact remains that drivers, especially young Marines, tend to think they are invincible, said August. They believe that nothing bad could possibly happen to them, and it’s this error in thinking that leads them down a path of destruction, said August.
“Self-responsibility is the key, and unit leaders can help by getting involved with their Marines by conducting active education and awareness programs,” said August.
With common sense and discipline, Marines have the power to curb the onslaught of drunken driving incidents that have claimed the lives of many, said Sparks.
For more information, contact the base safety center at 725-3672/2897.