What Drug Test Does the Military Use?
The military uses a strict drug testing policy to detect and prevent the use of illegal substances among its service members. The drug test used by the military is designed to identify the presence of illegal drugs in urine, blood, or other bodily fluids. In this article, we will discuss the drug test used by the military, including the different types of tests, how they work, and the consequences of failing a drug test.
What Types of Drug Tests Does the Military Use?
The military uses two main types of drug tests: the urinalysis drug test and the blood drug test. The urinalysis drug test is the most commonly used drug test in the military, while the blood drug test is used in certain situations, such as in the event of an accident or when a service member is under the influence of drugs.
Urine Drug Test
The urinalysis drug test is a screening test that detects the presence of drugs in a service member’s urine. The test detects the presence of drugs through the use of antibodies that bind to specific drug compounds. The test is rapid and can be completed in 15 minutes or less.
How Does the Urinalysis Drug Test Work?
The urinalysis drug test works by screening for the presence of 14 different drugs, including:
• Cocaine
• Marijuana
• Opiates
• PCP
• Ammetophetamines
• Methamphetamine
• GHB
• Heroin
• Oxycodone
• Morphine
• Codeine
• Hydromorphone
• Meperidine
The test uses a simple dipstick that changes color if a drug is detected. The service member providing the urine sample is not required to participate in the test, but they can choose to participate if they wish.
Blood Drug Test
The blood drug test is a more advanced test that detects the presence of drugs in a service member’s blood. This test is typically used in situations where the service member is under the influence of drugs or in the event of an accident.
How Does the Blood Drug Test Work?
The blood drug test works by detecting the presence of drugs in a service member’s blood through the use of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). This test is more sensitive than the urinalysis drug test and can detect lower levels of drugs in the blood.
Consequences of Failing a Drug Test
If a service member fails a drug test, they can face severe consequences, including:
• Administrative separation from the military
• Court-martial
• Reduction in rank
• Loss of security clearances
• Potential loss of pension benefits
Preparation for Drug Testing
To prepare for drug testing, service members should:
• Inform their chain of command if they are using prescription drugs
• Keep prescription drugs in their original containers
• Avoid ingesting drugs before the test
• Avoid associating with individuals who may be using drugs
Conclusion
In conclusion, the military uses a variety of drug tests to detect the presence of illegal substances among its service members. The urinalysis drug test is the most commonly used drug test, while the blood drug test is used in certain situations. Understanding how the drug tests work and the consequences of failing a drug test can help service members prepare for drug testing and avoid any potential legal or disciplinary consequences.
Table: Consequences of Failing a Drug Test
| Consequence | Description |
|---|---|
| Administrative separation | Separation from the military |
| Court-martial | Trial and punishment for drug use |
| Reduction in rank | Reduction in rank and pay grade |
| Loss of security clearances | Loss of access to classified information |
| Potential loss of pension benefits | Loss of future pension benefits |
Recommended Reading
- "DoD Instruction 1010.10: Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Program" (Department of Defense, 2020)
- "Military Personnel Manual Volume 3, Chapter 2: Drug Abuse and Prevention" (Department of the Navy, 2019)
- "Uniform Code of Military Justice: Article 92 – Article 134" (U.S. Department of the Army, 2020)
