Drug use in the military

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kaylee Clark
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  Drug use in the military
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Senior Airman Kaylee Clark

While marijuana use is legal in some states, military members are reminded that the Air Force's zero tolerance policy continues to prohibit marijuana usage.

Members are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and marijuana remains an illegal drug. Staying drug free is one of the many ways all Airmen can ensure the mission continues to be a success.

"Drug use is incompatible with military service and the law states not to do it," said Capt. Michelle Gregory, 19th Airlift Wing Judge Advocate chief of general law. "Keep that integrity in mind."

Simply put, don't do drugs. The rules have not changed for military members.
Use, possession and distribution of marijuana are illegal. It is a federal crime to bring marijuana onto a military installation.

The 19th Medical Group Drug Demand Reduction office collects and tests service members and civilians for substance abuse. The DDR office tests approximately 500 service members and civilians per month.

"If you use marijuana, you will get caught," said Amy Johnson, 19th Medical Group Drug Demand Reduction Program manager. "It may seem like a small mistake, but that mistake carries huge consequences."

Testing positive and not following the zero tolerance policy can result in numerous amounts of consequences.

According to the 19th Airlift Wing Judge Advocate Office, consequences for testing positive for drugs include: court-martial, nonjudicial punishment, administrative paperwork, denials of re-enlistment, removal from PRP, removal from duties involving firearms, removal from flying status or sensitive duties, suspension of security clearance, removal of restricted area badges.

Any illegal drug use by a military member initiates a mandatory discharge package, and the drug use may affect your discharge characterization. This would be separated with a characterization below an Honorable Discharge, such as an Under Honorable or Under Other than Honorable Circumstances.