On Monday night, February 1, cadets from the Madison 153^rd Composite Squadron learned a lesson in the affects of alcohol.  While wearing Fatal Vision Goggles which simulate different levels of intoxication, they attempted some basic drill maneuvers. The goggles distort the wearer's vision while causing disorientation and impairing their depth perception and balance, thus leading to confusion and giddiness. 

Under the direction of the squadron's Drug Demand Reduction Officer, Capt. Patchin, the cadets were given commands to march in a simple figure eight pattern.  Not only did they have difficulty marching in a straight line, they also experienced a delayed reaction time when given a command.  Though they started out with double spacing between them, in the end it was all they could do to keep from knocking each other over as they lost their sense of distance between them. 

It was a fun exercise but the cadets quickly learned that even the most basic, routine activities are difficult to do while suffering the effects of intoxication. 

One cadet was quoted as saying, "We're taught not to drink and drive, but now we know not to drink and drill." Though that may seem like a strange statement, these cadets learned that if drilling while intoxicated impairs one's judgment and movements, then drinking and driving could be deadly.  A lesson best learned with a controlled atmosphere and the Fatal Vision Goggles.

Pictured wearing the Fatal Vision Goggles are: C/SMSgt Charlie Daehling, C/A1C Nick Matthwig, C/AB Dawson Sumter, C/Amn John Patchin

Picture taken by:  C/MSgt Sean Patchin, Jr

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