What Drugs Do Military Test For?
The military takes drug testing very seriously, with the goal of maintaining a safe and effective fighting force. Drug use can compromise an individual’s ability to perform their duties, and in some cases, it can be a serious breach of military discipline. In this article, we’ll explore the drugs that the military tests for, and the reasons why.
What is the Military’s Drug Testing Policy?
The military’s drug testing policy is outlined in the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Urinalysis Testing Program. The program is designed to detect and deter the use of illegal drugs, as well as prescription drugs that are misused. The policy applies to all military personnel, including active duty, Reserve, and National Guard members.
What Drugs are Tested For?
The military tests for a variety of drugs, including:
- Illegal drugs: These include drugs that are illegal under federal law, such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and LSD.
- Prescription drugs: The military tests for prescription drugs that are misused, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants.
- Performance-enhancing drugs: The military tests for drugs that are used to enhance athletic performance, such as anabolic steroids and human growth hormone.
- Other substances: The military also tests for other substances, such as synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic stimulants.
Why is Drug Testing Important?
Drug testing is important for several reasons:
- Safety: Drug use can compromise an individual’s ability to perform their duties safely and effectively.
- Effectiveness: Drug use can reduce an individual’s effectiveness in combat and other critical situations.
- Discipline: Drug use can be a serious breach of military discipline and can damage morale and unit cohesion.
- Compliance with regulations: Drug testing helps the military comply with regulations and standards set by Congress and other government agencies.
How is Drug Testing Conducted?
Drug testing is conducted using a variety of methods, including:
- Urinalysis: This is the most common method of drug testing, and involves collecting a urine sample from the individual being tested.
- Blood testing: This method involves collecting a blood sample from the individual being tested.
- Hair testing: This method involves collecting a hair sample from the individual being tested.
- Oral fluid testing: This method involves collecting a saliva sample from the individual being tested.
What Happens if a Service Member Tests Positive?
If a service member tests positive for drugs, they will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include:
- Administrative separation: This is the process of separating a service member from the military due to their drug use.
- Non-judicial punishment: This is a form of punishment that is imposed by a service member’s commanding officer.
- Court-martial: This is a criminal trial that is conducted in a military court.
What are the Consequences of Drug Use in the Military?
The consequences of drug use in the military can be severe, and may include:
- Loss of security clearance: If a service member tests positive for drugs, they may lose their security clearance, which can impact their career.
- Loss of career advancement opportunities: If a service member tests positive for drugs, they may lose opportunities for career advancement.
- Loss of bonuses and incentives: If a service member tests positive for drugs, they may lose bonuses and incentives that they are eligible for.
- Loss of medical benefits: If a service member tests positive for drugs, they may lose access to medical benefits.
Conclusion
Drug testing is an important part of the military’s efforts to maintain a safe and effective fighting force. The military tests for a variety of drugs, including illegal drugs, prescription drugs, performance-enhancing drugs, and other substances. If a service member tests positive for drugs, they will be subject to disciplinary action, which can have serious consequences for their career and well-being.
Table: Common Drugs Tested for in the Military
| Drug | Legal Status | Potential Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Marijuana | Illegal | Administrative separation, non-judicial punishment, court-martial |
| Cocaine | Illegal | Administrative separation, non-judicial punishment, court-martial |
| Heroin | Illegal | Administrative separation, non-judicial punishment, court-martial |
| LSD | Illegal | Administrative separation, non-judicial punishment, court-martial |
| Opioids | Prescription (misused) | Administrative separation, non-judicial punishment, court-martial |
| Benzodiazepines | Prescription (misused) | Administrative separation, non-judicial punishment, court-martial |
| Stimulants | Prescription (misused) | Administrative separation, non-judicial punishment, court-martial |
| Anabolic steroids | Illegal | Administrative separation, non-judicial punishment, court-martial |
| Human growth hormone | Illegal | Administrative separation, non-judicial punishment, court-martial |
Bullets:
• The military tests for a variety of drugs, including illegal drugs, prescription drugs, performance-enhancing drugs, and other substances.
• If a service member tests positive for drugs, they will be subject to disciplinary action, which can have serious consequences for their career and well-being.
• The consequences of drug use in the military can include loss of security clearance, loss of career advancement opportunities, loss of bonuses and incentives, and loss of medical benefits.
• The military’s drug testing policy is outlined in the Department of Defense’s Urinalysis Testing Program.
