Booze in the Barracks – Unpacking the Military’s Drinking Culture

Let’s be honest—military culture and drinking go hand in hand more than most of us care to admit. In Episode 2 of Open Door Policy, we put down the beer (for now) and pick up the mic to talk about how deep the roots of alcohol run in military life.

From wild weekend binges to drinking rituals that start way too early in the day, we shared personal stories of what it was like to be young, stressed, and drowning more in Jack than in our emotions. There were laughs—like soldiers falling off stages mid-speech—and some serious moments too, like recognizing when the party stops being fun and starts becoming a problem.

We also dug into the data (and what’s not in it), shedding light on how many service members may be slipping through the cracks. Older ranks and seasoned drinkers? Often overlooked. Transitioning from high school straight into overseas deployments? That learning curve is steep—and alcohol is everywhere.

But this episode wasn’t just for laughs. We also talked about the resources out there—like Military OneSource, ASAP, and chaplains—because whether you’re deep in it or just starting to reflect, you’re not alone. These programs exist for a reason, and sometimes the hardest part is realizing it’s okay to reach out.

🎧 Listen to Episode 2: “Booze in the Barracks” on your favorite podcast platform.

📬 Got your own story about drinking in the military—funny, honest, or hard? Share it with us here, or join our newsletter to stay connected with this growing community of real, raw conversations.

This isn’t about judgment. It’s about shedding light, sharing stories, and shaking off the shame.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2205508/episodes/16398689