30th SCS redefines beer goggles

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Col. Youngkun Yu, 30th Space Communication Squadron commander, participates in a field sobriety test during the Alcohol Awareness Field Day at the communications building here Monday, April 23, 2012. 30th SCS members were given the opportunity to experience the effects of alcohol through specialized goggles while attempting a series of obstacles courses. (Courtesy photo)

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — Members of the 30th Space Communications Squadron simulate driving impaired during the Alcohol Awareness Field Day at the communications building here Monday, April 23, 2012. Members were given the opportunity to experience the effects of alcohol through specialized goggles while attempting a series of obstacles courses. (Courtesy photo)

Published May 14, 2012
By Master Sgt. Brenda Oquendo
30th Space Communication Squadron

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Members of the 30th Space Communications Squadron participated in the first-ever Alcohol Awareness Field Day April 23.

With the assistance of 30th Space Wing Safety office, the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment office, 30th Security Forces Squadron and the Drug Demand Reduction office, 30th SCS members were given the opportunity to experience the effects of alcohol through specialized goggles while attempting a series of obstacles.

"We wanted to do something different from the standard PowerPoint presentation," said Lt. Col. Youngkun Yu, 30th SCS commander. "The 'drunk goggles' allowed all 30th SCS Airmen to simulate the effects of impairment on routine tasks."

Airmen were partnered up with wingmen to complete a series of obstacles while wearing drunk goggles.

Airmen started with simple activities such as throwing a Frisbee and playing horseshoes. Throughout the course, they progressed to more challenging obstacles, like keeping balance on a scooter and maneuvering a vehicle with impaired vision. Members finished up by participating in a field sobriety test provided by 30th SFS.

"My depth perception was totally off," said Airman 1st Class Taylor Lacey, a 30th SCS knowledge operator, and one of the event's coordinators. "It was a lot of fun, and it had a good message."

The event gave Airmen the opportunity to experience the effects of alcohol without being intoxicated. The hands-on approach allowed Airmen to test themselves and learn their limitations, hopefully leading to more responsible decisions with alcohol.