THOUSANDS of members of the Armed Forces are putting their lives in danger by boozing too much.

More than 64,000 servicemen and women are at high risk of alcohol-related harm, according to defence chiefs.

Another 3,000 are drinking so much they have been advised to see their GP or seek other support.

Some 114 were classified as “alcohol dependent” in the past year.

And up to 1,000 others were treated for drink abuse.

The rise in military boozing has sparked fears many servicemen and women turn to drink because of mental health problems.

Many troops say excessive drinking is often regarded as vital for group bonding.

Troops returning from operations in Afghanistan and Iraq were encouraged to get drunk during a process called decompression.

The problem is fuelled by cheap booze at “happy hour” sessions where a pint of beer can cost as little as £2.

Labour MP Kevan Jones — a former defence minister — said: “Heavy drinking has been a part of military life for many years. But these alarming figures show there is an urgent need to address the issue for individuals’ health reasons and operational effectiveness.”

The Ministry of Defence’s findings are revealed in a report called Alcohol Usage In The Armed Forces.

Dr Nick Murdoch, research chief of the Care After Combat veterans’ charity, said: “Troops use alcohol to help medicate disorders such as post-traumatic stress.

“But we develop a tolerance to alcohol so we need increasing amounts to get the same effect.”

The MoD said: “Measures are in place to encourage drinking in moderation.”