Has the US Navy Ditched Bread and Water Confinement for Disciplinary Measures?

The practice of feeding sailors in the brig only bread and water is largely a historical tradition and not a standard practice in the modern U.S. Navy. While this form of punishment was common in naval discipline, contemporary military regulations have shifted towards more humane treatment.

Modern Naval Discipline Practices

Today, sailors in the brig receive regular meals that meet nutritional standards, even if they are serving time for disciplinary reasons. The focus is on rehabilitation rather than punishment through deprivation. The Navy's approach to discipline has evolved significantly, prioritizing the well-being and rights of service members.

Historical Context and Contemporary Practices

While bread and water were once a common form of punishment, it is important to understand the context and evolution of naval discipline. According to various sources, the practice of bread and water confinement is no longer authorized, as evidenced by recent news articles such as Navy to Scrap Bread-and-Water Confinement.

Insights from Personal Accounts

Personal accounts and experiences from individuals who have served in the Navy provide valuable insights into the current practices. Here are a few anecdotes:

First Hand Experience: One sailor reported observing very few instances of bread and water confinement. When present, prisoners were typically lined up and required to maintain strict attention until served. It was clear that the punishment was severe and infrequently imposed. Policy Updates: An Air Force officer shared that bread and water confinement is no longer an authorized punishment. This aligns with official naval regulations which emphasize rehabilitation over punitive measures. Recent Discontinuation: Many veterans and service members report that bread and water confinement has been discontinued. For instance, the U.S. Navy has officially announced the discontinuation of such practices. Special Cases: Some special cases, such as a sailor who went AWOL (Absent Without Authority) while already on restriction for a similar offense, may receive a reduced ration, including bread, water, and a piece of celery.

One sailor's experience on the USS Samuel Gompers further illustrates the shift in practices. On this ship, a service member was confined to bread and water but was allowed to eat as much as he desired. The sailor felt empathy towards the confined individual and provided some raisin bread from the galley.

Conclusion

The modern U.S. Navy has moved away from the bread and water confinement practice, focusing instead on providing adequate nutrition and rehabilitation for its service members. This change reflects a broader trend in military discipline, emphasizing the well-being and rights of its personnel.