Pop the top and finish it where you bought it Published July 6, 2007 By Tech. Sgt. Patrick R. Hyde 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Drinking alcohol is a responsibility as well as a privilege. Choosing to drink responsibly is the key to avoiding alcohol related incidents on base and off. Responsible drinking doesn't just apply to Airmen on base. Infractions can range from drunk and disorderly to walking from bar to bar with an open container. "It is not culturally acceptable in Turkey to walk down the street with your bottle of beer," said Master Sgt. Joel Davis, 39th SFS Noncommissioned officer in-charge of police services. Drinking in the confines of designated establishments will keep Airmen out of trouble while representing your country in a positive fashion. "You should drink your alcoholic beverage and keep within the physical limits of the establishment where you purchased your drink," said Sergeant Davis. "You represent the United States Air Force and your country to all those that see you off base--act accordingly because you are a guest in the Turkish community." As with off-base limitations, open containers should not be seen on the sidewalks of Incirlik either. Additionally, it is illegal to have an open container in a motor vehicle. Air Force Instruction 31-204 governs the privilege of driving on U.S. installations. The instruction states, "Driving a government owned vehicle or privately owned vehicle on an Air Force installation is a privilege granted by the installation commander." "If you are driving on base and you have had too much to drink and give the 39th Security Forces reason to pull you over for suspicious driving you will be pulled over," said Sergeant Davis. "If evidence of drinking is detected you will be given a sobriety test and if you fail you will be apprehended." Driving while under the influence has never left a good mark on one's career, not to mention that it leads to loss of driving privileges for at least one year. The loss of driving privileges is not limited to Incirlik either; the term carries to the Airman's next duty station. Bottom line: Drink it up responsibly or leave it where you bought it and always have a designated driver and/or Wingman.