Random drug test rates rise dramatically

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Monica Dalberg
  • 514th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  When you gotta go, you gotta go - especially when your commander signs a letter that says so!

If Airmen of the 514th Air Mobility Wing have noticed increased visits to the 87th Medical Group for urinalysis testing, it's because the Air Force Reserve Command implemented a new urinalysis testing policy in January.

Under the most recent Air Force instruction for urinalysis, a computer program now randomly selects 25 percent of members per month for testing, up from two percent with the old policy. Some members may be selected more than once in a given period, while others not at all. The increased chance of being selected for urinalysis may help to deter drug use, according to Tech. Sgt. Lisa Clark, the drug demand reduction program manager with 514th Aerospace Medicine Squadron.

The Air Force Reserve does not permit illegal or improper use of drugs by personnel under any circumstances. A urinalysis that indicates drug use typically results in non-judicial punishment under the uniform code of military justice and discharge from the Air Force.

Sergeant Clark emphasized the seriousness of the program.

"I don't think members realize what they're losing when they come up positive on the drug test. There are members who think they can flush their systems by drinking lots of water, and these people are testing positive," she said. "They're losing careers."

According to Air Force policy, the aim of the drug testing program is to enhance mission readiness and foster a drug-free environment. The goals and objectives of the program include drug-use prevention, drug education and awareness and deterrence activities geared toward Department of Defense family members, retirees, civilians and contractors.

The higher selection rate isn't the only change in the new policy. It also includes mandated annual unit sweeps, in which an entire unit is selected for urinalysis. Individual letters are generated and urine specimens are required of every member present for that unit training assembly within two hours.

Sergeant Clark said there is a misconception about prescription drugs and drug testing. Use of prescription drugs needs to be valid, current and documented in an Airman's medical record.

"There's no second chance with the Reserve," she said. "There's no waiver to give you. We don't have a rehab program, only zero tolerance."