How Soldiers perceive the drinking environment in communities near military installations

Excessive alcohol use among military personnel is a significant concern. A potential contributor to this problem may be alcohol-serving environments around military installations; however, limited information is available about these environments. We conducted focus groups and interviews with Army personnel from two installations regarding soldier alcohol use and experiences with the drinking environment surrounding the installations. Soldiers perceive that bars and restaurants near installations tailor their business to soldiers (e.g., drink specials) and these establishments are predatory toward military personnel. Soldiers also perceive that certain components of military service (e.g., military culture, peer pressure) are associated with excessive alcohol consumption. Results can directly inform interventions focused on environments around military installations to address soldier alcohol use and related problems.