H&HS achieves more than 100 days free of alcohol, drug incidents

Members of MCAS Yuma’s Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron reached 110 consecutive days with no drug or alcohol related incidents.

“In my experience, I’ve never seen a squadron of this size go that long without incident,” said Lt. Col. Keith Couch, the H&HS commanding officer.

The entire squadron was rewarded with a day off to show the leadership’s appreciation and admiration for everyone’s hard work.

“Positive reinforcement. It goes both ways. If you don’t praise and only punish, people are less likely to keep trying,” said Couch. “You see Marines doing great things and I don’t think its particularly anything I’ve done except offer support. This highlights the good and gives Marines the recognition they deserve.”

Though having good leadership always plays an important role, most leaders attribute their success to the Marines in their charge.

“I think the ones who have the biggest effect on a squadron are the NCO’s, by mentoring the junior Marines and teaching them to look out for one another,” added Couch. “Staff NCO’s and officers do have a critical role but the heard of it all is the NCO’s.”

On his way out of the squadron, Couch says this was a great ending note.

“I am very proud of the effort that every Marine has given,” said Couch. “It’s not just about these last 101 days either. On a day to day basis, these Marines give they’re all and without it the base wouldn’t function. I’m just proud to have been a part of it.”

Leadership is optimistic about H&HS’s keeping up their incident free streak and has high hopes for the unit.