Drug use

UHBlackhawk

UHBlackhawk

5-Year Member
Joined
Sep 22, 2015
Messages
2,342
Probably something I should have posted before winter break.
Your DDs and DSs are probably currently getting, or have gotten post Winter Break UAs, or urinalysis tests. Unfortunately, especially now with drug use legalized in many states, some Cadets and Midshipmen will come up positive.
A rumor seems to go around CNN and MNN (Cadet News Network and Midshipmen News Network) every year that Plebes get one pass on a positive drug test. This is NOT true. The wheels of justice are often slow, civilian lawyers are often brought in to challenge the validity of the tests. Congressional's are filed and responses must be written. But drug use in the Armed Forces is illegal and is punished. Talk to anyone who served in the 70’s and 80’s and you’ll probably get an earful as to why they are still illegal.
 
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Excellent post!!! "But drug use in the Armed Forces is illegal and is punished." And....for new/newer members..the testing is NOT a surprise. Applicants/cadets/mids will all be told this and about testing that will occur. State drug laws do NOT apply to cadets/mids:wiggle:
 
I watched my second semester squad leader, with a pilot slot and 9 weeks from graduation, pop on the test after spring break. He was 9 weeks from graduation, commissioning and flight school… he instead became an E-3 and served his time that way. Zero tolerance is zero tolerance.
 
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Funny, had this same discussion with DS the day before he left for his return to the Yard. He fully expected to be tested upon return to the Yard. Unfortunately this forum has many stories similar to @NavyHoops of good MIDNs/Cadets making a mistake and changing ones life path in an instant.
 
Capt MJ said:

I remember when this happened, and it was a catalyst for the cultural shift and mandatory urinalysis becoming the norm.
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How horrifically sad. I don’t remember that one. Dating myself. Maybe that incident conflated two separate issues. Possible error and a separate evidence of drug use. Both cost lives. So sad.
 
A1Janitor said:
I don’t necessarily disagree with the military stance.

I just wish they would use the military to stop the drug flow into the country.
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I live at ground zero for this and agree. Our dog lost her mind at 1:30 am. Angry stranger danger bark. I went out with a flashlight to see a small group moving past our property.
Border Patrol followed with low flying helos. Rattled the windows. I made sure the trusty shotgun was ready. The amount of drugs flowing through our county is astonishing.
Apologize for the sidebar.
 
We have cadets every year in ROTC who are thrown out for testing positive, and I've heard stories of cadets even showing up positive at advanced camp (which is crazy to me). Regardless of its legality on a state level, the military operates by federal law, where drugs are illegal. Don't ruin your future for a few hours of fun, your future self will regret every minute of it!
 
A1Janitor said:
I don’t necessarily disagree with the military stance.

I just wish they would use the military to stop the drug flow into the country.
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I think you forgot about the Coast Guard (which is very typical, when referring to the military). I can't tell you how many patrol days have been spent on drug interdictions. Other DOD services assist with surveillance for intel support.
 
2025 hopeful said:
I think you forgot about the Coast Guard (which is very typical, when referring to the military). I can't tell you how many patrol days have been spent on drug interdictions. Other DOD services assist with surveillance for intel support.
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I was specifically talking about the opioids and fentanyl that are coming across the southern border with Mexico.

The Coast Guard does a great job.
 
Heatherg21 said:
I live at ground zero for this and agree. Our dog lost her mind at 1:30 am. Angry stranger danger bark. I went out with a flashlight to see a small group moving past our property.
Border Patrol followed with low flying helos. Rattled the windows. I made sure the trusty shotgun was ready. The amount of drugs flowing through our county is astonishing.
Apologize for the sidebar.
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Meanwhile in my front yard, helos are at tree top level with spotlights again. Wine is sloshing in my glass with every window rattle. Cartels are moving north. Lovely.
 
Heatherg21 said:
Meanwhile in my front yard, helos are at tree top level with spotlights again. Wine is sloshing in my glass with every window rattle. Cartels are moving north. Lovely.
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This is truly saddening.
Lord only knows what and who is flooding through our southern border. Praying for yours and everyone’s safety down there. To make matters worse, the IBCs are being shipped all over the country and spread out from sea to shining sea.
Our Nation must fix this while we still have a Nation!
 
What about incoming cadets/mid and drug testing? Technically in some states, based on age drug use is ok before starting at an academy.
 
Your chances of getting a security clearance are pretty slim if you have illicit drug use right up until you report, even if you're a civilian. Take MEPS for example - you can't pop hot on a urinalysis. You will be disqualified for several months even though you're still a civilian and it may be legal in your state.
 
A1Janitor said:
Still violates federal law, no?
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I didn’t think so, i thought usage itself is governed at the local level. But I am just looking to educate myself, and to find any specific sourcing. My oldest is senior in high school with one appointment and one LOA, just looking to continue to guide him in life and back it up so it doesn’t become dad speak being tuned out. Edibles are so readily available to these kids it scares me, not to mention the fentanyl.
 
Anonymous1211 said:
Your chances of getting a security clearance are pretty slim if you have illicit drug use right up until you report, even if you're a civilian. Take MEPS for example - you can't pop hot on a urinalysis. You will be disqualified for several months even though you're still a civilian and it may be legal in your state.
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Will there be info eluding to this in document? I am going to go back and look at the BFE. I don’t recall seeing anything. If guys 10 weeks from academy graduation with up slot are susceptible, high school seniors are at parties, proms, etc.
 
My son stayed away from drugs. His friends that chose to do it respected him and didn’t do it near him.
 
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