Zero tolerance for drugs

SOLDIERS and officers of all ranks are sending a clear message to members of the Army involved with illegal drugs - we will not put up with your behaviour.

The issue of illegal drug use was raised recently when military and civilian police conducted a combined search at Holsworthy Barracks in Sydney after allegations of illegal drug use were raised from inside a unit.

DCA Maj-Gen Peter Leahy said illegal drug use whether it was recreational or performance enhancing was something the Army could not and does not condone or tolerate.

"To give you an indication of how seriously we take drug abuse, we discharged 40 ORs, out of a total Army strength of 34,000 ORs, in financial year 00/01 for drug-related offences," he said. "We will seek out anyone illegally using drugs and we will support COs in terminating their service."

Defence policy on illegal drugs states:

"Involvement with illegal drugs by members of the ADF is not condoned. Disciplinary and/or administrative action that may result in termination of a member's appointment or discharge is to be initiated against any member involved with illegal drugs."

Maj-Gen Leahy said the Army had to make sure the environment in which its people work is made as safe as possible.

"I know there are different views about drugs in the community but frankly we expect more of soldiers," he said.

"Almost everything we do in the Army we do as part of a team and I don't want to see anyone off their game - it's dangerous to them and dangerous to the team.

"We've got to depend on each other and we can't rely on someone who might be affected by drugs."

Drugs are an issue for many military forces, with some of Australia's allies having stringent compulsory drug testing regimes.

"The Canadian Forces Drug Control Program equates to a zero-tolerance approach and incorporates mandatory urine testing, dismissal for repeat offenders and extensive education, rehabilitation and prevention programs.

"The New Zealand Army automatically discharges personnel convicted of drug-related offences and the British Army, like Australia, has legislation in place to support compulsory drug testing of its soldiers."

Civilian organisations, such as NSW Fire Brigades, Australian Federal Police, Qantas and the Australian Antarctic Division, also take a tough stance on drug issues.

"All of these people are involved in difficult, dangerous activities where teams are important and all of them have strict policies relating to drug use.

"This is an issue of concern across the board - it's not as though we're out there doing something different to other public and private sector organisations."

Maj-Gen Leahy said the Chief of Army was taking steps to ensure the Army, in conjunction with Defence, was in the best possible position to deal with these situations and to prevent them from arising in the first place.

"I am pleased to see that the Defence Personnel Executive has recently begun establishing a regime of education, counselling and training for alcohol, drugs and suicide awareness. This means we can help people experiencing difficulties with drugs.

"At the same time I'll be putting an emphasis on improving procedures to support commanders, SCMA and DOCM in detecting illegal drug use and then seeking the discharge of those involved with illegal drugs.

"This is all about preserving our workforce and protecting our people - making them feel safe wherever their country asks them to serve."

By Cpl Jonathan Garland