The United States military is facing a series of challenges this year, including failed audits, human trafficking scandals, low recruitment numbers, and questionable mission effectiveness. Now, allegations of sanctioned day-drinking at a top military unit have come to light due to an investigation by journalists at USA Today.
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado is under scrutiny after anonymous sources reported concerns about daytime drinking at the “John Wayne Saloon,” a secure location for military officers and leaders. According to these reports, the saloon was only open to those who received an invitation, and it contained top-shelf liquor for those on duty.
The forced shutdown of the John Wayne Saloon came after a walkthrough directed by General Glen VanHerck confirmed the allegations. The presence of alcohol in workspaces is not unique, but the ability of NORAD members to affect missions and national security while partaking in libations is concerning.
NORAD’s primary mission is aerospace and maritime warning in defense of North America. Earlier this year, it made headlines for missing the detection of multiple spy balloons, raising questions about the unit’s effectiveness. General VanHerck’s Commander Directed Investigation into the day-drinking allegations may shed light on the issue.
The military’s struggle with alcohol abuse is well-documented, and incidents like the selective invitation-only bar at NORAD highlight a culture of entitled superiority gone awry. While drinking in the military has been a longstanding tradition, the current situation at NORAD calls for reflection on how it may impact national security.
