DDRP deters drug use

A Ramstein Air Base Airman takes a container to the restroom to provide a urine sample, June 9, 2014, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Airmen from around Ramstein are selected at random to provide a urine sample as part of the Drug Demand Reduction Program. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jose L. Leon)

DDRP deters drug use

A Ramstein Air Base Airman and a male observer take a container to the restroom to provide a urine sample as part of the Drug Demand Reduction Program, June 9, 2014, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. The DDRP gives the Air Force a way to detect and deter drug use. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jose L. Leon)

DDRP deters drug use

Published Nov. 19, 2014
By Senior Airman Jose L. Leon
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- The military is a microcosm of society however, drug use does not run rampant through the ranks as it does outside of the military, mainly because of the programs in place to deter substance abuse.

The drug demand reduction program utilizes a computer system to pick random individuals from around the installation for a urinalysis screening. The screening provides a process to detect and deter the wrongful use of drugs.

"It is entirely up to the computer," Master Sgt. Kimberly Nilles, 86th Medical Group Drug Demand Reduction Center deputy program manager. "You might not be selected for two years, but your buddy might get selected every month for a year."

The random aspect is very important to the deterrence and is the spirit of the program according to Nilles.

"By random selection testing, we can see what segments have issues if there are any," said Capt. Justin Blood, 86th Airlift Wing judge advocate general law division chief. "You need to weigh the value of a couple of minutes to a couple of hours of getting high with the impact it is going to have on your career and possibly your life."

Testing positive for drug use can result in a dishonorable discharge, an Article 15, reduction in rank, forfeiture of pay, general courts martial and confinement. According to Blood, drug users need to be prepared to lose their job.

"Everyone is aware they can be tested at any time and it is not a smart choice," Nilles said.

According to Nilles, and contrary to popular belief, testing of multiple samples at once is an urban myth and each sample is tested individually.

Being in the military is a privilege, not a right. Programs like the drug demand reduction program ensure the Air Force retains the right personnel and identifies individuals that abuse their privilege.