Senior leaders, SF, OSI and DDR initiate random gate checks

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Scott J. Saldukas
  • 435th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Teaming up with chief master sergeants, first sergeants, security forces, office of special investigations and the legal office, the Drug Demand Reduction program is trying to prevent drivers under the influence and illegal substances from entering the Air Force community by doing random gate checks before entering Ramstein Air Base. 

"It helps to ensure the safety of our dependents and servicemembers on base," said Alex Tremble, program manager of the Drug Demand Reduction program, also known as the DDR. 

The DDR is just a small piece to the puzzle; it was implemented by the Military Personnel Drug Abuse Testing Program in 1994 to help support the "Air Force Family." One way the DDR helps the Air Force is by trying to prevent any illegal substances or anyone under the influence from entering the on-base by conducting random gate checks. "It detects and identifies those individuals who use and abuse illegal drugs and other illicit substances," said Mr. Tremble. 

The random gate checks are a direct order from the base commander. 

"We are not trying to catch anyone, we are trying to help prevent people from making stupid decisions," said the program manager. 

With the random gate checks security forces collect servicemembers' identifications and car registrations to verify that they are permitted to enter the base and are driving legally.
Security forces, first sergeants and chief master sergeants would then conduct vehicle searches looking for anything unusual or suspicious. An agent from the office of special investigations and the legal office would also be on hand if an incident occurred and their assistance was needed. 

Along with gate checks, random urine analysis tests will also be conducted. Random urine analysis orders are given directly from the commanding officer in charge during the gate checks. 

"Appropriate administrative or Uniform Code of Military Justice action will be taken on personnel who fail to report for testing without a valid reason," said the DDR manager. "One aspect of the DDR is that we try to be proactive in trying to stop it before it starts." 

He added that because the program is fairly new, random gate checks will become more frequent in the future. 

"Thoughts cannot be avoided to think how ridiculous it is to get searched at odd hours of the night, but servicemembers and dependents alike should be reminded that this is necessary," said Mr. Tremble. "It helps maintain the health and wellness of a fit and ready fighting force and a drug-free Air Force community. It assists commanders in assessing the security, military fitness, readiness, good order and discipline of their commands."