Strict new anti-drinking regulations announced by the Marine Corps would require Marines and sailors to take random breathalyzer tests semi-annually.

The program begins Jan. 1 and mandates that Marines or sailors who blow .01% or greater to be referred to Substance Abuse Counseling Centers for “screening and treatment as appropriate”. Those that blow .04% or greater will have a medical evaluation that will determine if they’re fit for duty.

The United States Marine Corps says the program will deter Marines from reporting to duty under the influence of alcohol and will provide commanders “an additional tool to identify marines and sailors within their commands who are at risk for the adverse effects of alcohol abuse/misuse,” according to a release by Manpower and Reserve Affairs Deputy Commandant Lt. Gen. R.E. Milstead Jr.

The anti-alcohol testing policy will be the military’s strictest, the Washington Times reported.

Marine David Johnson was enjoying a drink at Goody’s Tavern in San Clemente on Thursday. He just arrived Dec. 10 from his second deployment in Afghanistan.

“With all the DUIs, it’s probably not a bad thing,” Johnson, 23, said.

However, he said, “.01 is a little irrational to be referring people to counseling.”

Forensic toxicologist and University of Florida professor Bruce Goldberg told the Washington Times that “no one would be impaired at a .01 alcohol concentration.”

He gave the example of a Marine going to a bar and having a substantial amount of drinks in an evening. “…If they are tested first thing in the morning when they report to duty, they may still have some alcohol in their blood and test positive,” he said.

Gunnery Sgt. Scott Dunn, public affairs chief at Camp Pendleton, said safety and discipline should be No.1.

“A Marine is going to think twice before binge drinking or increasing his blood alcohol content hours or the night before he’s supposed to report for duty,” he said. “From my position, I believe if it could keep people safe and keep unit discipline then it’s absolutely necessary…That’s what’s most important to a commander.”

The Marine Corps randomly tests for illegal drugs, which acts as a deterrent, Sgt. Dunn said. Perhaps this program could do the same.

Commanders will receive the program guidelines by the month’s end, he said.

Although it’s meant to be used as a deterrent and educational tool, that does not mean that Marines couldn’t face consequences when tested positive, the release said.

–The Washington Times contributed to this report.