A new report today from the U.S. Energy Deparment says that government truck drivers tasked with hauling around nuclear weapons "sometimes get drunk on the job." More precisely, the report details sixteen alcohol-related incidents involving these drivers from 2007 through 2009 alone (link to full story at bottom).The incidents include one in 2007 for public intoxication and another in 2009 in which two truck drivers were handcuffed and detained by cops "after an incident at a local bar." No word yet whether all these truck drivers have continued their boozin' and partying into the new decade.
And the rocket scientists at the Energy Department are reacting with two of the biggest "Ya Think!" understatements imaginable:
-The report says "the incidents 'indicate a potential vulnerability' in what is described as a 'critical national security mission.'" (You mean, like, the potential for a nuclear weapon to be stolen or to explode while these government goofs are getting plastered?)
-The Department also says that "the number of alcohol-related incidents occurring over the last three years suggests that further action may be needed." ("MAY "?!)
So what corrective actions are being taken? I don't discern, from the linked story, that much of anything is being done except for the Department's apparent effort to nip some of this stuff "in the bud" by focusing on new trainees for these truck driver positions. The Department has reportedly instituted a ban on possessing "beer kegs" for all new truck driver candidates. Boy, that's certainly reassuring!
Let me get this straight: So long as you keep the beer kegs out of these trucks and out of the drivers' hotel rooms, pretty much anything else is OK? Just think of the thought procees of one of these boozer truck drivers: "Vern, while I gas up the ol' truck, why don't you head in to that there liquor store and get me a 30-pack of Stones -- just make sure you don't get a keg, boy!" And these are the transporters of our nuclear arsenal?! Good Grief.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40313722/ns/us_news-security/
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