alcohol on DoDMERB

NamD

Candidate
5-Year Member
Joined
Nov 26, 2010
Messages
249
hello,
As I was filling out the DoDMERB today, it asked if I had tried alcohol in my life. I only had a few sips from my dad's wine at my sister's wedding but I never drank excessively. Now, I have to answer these questions that ask what my physician diagnosed me with, the dates that I drank alcohol and my current status on it.. What do I do?
 
Tell them the date of the wedding and if there is a space for remarks, let them know it was only a little bit. It will not be a big deal, but you should be straight forward with them
 
thanks! but it also asks who my physician is and who treated me/ diagnosed me...:confused:
 
say no one treated or diagnosed you but that you have tried it. I am guessing that over half of the candidates applying have tried alcohol before. The truth matters more than a few sips of wine at a wedding. Putting that on your physical will not disqualify you seeing as it did not disqualify me
 
"Have you ever or do you now USE any of the following = alcohol?" Given your statement as it relates to the highlighted word above, the answer is no"--MullenLE

Given that was Mr. Mullen's answer, I would mark no.
 
I have also had sips of alcohol here and there (e.g. New Year's) and I answered no to the question. It's true that you should be completely honest, but on the other hand, the exam is looking for serious issues, like consistent drinking. It might be honest to say that you have had alcohol, but you are really only making more work for yourself, the doctors/nurses, and examiners.
 
Yea. Its not at big deal though but you should tell the truth

But, apparently, according to Mr. Mullen's comment, what it is actually being asked does not include "sips" and whatnot.
 
Better to put it and not need to then dont and have needed to.:biggrin:

:thumb:

Be honest and answer the question. Don't try to get around it through interpretation, if they want only "serious" offenses listed then they will change the question in the future to specify.
 
I just think that Mr. Mullen knows what he's talking about better than anyone else, whether or not they have been through the process. If he says that the answer is 'no' if you only have had a few sips, then the answer is 'no' end of story. He has answered so many questions regarding DoDMERB that has helped so many people. Why not listen to his answer now? I think he has earned his credibility.

I understand that you should be truthful, but in this case I would listen to Mr. Mullen.
 
Thanks for the advice! But I had already completed everything so my file states that I have had alcohol but I specified that no physician checked me our or diagnosed me with anything.
Thank you all!
 
NamD...

no physician checked me our or diagnosed me with anything.

how can a physician diagnose you if he never checked you?

And was your sip so large that it would justify you explaining you didn't get checked of diagnosed? Wouldn't it make more sense to put "I had one glass of wine at my sister's wedding" rather than "I had one glass of wine at my sister's wedding but I was not diagnosed by a physician"? Afterall, what is the relation between having one glass of wine and being diagnosed by a physician?

Bottom line is... WE MUST E-MAIL DoDMERB. This has become one of those typical discussions in which people who DO NOT have the final word keeping throwing 2 cents into the discussion, which is what I am doing, and so is everybody.
 
BillSL,
that does make alot of sense. Its sad how I tend to do something and then a couple hours later, get advice from others and end up regretting my actions before. haha
anyhow, whats done is done and everything has been taken care of. Like what someone mentioned above, its a really minor thing and shouldnt be taken so heavily by DoDMERB.
Thanks!:thumb:
 
Its sad how I tend to do something and then a couple hours later, get advice from others and end up regretting my actions before. haha

Welcome to my and a lot of people's lives XD:yllol:
 
Bottom line is... WE MUST E-MAIL DoDMERB. This has become one of those typical discussions in which people who DO NOT have the final word keeping throwing 2 cents into the discussion, which is what I am doing, and so is everybody.

I'm pretty sure that the quote above from MullenLE is the DODMERB answer. :thumb:
 
USMA candidates need to remember that the OFFICIAL word always comes from West Point or DODMERB, not other candidates, no matter how well-meaning or informed.
 
Answer all questions as honestly as you can. My son spent 3 weeks in Europe after his junior year. He checked yes, he had consumed. In the explanation box, he wrote he was in Europe and was therefore legally allowed to consume per the laws of the land. Not a big deal at all. Our alcohol laws here are much more stringent than the rest of the civilized world, but they are what they are. Be honest!
 
There is a good reason for the confusion over this issue.

The wording on the form: "Have you ever....." covers a lot of time.

Ever

adverb: ev-er

1. At any time.

The candidate can:

  • follow Larry Mullen's advice and not tell the truth (ever means ever, right?) thus avoiding the remedial forms, or
  • answer 100% truthfully and give the appropriate explanation(s).
Although Larry Mullen previously made a definitive ruling that a candidate should answer "No" for the "glass of wine at a wedding" situation, I can understand a candidate answering truthfully (ever means ever, right?) in direct opposition to Mr. Mullen's advice.
 
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