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As Airmen socialize around Europe, they should be mindful of newly-banned substances that may be offered to them but would be detrimental to their lives and careers.
Gen. Roger A. Brady, U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, has issued a ban on several substances because of emerging abuse in the public sector. While these substances may be legal in some countries, this ban is to ensure mission capability and will protect the health and well-being of USAFE Airmen.
“I am concerned with reports of military personnel abusing Salvia divinorum, inhalants and a mixture of herbs with psychoactive effects commonly known as ‘Spice,’” General Brady said. “Use of these substances threatens readiness and our ability to conduct the mission entrusted to us.”
Media outlets, including the New York Times and the BBC, have highlighted the increasing abuse of legal substances like Salvia divinorum and inhalants.
“Regular abuse of inhalants can cause serious damage to major organs, including the brain, liver, heart, kidneys and lungs,” said Col. James Collier, USAFE command surgeon. “Even a single session of repeated inhalations can lead to cardiac arrest and death by altering normal heart rhythms or by preventing enough oxygen from entering the lungs, causing suffocation.”
Salvia divinorum is currently not controlled under the Federal Controlled Substances Act. However, according to a DEA report, Delaware, Louisiana, Maine, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Tennessee placed Salvia divinorum, or the pharmacologically active component salvinorin A, under regulatory control in May 2007 because of concerns about the increasing abuse of these substances by adolescents and young adults. In addition, legislative bills proposing regulatory controls on Salvia divinorum and salvinorin A are pending in 14 other states.
Per COMUSAFE direction, the use of intoxicating substances such as Salvia divinorum and inhalants that are injected, inhaled, consumed or introduced into the body for purposes of altering mood or function is prohibited.
“This order applies to U.S. Air Force personnel assigned or attached within the USAFE area of responsibility,” said Col. Zeb Pischnotte, 3rd Air Force staff judge advocate.
The substance ban establishes consistency throughout USAFE. Currently, Italy and Germany prohibit the use of Salvia divinorum, but other countries do not prohibit its use.
Now, abuse of these substances is a violation of Article 92 of the UCMJ and is punishable with administrative action, nonjudicial punishment or courts-martial. The maximum punishment is a dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, confinement for two years and reduction to the lowest enlisted grade.
Additionally, any USAFE member violating this order could be subject to discharge for drug abuse under Air Force Instruction 36-3208. If this happens, the member’s service separation may be characterized as “under other than honorable conditions,” the worst administrative discharge. Members with a UOTHC discharge lose many VA benefits, including education benefits under the Montgomery G.I. Bill, and unemployment compensation at the end of their military service.
“The best advice I can give Airmen is to obey this order. There are many ways to enjoy personal time without engaging in misconduct,” Colonel Pischnotte said. “Have a plan with your wingman and never forget that you are a military member subject to orders, and you are our most valued asset.”
