Which of the following is an authorized purpose for military alcohol testing?

The authorized purpose for military alcohol testing is competence for duty evaluation. This type of assessment is critical in ensuring that service members are fit to perform their duties effectively and safely. The military places a strong emphasis on readiness and operational effectiveness, which relies on the personnel being free from substance abuse, including alcohol.

Competence for duty evaluations not only help in identifying individuals who may be impaired but also play a significant role in maintaining the overall safety of the unit and mission readiness. This type of testing may occur under various circumstances, such as pre-deployment, post-incident investigations, or when there is reasonable suspicion of substance abuse.

In contrast, options like recreational assessment, personal health assessment, and social events monitoring do not align with the military's strategic objectives related to alcohol testing. These activities do not serve the primary purpose of ensuring operational readiness and the safety of service members in their roles. Therefore, using alcohol testing solely for competence evaluations aligns with the military's commitment to maintaining a reliable and effective force.