Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program

  • Published
  • By Rex Metcalf
  • 90th Medical Support Squadron
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  The Federal Drug Free Workplace policy is based on Executive Order 12564 and AFI 44-107, Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program, which specifies Federal employees are required to refrain from the use of illegal drugs.

The use of illegal drugs, whether on duty or off duty, is contrary to the efficiency of the service.

This article illustrates that "The squeaky wheel gets the grease." In general, you do not hear about civilian drug testing programs at F.E. Warren because our civilians understand the critical importance of a drug-free workforce.

The overall attitude for the Random Drug Testing Program is positive while the testing results have consistently been negative.

When I arrived at F.E. Warren in June 1991, there were about 90 appropriated fund civilians in testing-designated positions. Currently, we have about 290 appropriated and non-appropriated fund civilians in testing designated positions.

Although more employees are being randomly tested, the testing results continue to be negative.

In addition to random testing, a civilian employee can be tested when there is a reasonable suspicion of illegal drug use, when an investigation is authorized by the Air Force regarding an accident or unsafe practice, when counseling or rehabilitation for illegal drug use has occurred, and when an employee volunteers for testing.

Being notified by your supervisor to report to the drug testing office is often an inconvenience. It takes you away from your job on short notice and often disrupts your schedule.

For 23 years, F.E. Warren employees in TDPs have consistently reported on time to the drug testing office.

A drug-free civilian workforce is critically to the 90th Missile Wing's mission as well as safety and national security.

Federal employees entrusted with national defense must be free from the possibility of coercion or influence of criminal elements.

Performing duties under the influence of illicit drugs adversely affects personal safety, risks damage to government property, significantly impairs day-to-day operations and exposes sensitive information to potential compromise.

This is especially important for those civilian employees who have been entrusted with access to classified information, or who, for instance, are responsible for weapons systems with nuclear or conventional capabilities.

Therefore, the use of illicit drugs is inconsistent with the high standards of performance, discipline and readiness necessary to accomplish the Air Force mission.