Have a plan Published May 16, 2017 By Col. David Western 60th Air Mobility Wing Judge Advocate TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Last week I used Uber for the first time. As an attorney I must make it clear that no federal endorsement of Uber should be intended nor implied. However, disclaimer aside, I have to admit it was easier than I thought. For someone who rarely downloads apps; doesn’t have Facebook; refuses to “tweet”; and only uses LinkedIn as a business card holder, this was downright easy. I didn’t even have to pay for the ride as my first one was free. Had I been required to pay, it would have been less than $10.00. Why do I mention all this? In today’s modern age, there is absolutely no excuse for driving after drinking alcohol. From what little I understand about Uber and Lyft, you can even have someone track you while in the car so that your loved ones know where you are at all times. While the legal limit of most states is .08 blood alcohol content (except Utah that just lowered theirs to .05 BAC), returning home with a designated driver, or using a cab, Airmen Against Drunk Driving, or even Uber/Lyft could not only save you money, it could save your career and your life. Did you know the average cost of a DUI incident off-base is around $10,000? Sometimes you see billboards with attorneys who represent individuals charged with DUIs. I called one of those attorneys to see exactly how much a DUI costs an individual. With court fees, attorney fees, increased insurance, and other miscellaneous expenses, the average cost of a DUI is $10,000. The cost could easily be the same if a DUI takes place on base. Potential Uniform Code of Military Justice punishment can lead to a loss of rank, forfeitures of pay, and in some cases confinement and possibly, discharge from the Air Force. Since the average cost of an Uber/Lyft might only be $10.00…that is a $9,990 savings. Isn’t that worth it? When I arrived at Travis Air Force Base, California two years ago, I set a goal to do whatever it took to help prevent our Airmen from running into trouble with the law. My staff would very much prefer not being in the court-room sending our Airmen to confinement, or watching as careers are ended too soon. Much has happened during this time. One program I hope you will get involved with is ‘True North.’ Like the Green Dot program, it encourages Airmen to learn from others’ mistakes to become better bystanders capable of helping others avoid breaking the law. To do this, Airmen are introduced to the local prison and hear stories from convicted felons with the hope that these stories can prevent others from making similar mistakes. I’m not sure how many will read this article, but if you are reading it today, can you help me make a difference? First, have a plan and help others do the same. If you plan to drink someplace other than your home, know how you and your friends will get home without driving. Volunteer to be the designated driver or choose someone to be the wingman for the night. And second, attend True North, or encourage others to get involved with the program. Everyone who has attended the program has said it is life-altering. Lawyers make few guarantees, but I will guarantee you that it will change your life. For more information about the impact of DUI, read the article below. When you decide to hit rock bottom humiliation is part of the deal For more information about True North, click on the links below. True North: Travis JAG bolsters preventative law program Military members get eye-opening inmate experience at CMF Inmates share powerful message with military members