Airman 1st Class Jason Lincoln, 2nd Security Forces Squadron installation control leader, administers the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, or pen test, to a training participant during standard field sobriety training on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Aug. 7. More than 25 personnel from 2 SFS attended this training in order to become qualified to conduct field sobriety tests in the field. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Sean Martin)(RELEASED)
2nd Security Forces Squadron personnel review data collected during a standard field sobriety training course on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Aug. 7. The three day course included classroom instruction and hands on training, in which field sobriety tests were administered to selected volunteers. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Sean Martin)(RELEASED)
by Senior Airman Sean Martin
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
8/8/2012 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. - -- The 2nd Security Forces Squadron conducted Standardized Field Sobriety Test training for more than 25 patrolmen at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., from Aug. 6-8.
The class was held to train and equip patrolmen on conducting a proper SFST, and complete core tasks required for the patrolmen's career progression.
"This course is conducted over three days and includes classroom instruction and hands on training," said Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Walsh, 2 SFS confinement NCO in charge.
Training participants were served alcoholic drinks over a set period of time. Each participant was given a different amount of alcohol in order to vary their blood alcohol content for the test.
Once the participants became intoxicated, the patrolmen administered the sobriety test used in the field.
"Our Airmen were able to see the effects of alcohol on the body in the beginning, moderate, and high stages of intoxication," said Walsh. "They were able to see what happens to individuals in real time during the different stages of intoxication."
Walsh said the training is important because it allows patrolmen to accurately identify intoxicated drivers.
"This training will help them know what key indicators to look for when conducting a DUI stop," said Walsh.
A standard FST consists of three main tasks that are issued to a person suspected of a DUI. Suspects are asked to perform a straight-line walk test, complete a one-legged stand test and pass a pen test.
"Each of these tests should be very simple for someone who is not intoxicated to complete," said Jared McIver, Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division senior agent.
The legal BAC for the state of Louisiana is 0.08 for individuals or an average of five to six beers in a two hour time frame. Drivers found over these limits are punishable by state law, and military personnel are punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice as well.
"Diagnosing and identifying intoxicated individuals is something security forces personnel have to learn," said Walsh. "This training allows them to have the confidence and knowledge to be able to identify intoxicated individuals and take the appropriate actions before they hurt themselves or others."
