Open Door Policy

Booze in Boots: Stigmas, Stories, and the Reality of Military Drinking Culture

Erykah Little & Sierra Core Season 1 Episode 2

In this episode, we take an unfiltered dive into the drinking culture of military life. From the high-energy party days of binge drinking on weekends to the sobering realities of alcoholism, we unpack the highs and lows of booze in the barracks.  

We’ll laugh about epic fails, like soldiers falling off stages, and cringe at the sheer volume of drinks consumed during those 17-to-25 years. But we’ll also get real—exploring surprising data on binge drinking (spoiler alert: older ranks aren’t always included in the stats!) and discussing the resources available for those facing addiction.  

We’ll also talk about the unique drinking quirks of military life, like navigating different legal drinking ages overseas, how transitioning straight from high school to foreign countries influences habits, and why the culture normalizes drinking as a daily ritual.  

Whether you're reminiscing about your own party days or wondering what it's really like behind the scenes, this episode will have you laughing, learning, and maybe rethinking your next drink.  

Resources mentioned:  
- Military OneSource  
- Behavioral Health Programs on Base  
- Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP)  
- Local Military Chaplains and Peer Support Groups  

People on this episode