Drug Abuse in the Military Impacts National Security.
Abstract
Drug abuse has an impact on national security. Both Presidents Nixon and Reagan made it clear that the drug problem is a threat to our national security. President Nixon initiated a drug counteroffensive program in 1971. President Reagan developed a National Strategy for Prevention of Drug Abuse and Drug Trafficking in 1984 and has continued to fight the war against drug abuse. The Department of Defense (DOD) has directed military departments to give this problem priority. Drug and control abuse inhibits performance in many required military functions. It impairs memory, accuracy, coordination, and judgement. Drug and alcohol abuse also causes loss of work productivity, inefficiency, various illnesses, and even death. These impairments and deficiencies affect military training, troop morale, and military readiness. The urinalysis testing program has resulted in significant reductions in the military drug abuse problem. However, there is also a problem in the civilian workforce of DOD. DOD has identified some critical civilian positions that affect our national security and has said that these positions that affect our national security and has said that these positions are subject to urinalysis testing. The testing of civilians in critical positions and of new armed forces recruits will continue to reduce the percent of drug abuse in the military. This will cause an increase in the productive uses of resources and military readiness, hence, national security will be enhanced.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 30, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA194089
Entities
People
- Dorothine Murphy
Organizations
- United States Army War College