Photo By Staff Sgt. Robert Mitchell | Marijuana, along with nine other substances, is specifically prohibited under Article...... read more read more
The Army’s efforts to maintain a fit and drug-free fighting force is resonating with Soldiers from the District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG), many of whom say its zero-tolerance for illegal drug consumption ensures mission readiness.
Marijuana, along with nine other substances, is specifically prohibited under Article 112a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and penalties on active duty for its use can range from a general discharge to dishonorable discharge (for positive results of a urinalysis) and even imprisonment for possession.
Soldiers from the DCARNG said they embrace this posture because it keeps personnel fit, physically and mentally.
“Doing pot is harmful to people because you can be easily distracted using that substance,” said Pvt. 1st Class Kennedy Wynn, driver, 547th Transportation Company (547th TC).
Wynn, a native of the District, believes the military is doing an effective job in preventing illegal drug use, hence the screening he received during his enlistment process 18 months ago.
“I believe that the Army is truly doing its job because when I joined, we had to go through so many processes and screenings, in order to get in,” he said. “I would say they are going above and beyond in order to prevent addicted people from joining the military.”
Wynn said military personnel need to avoid using illegal substances like marijuana not only because it’s against the law, but because it also hurts their health.
“Don’t do drugs, live a wholesome life. Drugs are bad.”
Although the use and possession of marijuana in the District is legal, the DoD policy prohibiting its consumption by members of the U.S. Armed Forces remains unchanged, and anyone caught using it will be subject to adverse or other disciplinary action.
“The younger Soldiers might think they’re (exempt) because they only serve one weekend of month, two weeks a year, but DoD and Army Regulations still apply,” said Sgt. John C. Ventura, driver, 547th TC.
Ventura described the military an “institution of high integrity” and its zero-tolerance posture not only protects personnel, but it also instills strong public confidence in the U.S. Armed Forces.
“The American public deserves the best from its citizen Soldiers who are charged with protecting our nation,” Ventura said. “They need to know that we are 100 percent ready to defend the nation and that we are not out there lollygagging and by using illegal substances.”
“I think that any substance, or any of those substances, that are counter to the Army, the military’s lifestyle and the things that we subscribe to, should certainly not be promoted,” said Sgt. 1st Class Robert Bandy, platoon sergeant, 547th, responding to the “420” event that promotes the use of an substance banned by the UCMJ.
The conduct of military personnel should reflect the high standards members of the armed forces live by, Bandy said.
“Less than one percent of the people in our country are in the military, so we should be that top one percent,” in terms of discipline standards,” he said.
Members of the DCARNG are reminded of the military’s stance regarding marijuana use through training events conducted by Michelle Holmes, the drug prevention coordinator for the DC National Guard.
“Marijuana is a big issue, because it is legal in D.C. to possess it and grow it. I emphasize in training that the DoD policy (prohibiting its use and possession) still applies,” Holmes said.
Holmes’ program provides drug prevention information and awareness with the DCNG’s Commanding General and the Judge Advocate General Office in enforcing the command policy.
Army Regulation 600-85 and Air Force Instructions 44-120 and 44-121 prohibit the consumption of marijuana and its derivatives by Soldiers and Airmen of the DCNG.
| Date Taken: | 04.20.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 04.20.2016 17:23 |
| Story ID: | 195963 |
| Location: | WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US |
| Web Views: | 362 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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