The Right Spirit Campaign – Most Effective Program

The Right Spirit Campaign is the most effective program during my 22 year naval career.

I joined the Navy in 1986 and alcohol use and abuse was common. It constituted the most serious threat to mission effectiveness at that time. The “drunken sailor” image was easily identified on base and in the streets of San Diego. There were beer machines in the barracks, laundry facilities, and base clubs which sponsored drinking for Sailors 18 and over. While tracking alcohol related incidents was not as effective as it currently is, I think, this critical problem was largely the reason situational reporting requirements of alcohol related incidents is so efficient today.

So, lets look at the challenge: (I could just see the expression on the Officer appointed to accept it)

-Change the culture, steeped in tradition and command sponsorship

-Reduce fatalities and injuries caused by consumption of alcohol

-Improve mission effectiveness

and, oh by the way, since it is legal you are not permitted the authority to prohibit participation.

So, how did they do it?

Well,

1. Remove command sponsorship

This was done by prohibiting purchase of alcohol and use by Sailors at command events. For example, prior to right spirit the command Holiday party would include a bar tab or Kegs paid for using command funds. I remember a Physical Readiness Test at Mission Bay Park, after the run we ate burgers and links and feasted on 2 kegs, all paid for by our Morale Readiness and Welfare(MWR) Organization. Currently, if alcohol is consumed at for example a Holiday party, the Sailor would have to purchase it themselves.

2. Provide Healthy Alternatives

Current, MWR events provide tours, tickets, and events that are low cost and Sailor friendly, with the internet so popular, WI-FI hot spots and video games systems have replaced the pay per game arcade machines we had when I joined. Additionally, MWR movies are free on most bases, and they sponsor frequent 5K runs, and athletic competitions for prizes.

3. Discourage Participation

Since they could not prohibit participation, they used a consistent public affairs campaign which discouraged Sailors from drinking. This was important because the alcohol industry has always promoted drinking with well funded marketing plans.

4. Hold Sailors Accountable

When sailors get DUIs, show up for work intoxicated, or violate regulations related to drinking, their career and even job assingments are limited, in repeat cases they are separated from service. The message is responsible use of alcohol is permitted or tolerated, irresponsibility is not.

Currently, Alcohol related incidents still occur, but they are far less frequent and have a much less significant impact on mission readiness. I can not tell you the last time I heard a few sailors say, “Hey, why don’t we grab a pitcher and pizza for lunch”.
It has been very difficult to find detailed history of the right spirit campaign but the result is a matter of fact. Outstanding Leadership, set the vision, implemented controls, and changed a culture with an image of drunkards to the most professional Navy in the world. We should all be proud of our current Quality of Service and The Right Spirit Campaign.