A matter of choice, decision, consequence, Remain drug-free or pay the penalty

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jonathan Hehnly
  • 911 AW/PA
PITTSBURGH IAP ARS --  The 911th Airlift Wing upholds the Air Force's zero tolerance policy on drugs with random drug testing of all military members and civilian employees in designated testing positions.

A defense.gov article explains why the Department of Defense implemented a zero tolerance policy on drugs. The primary purpose of the policy is to reduce demand for and the use of illegal drugs within the department. There has been an increase of testing across all the services -- active, National Guard and Reserve.

"It's very important, because all of our men and women in uniform and civilian members of DoD are involved in this war effort, said Andre Hollis, deputy assistant secretary of defense for counternarcotics in the article. "It's critical that we all give 100 percent and that we're drug-free and able to help the secretary and the president in this war on terror."

Hollis said the policy also calls for minimum, across- the-board consequences for anyone in DoD -- military or civilian -- caught using drugs. Previously rules had varied across the services regarding drug use. For example, he explained, in the past service members of different branches found using drugs under the same circumstances might have received different punishments. DoD has improved the sense of fairness, but also the clarity of the message: Drug use is incompatible with military service or DoD civilian employment.

"The 911th will not tolerate drug use. Random testing ensures our Airmen are making the right choices for the health and safety of both themselves and fellow wingmen," said Col. Jeffrey T. Pennington, 911th Airlift Wing base commander. "Those who choose to ignore this policy and make bad decisions will then face all the negative consequences that result from their actions," said the commander.

According to the base legal office, those consequences can vary.

"Members identified for illegal drug abuse could be subject to dishonorable discharges, dismissals, prison time, fines and criminal records," said Lt. Col. John Ricci, 911th Deputy Staff Judge Advocate.

The Department of Defense has taken a proactive stance against drug usage by increasing the random testing of military and civilian employees.

"In fiscal year 2010, the 911th randomly tested 325 military members and 67 civilian employees," said Master Sgt. Diane Douty, 911th Airlift Wing drug demand reduction specialist. " In fiscal year 2011, the testing of 79 military members and 37 civilians has already been conducted," said Sergeant Douty.

While the increase in random testing is occurring, the Air Force has also increased its testing abilities. Upgraded laboratory technology enables testers to detect a subject's drug use further back in time than was previously possible and for a larger variety of drugs.

"As a member of the Air Force Reserve, unit members are expected to remain drug free and adhere to the Air Force's zero tolerance drug policy," said Colonel Pennington. "This includes all illegal drugs and misuse of prescription drugs as well. Most often , we see a direct link between excessive alcohol use coupled with bad decision making, which then leads to drug usage. It's up to you to know and understand your limits, in order to prevent you from making a military career ending decision," said Colonel Pennington.