Does the National Guard Drug Test?
The National Guard is a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces, composed of citizen-soldiers who serve their country while also maintaining civilian careers and lifestyles. Like other branches of the military, the National Guard has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to drug use, and as such, they conduct regular drug testing to ensure the safety and effectiveness of their personnel.
What Types of Drug Testing are Conducted?
The National Guard conducts two types of drug testing:
- Pre-enlistment testing: All new recruits are required to undergo drug testing as part of the enlistment process. This testing is done to ensure that individuals are not using drugs before they join the National Guard.
- Random testing: The National Guard conducts random drug testing on a regular basis to ensure that personnel remain drug-free. This testing is usually done on a random basis, with individuals selected randomly to undergo testing.
What Substances are Tested For?
The National Guard tests for the following substances:
• Marijuana: Both THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and THC-COOH (carboxy-THC) are tested for, as these are the most common metabolites found in marijuana.
• Cocaine: The National Guard tests for cocaine and its metabolites, such as benzoylecgonine.
• Heroin: The National Guard tests for heroin and its metabolites, such as morphine.
• Methamphetamine: The National Guard tests for methamphetamine and its metabolites, such as amphetamine.
• Phencyclidine (PCP): The National Guard tests for PCP and its metabolites.
• MDMA (Ecstasy): The National Guard tests for MDMA and its metabolites.
• LSD: The National Guard tests for LSD and its metabolites.
• Opiates: The National Guard tests for opiate metabolites, such as codeine and hydrocodone.
• Synthetic drugs: The National Guard tests for synthetic drugs, such as K2 and Spice.
What is the Testing Process Like?
The testing process typically involves the following steps:
- Urinalysis: A sample of urine is collected from the individual being tested.
- Screening: The urine sample is screened for the presence of drugs using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or a fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA).
- Confirmation: If the screening test is positive, a confirmatory test is conducted using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) or liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS).
- Result reporting: The test results are reported to the individual’s unit commander or supervisor.
What Happens if Someone Tests Positive?
If an individual tests positive for drugs, they will typically face the following consequences:
- Administrative actions: The individual may face administrative actions, such as being placed on probation, being suspended, or being administratively discharged.
- Counseling: The individual may be required to undergo counseling or treatment.
- Medical evaluation: The individual may be required to undergo a medical evaluation to determine the extent of their drug use and the potential impact on their health.
- Re-enlistment: If an individual is found to be using drugs and is administered a discharge, they will typically be barred from re-enlisting in the National Guard.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I have to be notified before being tested?: No, the National Guard does not typically notify individuals before conducting random drug testing.
- Can I refuse to take a drug test?: No, refusing to take a drug test is considered a violation of military regulations and can result in administrative actions.
- Can I appeal a positive drug test result?: Yes, individuals who test positive for drugs may be able to appeal the result, but this will depend on the specific circumstances of the case.
Conclusion
The National Guard takes drug use very seriously and conducts regular drug testing to ensure the safety and effectiveness of their personnel. If you are considering joining the National Guard, it is important to understand the drug testing process and the consequences of failing a drug test. By knowing what to expect, you can make informed decisions about your military career and ensure that you are meeting the high standards of the National Guard.
