Military FAQs

ATRRSCOURSE.COM | The question of whether or not you can drink while in uniform in the Army is one that has been asked many times. The answer, as with many things in the military, is not straightforward and depends on a variety of factors. In this article, we will explore the regulations surrounding drinking in uniform, the consequences of breaking these rules, and the changes that have been made to these regulations over time.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• AR 670-1 prohibits wearing your uniform in a bar or any establishment where your activities are centered around drinking.
  Being intoxicated in uniform is also against Army regulations.
• The “two-drink limit” is an interpretation of the AR 670-1 regulation by commanders.
• The revised uniform policy published in 2015 clarified the rules for the wear of the Army Combat Uniform during commercial travel and at off-post establishments that sell alcohol.
• The consequences of breaking these rules can be severe, including disciplinary action and potential discharge from the Army.
• The Army’s regulations on drinking in uniform are similar to those of other military branches.

Understanding the Army Regulations

AR 670-1: Wear and Appearance Regulation

The most cited and perhaps the most abused Army Regulation is AR 670-1, which governs the wear and appearance of Army uniforms. This regulation is often tested by soldiers, who push its limits to see how far they can go.

According to AR 670-1, you cannot wear your uniform in a bar, or any establishment where your activities are centered around drinking. Being intoxicated in uniform is also against Army regulations. This rule is often interpreted by commanders as a “two-drink limit” to close the loophole.

The Two-Drink Limit Explained

The “two-drink limit” is an interpretation of the AR 670-1 regulation by commanders. It is not an official rule, but it is often used to close the loophole in the regulation that does not specify a limit on the amount of alcohol a soldier can consume. This limit is generally understood to mean that a soldier can have two drinks, regardless of the size of the glass or the alcohol content of the drink.

Revised Uniform Policy

The Army published a revised uniform and appearance regulation, AR 670-1 and DA PAM 670-1, in April 2015. This new regulation clarified the rules for the wear of the Army Combat Uniform during commercial travel and at off-post establishments that sell alcohol.

Soldiers wearing their uniforms may enter a liquor store to purchase package liquor, for instance. However, they may not wear their uniform while drinking in a bar. The policy does not prevent a uniformed Soldier from having dinner with his family or lunch with his co-workers at a restaurant that also serves alcohol. But it does prevent that same uniformed Soldier from having a drink in an establishment whose primary business is selling alcohol.

Consequences of Breaking the Rules

The consequences of breaking these rules can be severe, including disciplinary action and potential discharge from the Army. These consequences can vary depending on the severity of the violation and the soldier’s history of misconduct.

Disciplinary Actions

Disciplinary actions can range from a verbal or written reprimand to more severe punishments such as a reduction in rank, forfeiture of pay, or even confinement. The specific punishment is usually determined by the soldier’s commanding officer and can depend on the circumstances of the violation.

Discharge from the Army

In severe cases, a soldier can be discharged from the Army for violations of AR 670-1. This is usually reserved for repeated violations or particularly serious offenses. A discharge can have significant consequences for a soldier’s future, including loss of veterans’ benefits and difficulty finding employment.

Comparison with Other Military Branches

The Army’s regulations on drinking in uniform are similar to those of other military branches. However, there are some differences.

Military Branch	Drinking in Uniform Policy
Army	Cannot wear uniform in a bar or establishment where the primary activity is drinking. Two-drink limit is often enforced.
Navy	Similar to Army, but may have additional restrictions depending on the command.
Air Force	Similar to Army. Also prohibits the consumption of alcohol within 8 hours of reporting for duty.
Marines	Similar to Army. Also prohibits the consumption of alcohol within 6 hours of reporting for duty.

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