Army - The Soldiers' Newspaper

Cfn George Russell, ACT Workshops, is breathlysed with a standard blood alcohol testing machine, provided by the Australian Federal Police. Random alcohol testing is to be introduced into the Australian Army from July 1. Photo by Cpl Belinda Mepham, Army newspaper

DEEP BREATH
Random alcohol testing coming for soldiers

By Cpl Jonathan Garland
Pay and Conditions Reporter
SOLDIERS can expect to face random and targeted alcohol testing in the near future, following the imminent release of a Defence Instruction on alcohol testing in the ADF.

Director Personnel – Army, Col Mick Kehoe, said while the number of soldiers using illicit drugs and with problematic drinking habits was small, the effect on the organisation was not.

“The Army’s paramount concern is our team’s safety and cohesion – and we have a duty of care to ensure our people are not involved with illicit drugs or in the abuse of alcohol,” he said.

“The Minister and the CDF have committed themselves to instituting and implementing a regime of random and targeted drug and alcohol testing.”

Before the proposed testing can be implemented, legislative and policy changes need to be effected.

Under current legislation, there is no provision for random testing but if reasonable suspicion exists that an offence has occurred, the urinalysis test may be ordered.

Col Kehoe said that a phased introduction of random and targeted testing would take place, beginning with alcohol testing.

“As the system matures and the legislative changes occur, this will be extended to random and targeted drug testing.

“This takes time but by working through the policy and procedural issues now, we can be ready to implement the testing regime as soon as the legislative changes are in place.”

July is the projected target date for the introduction of alcohol testing and Defence is currently procuring breathalyser-style testing devices to be used around Australia.

Dates for the introduction of drug testing will depend on the progress of legislative change but indications are that it may take between 12 and 18 months.

Col Kehoe said the current concept was that alcohol testing equipment would be held at a central location by military police in each region.

“Should a commander decide to conduct testing, those members of the unit trained in use of the equipment would sign it out and return it at the conclusion of testing.

“If a member has a test result indicating he or she is under the influence of alcohol, the commander will have a range of administrative actions to pursue depending on the circumstances and the severity.”

These options might range from formal parade to, and informal warning by, a sub-unit commander all the way to discharge action.

Col Kehoe said soldiers would be informed of progress through the chain of command and through Army at every stage of the implementation process.

“I don’t think it would be a bad thing, the units would have more control over these problems. It is not good enough to step through the front gate with alcohol in your system.”
Pte Enza Cananzi, 162 Recce Sqn

“Do it, but it should only be used when there are individuals who consistently display evidence of alcohol abuse. Testing the whole company on pay Fridays would not be good management of the testing.”
Cpl Nicki Plant, 3CSSB

“I would agree with that change. It is dangerous to other people to have a person who is over the limit at work operating equipment and driving. Commanders, if they have identified a problem, will be able to act on their concern.”
WO1 Paul Dodge, JLU North

“It’s not a bad thing, but I think people have to know their left and right of arc, not just the soldiers, but those administrating it.”
Sgt Andrew Crump, A Fd Bty

“I think it would be a good thing. It’s too late when there’s been an accident and they take a blood test at the hospital.”
Pte Mark Dotting, 3CSR

“More education and information needs to be available to soldiers and commanders on how introducing testing will affect them. It could work but it needs to do the right thing for both sides of the fence.”
WO2 Al Lynch, RTC(NQ)

“If they introduce it, it will have to be across the board, it can’t be just targeted at the diggers.”
Cpl Simon Meehan, 3RAR

“I’m not happy with it, it’s uncalled for. If it’s a known incident – fair enough, but random testing seems a breach of privacy.”
Bdr Neil Bertram, 131 STA Bty

“I believe that random and targeted alcohol testing in the Army would serve as a good basic deterrent for any future offenders. It might not solve the problem of alcohol abuse within the Army, but it seems a very positive step forward to get people to rethink their next drink, especially if the alcohol testing was strongly enforced.”
Cfn Sonia Lyons, JLU North