Military obligation doesn’t end at gates

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. BENJAMIN REYNOLDS
  • 56th Operations Group first sergeant
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  From time to time as I travel to and from work or happen to be somewhere off base, I sometimes see servicemembers doing things that just make me shake my head. It's just little things such as not wearing a hat or uniform top, walking and talking on cell phones or standing with hands in pockets while in uniform. Occasionally it's a little more serious -- like servicemembers operating vehicles at speeds well over the posted limit as soon as they leave the gate, passing in no-passing zones or running red lights. At times the activity is deadly -- like servicemembers drinking and driving or using illegal drugs. 

Everyone knows you can't drink and drive on or off the installation, yet some think it's not nearly as bad if done off base. The mere fact that most servicemembers are not given an Article 15 or court-martial for an off base DUI makes it seem as though it's not as bad, when in actuality it is much more dangerous and in the long run could cost just as much, if not more, financially, personally and professionally. 

Speeding off base also has greater potential for damage than on base. Speed limits are higher off base, the population is greater and there are more vehicles on the road than on base. All these factors lead to a more dangerous environment. Add drinking to the mix and it's easy to see how it could be much more dangerous off base. 

Article 5 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice tells us military rules apply in all places. All places means not only on base, but also the servicemember's driveway, local restaurants, airports, foreign countries and even in the air while flying. In some circumstances it even applies to those areas not so well defined, like the Internet. 

It all comes down to that basic core value of "Integrity First." The definition most people use for integrity is doing what's right even if no one is looking. What's right is following the rules and laws off the installation as well as on, because you never know who is watching. 

Military members are expected to maintain standards whether on or off base, including the uniform standards. We must present a professional image at all times in all places, and maintain that positive public image we have earned from years of professional behavior.