LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
An Airman 1st Class from the 735th Supply Chain Operations Group was court-martialed March 13 for using cocaine.
A military judge conducted a special court-martial, where the Airman was charged with two specifications of wrongfully using cocaine.
The Airman pled guilty, and was found guilty of the charges and specifications. The Airman was sentenced to six months confinement, reduction to the grade of E-1, forfeiture of $400 pay per month for six months and a reprimand. The Airman is now subject to discharge in accordance with Air Force Instruction 36-3208 for drug abuse.
Capt. Eric Morley, 633rd Air Base Wing Judge Advocate Military Justice chief, said there have been several courts martial for drug use at Langley AFB over the past year, including a summary court martial for use of Spice.
"If you are going to be tempted to use illegal drugs, get help before you make a decision that will devastate your life," said Morley. "Drug use is not compatible with military service."
In addition to illegal drugs, the Air Force and other military services will expand their drug testing to include testing for commonly abused prescription drugs beginning May 1, 2012.
"The new drug testing capabilities will screen for more prescription drugs to ensure Airmen are not abusing painkillers and other substances," said Morley. "Also, the Air Force Drug Lab is implementing full Spice testing capability."
"Abuse of prescription drugs is the fastest growing drug problem in the United States, and unfortunately, this trend is reflected in the military services," said Maj. Gen. Thomas W. Travis, Deputy Air Force Surgeon General. "While pain medications are highly effective in alleviating suffering from injuries, they are dangerous and potentially addictive when used outside medical supervision."
Taking controlled medications in a manner other than how they were prescribed poses a risk to the person's health and safety and can put others at risk as well.
Prescription medications should be taken only for the purposes for which they were prescribed and at the dose and frequency prescribed. Additionally, Airmen are reminded never to take a medication prescribed to someone else.
The policy being addressed is not new to Air Force personnel. In accordance with Air Force guidance and existing law, the knowing use of any prescription or over-the-counter medications in a manner contrary to their intended medical purpose or in excess of the prescribed dosage may have negative health consequences and may also violate the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program, AFI 44-121, provides limited protections under certain circumstances for voluntary disclosure of prior drug use or possession to unit commanders, first sergeants, a substance abuse evaluator, or a military medical professional. Once an Airman has been ordered to provide a urine sample as part of the drug testing program, any disclosure is not considered to be voluntary.
"Using drugs while in the military is not worth the risk for Airmen," said Morley. "From the loss of your career, to jail time, to the consequences of an unfavorable discharge or conviction; it is just not worth it."