A RECENT trend in the line taken by some soldiers when faced with discharge for involvement with illegal drugs has prompted comment from the Army's top man on personnel policy.

Some members, when seeking Redress of Grievance (ROG), have argued that their urinalysis readings were the result of passive inhalation or unknown ingestion.

Director of Personnel - Army Col Mick Kehoe said these members were usually unable to provide details of the circumstances of the inhalation or ingestion.

"On occasions, members have relied on statements from third parties to support their claims but in either situation very few, if any, ROGs which rely on claims of passive inhalation or unknowing ingestion have been upheld," he said.

There is also an emerging theme from some complainants that they are associating with, or even living with, habitual drug users.

"Statements to this effect are usually made with the intention of demonstrating the likelihood of 'unknowing' involvement with drugs.

"Such admissions call into question the judgement and common sense of the members concerned.

"And, particularly in the case of leaders, are hardly likely to strengthen their claims for retention."

Col Kehoe said the Army was not attempting to exert unnecessary control over the associations of members with the community.

"We are members of the Australian community at large and we want uniformed members to mix freely with and contribute to that community.

"Nevertheless, drug involvement leads to reduced performance, health impairment, presents a security risk and has the potential to put an individual in unnecessary danger.

"This sort of behaviour is unacceptable to the Army."

Col Kehoe said uniformed members who habitually associate with known illegal drug users are putting themselves in a potentially precarious position.

"Personnel are advised that claims of passive inhalation or unknowing ingestion cannot be relied upon to successfully contest a decision to discharge on the grounds of involvement with illegal drugs.

"Furthermore, by associating with or living with persons who are known to be involved with illegal drugs, members increase the risk that they may test positive for illegal drug use and therefore place their careers and livelihood in jeopardy.

"If you want to continue to enjoy your career in the Army, don't use illegal drugs and don't associate with others that do."

ADF policy on illegal drugs is detailed in DI(G) PERS 15-2- Involvement by Members of the Australian Defence Force with Illegal Drugs.

By Cpl Jonathan Garland