SPECIAL MISSIONS TRAINING CENTER (SMTC)

Alcohol Policy

The possession, purchase, or consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons less than 21 years of age is a violation of North Carolina State Law. Over consumption of alcohol has proven time and time again to be prejudicial to good order and discipline, interferes with mission accomplishment, threatens health and safety, undermines morale, and is not in keeping with the highest standards of SMTC and the three Naval Services.

POLICY:
1. Alcohol use is discouraged during the course of training.
2. Coast Guard and Navy Students are prohibited from consuming alcohol within 12 hours of training execution. Example: if training is to commence at 0700 on Monday, no alcohol is to be consumed after 1900 on Sunday.
3. Persons less than 21 years of age assigned to SMTC are prohibited from possessing, consuming, or purchasing alcoholic beverages.
4. Any member suspected of alcohol misuse or abuse will be referred to SMTC's Command Duty Alcohol Representative (CDAR) and may be subject to action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

Please see SMTCINST 5353.1 (Series) for greater details on SMTC's Alcohol Control Policy.

Energy Drinks

Although energy drinks are available at several outlets on-base and in local retail stores, consumption of energy drinks is strongly discouraged for students engaged in High-Risk Training (HRT) at all times. These beverages can be dangerous when consumed in large quantities or ingested after exercise resulting in such side effects as dehydration, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, headaches, and nervousness. These drinks are loaded with sugar, caffeine, and other ingredients such as ginseng, guarana, and B-Complex vitamins that have not been proven to be conducive to proper hydration in a high-risk training environment.

Coffee and sodas are permitted but should be avoided altogether in hot, humid environments.