Photo By John Crosby | The adjutant general of the Indiana National Guard passed a memorandum regarding the...... read more read more
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INDIANAPOLIS - Urinating in a cup in front of my peers is not my idea of “HOOAH” Army training. And, let me tell you friend, 10 percent of my eight-person public affairs detachment means frequent public peeing in the name of safety. And, of course, the flipside to this coin, watching my peers struggle with performance anxiety as they try to squeeze out the required amount of liquid also isn’t my idea of a high-speed Indiana Guard weekend.
However, I understand the need for this measure.
As Indiana National Guard soldiers, we are all familiar with our adjutant general’s, Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger’s, policy on drug and alcohol testing. For those of you who are uninformed, I’ll spell it out for you: 10 percent of every unit will perform a DAT every drill weekend. Soldiers with six years time in service, and/or holding the rank of E-5 and above that “pop hot” will be discharged from the National Guard. Soldiers E-4 and below will receive Article 15s.
Although many may view this policy as a nuisance, it is a necessary precaution. Nobody wants a stoner “watching your six” in a foxhole. These times of constant deployments call for a constant level of readiness, from which illegal drugs and alcohol are a distraction. Bottom line, this policy could very well save your life.
Additionally, during these times of war, suicide rates are at an all-time high. Abusing drugs and alcohol to deal with emotional stress can perpetuate an already unstable situation. If nothing else, perhaps staying sober for duty as a soldier could add some stability to the tumultuous times in an individual’s life.
Everyone has rough spots here and there, some more than others, some longer than others. If you are developing or experiencing dependence on drugs or alcohol, remember, it isn’t over yet. Your family away from home always has your back.
Inform your chain of command that you need their help. Your state prevention coordinator will help you find the proper program or treatment to get you back on track. No consequences will be dealt to those requesting help. However, trying to stay under the radar and testing positive for illegal drugs or alcohol is a career ender.
Have the wisdom and personal courage and ask your buddy to pick you up if you fall. Although urinating in front of your battle buddy may not be why you signed the dotted line, it is necessary, and it’s beneficial to us all.
If you need help contact the state prevention coordinator at 317-753-1499.
| Date Taken: | 11.04.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 11.04.2011 13:43 |
| Story ID: | 79574 |
| Location: | INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, US |
| Web Views: | 49 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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