Explosion, violence among drunk service members at military bases prompt Ministry review
Alcohol-fueled violence, accidents, and an explosion that have occurred at Dutch military bases in recent years have allegedly triggered the Defense Ministry to start looking into measures to cut excessive drinking among service members, according to an investigation by Trouw based in part on confidential documents.
In July 2025, a solider suffered severe burns in an explosion at Woensdrecht Air Base during a farewell party for an Air Force member. Gas cylinders were thrown into a fire basket during the gathering. People involved said large amounts of alcohol had been consumed before the blast. A spokesperson for the Public Prosecution Service confirmed to Trouw that a criminal investigation into the explosion is underway.
Several other incidents involving intoxicated service members have also resulted in injuries. During a celebration marking the end of an exercise at the Bergen-Hohne military base in the summer of 2024, a drunken soldier struck a colleague with a sharp object, causing head injuries. At a "sleepover party" on the Stroe base in late 2024, fights broke out and one service member was injured after being hit with a beer bottle by a colleague.
The Trimbos Institute recently studied alcohol and drug use within the armed forces. The Defense Ministry has declined to release the findings, which are currently reportedly being discussed within different branches.
The ministry is reportedly preparing a plan targeting excessive alcohol use through "prevention, education, and support," a spokesperson said. At the same time, "in cases of serious misconduct, danger to colleagues or equipment, or incidents with criminal consequences, disciplinary measures can be taken, including dismissal," the spokesperson said.
A Defense Safety Inspectorate investigation published in late 2023 into an accident at Leeuwarden Air Base found that two F-35 pilots were seriously injured after people drove a forklift around during drinks, overturning the vehicle. Investigators noted that alcohol consumption forms part of the "traditions and customs" of fighter pilots and that the Air Force allows drinking on defense property and facilitates it in a crew room.
"There needs to be more action against unlimited alcohol consumption and the excesses that result from it," said Ruud Bergsma, chairman of military union AFMP. "Leadership must say, 'Alcohol is allowed, but not to the extreme. That no longer fits this era."
Bergsma also noted that alcohol use is now lower than in the past. "The days when wine was served during lunch are over." But he added: "When alcohol abuse occurs, you have to intervene firmly. If you are completely drunk, you are not deployable, while that is what is expected of military personnel. " He, however, does not think that a full ban on alcohol is the answer. "Hold each other accountable and let leadership take responsibility. That prevents abuse and violence."
"The incidents mentioned do not fit with the norms and values of Defense," a ministry spokesperson told Trouw. "Defense always takes incidents involving alcohol seriously. Although we cannot comment on individual cases, these incidents underline the importance of a strong alcohol policy."
The Royal Military Academy introduced measures in late 2023, including an alcohol ban lasting just under two months, citing "increasing coarsening and the importance of decency and respect," according to a spokesperson. The academy had previously drawn attention because of a culture of bullying, violence, and sexual intimidation.
During the ban, the academy focused on awareness, values, and a culture in which people address each other's behavior. Misconduct linked to alcohol did not disappear after the ban ended. "Unfortunately, alcohol use sometimes leads to unpleasant situations. You see that in society, and it is no different for the cadets at the Royal Military Academy," a spokesperson said.
