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Drug tests for soldiers
By NEIL WILSON
04jun03
SOLDIERS face random drug and alcohol tests under plans already in place for police.
The army is completing the purchase of breath test kits so random tests can be ready to start from July 1.
The changes across the Australian Defence Force remain subject to final approval by the chiefs of the three armed services.
ADF personnel can already be tested for drug or alcohol if commanders have a reasonable suspicion they are suffering from substance abuse.
But the move towards random alcohol tests comes as army command conceded there was a minority of soldiers who are problem drinkers.
The alcohol move is a prelude to random drug testing, to be implemented over the next 12-18 months after the alcohol tests are bedded down.
The Federal Government does not believe drug abuse is widespread in the ADF but in the latest incident seven soldiers of the 16th Air Defence Regiment face demotion or dismissal over cannabis possession.
The Australian Defence Force Federation, the professional association among service personnel, confirmed the army's plans are well under way.
Assistant Defence Minister Danna Vale is to make an announcement in coming weeks.
The alcohol policy is expected to be zero tolerance in line with the existing drug policy.
A spokeswoman for Mrs Vale said the only allowance would be for small amounts of alcohol consistent with medications or perfumes.
The minister's office refused clearance for ADF officers to speak to the Herald Sun on the issue.
But army personnel chief Colonel Mick Kehoe told the Army newspaper that while the drug and alcohol problem within the army was confined to small numbers of soldiers, the impact was not.
"If a member has a test result indicating he or she is under the influence of alcohol, the commander will have a range of administrative actions to pursue depending on the circumstances and the severity," Col. Kehoe said.
Actions could range from an informal warning to discharge action.
Defence Force Association industrial officer Graham Howatt said the federation had not been consulted by the ADF but supported the move in principle.
"We would not oppose anything that would contribute to making the working environment safer," he said.
"But you wouldn't want it to be seen as a deliberate attempt to entrap people or to target them so they can be thrown out."
Mr Howatt said the aim should be the rehabilitation of anyone who may have a problem, not dismissal from the ADF.
RSL state president Major-General David McLachlan backed random drug and alcohol tests as being consistent with community standards.
General McLachlan, army logistics chief until 1994, said he supported zero tolerance because soldiers often used highly dangerous equipment.The move comes as Police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon said she was near agreement with the Police Association on a policy of random checks for police.
From:http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,6540740%5E662,00.html
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