Military drinking culture 'has got to be changed'

The government's strategy on combating alcohol abuse in the army is not working according to the lead on military health at the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Professor Neil Greenberg, a former Surgeon Commander in the Royal Navy, says teaching soldiers about the harmful effects of alcohol abuse is a waste of time because it doesn't stop them from binge drinking.

Air Vice Marshal Ray Lock, a retired senior RAF officer, told Today: "Within military service there is a culture of drinking and perhaps one could argue for good purpose".

"When people transition into civilian life these habits formed of excessive alcohol consumption can actually be quite problematic".