250 soldiers kept home from Afghanistan over drug use: military

[Praxius]

250 soldiers kept home from Afghanistan over drug use: military

The Canadian military kept 250 soldiers home from Afghanistan during the past year because they tested positive for drug use, officials have confirmed. The military told CBC News that it has tested about 6,800 soldiers since mandatory drug testing of troops headed for Afghanistan began in September 2006. Some soldiers were tested more than once, with about 9,500 tests done to date. Some of the soldiers were retested because they provided diluted urine samples, something the military views as an attempt to cheat the system. CBC News obtained the results of tests done between September 2006 and May 2007 through the Access to Information Act. The military then provided numbers from May until present. Names of soldiers were not released. Test results from September to May show that the majority of soldiers who failed the test tested positive for marijuana. Some others used harder drugs, such as cocaine, methamphetamine and amphetamines. "It's a particular concern because we are in Afghanistan, they are in a combat situation and they have to make split-second decisions, life or death, and we need them to be able to do that without the influence of illicit drugs," said Canadian Armed Forces Brig.-Gen. Ian Poulter. Poulter pointed out the illicit drug use was found in less than four per cent of the soldiers and said that number represents a smaller percentage than drug use by the general population. But retired Col. Michel Drapeau said it's still a "big deal" because it means the army is forced to ask some soldiers to serve in Afghanistan for another term. "That means probably that … somebody else who steps in are probably individuals that have already been in Afghanistan…. So is it serious? Yes, it is." Gen. Rick Hillier, chief of defence staff for the Canadian Forces, has taken a zero-tolerance approach with troops, and all soldiers who test positive for illicit drugs are kept home. "You can't have people driving large, dangerous equipment, handling guns if they're abusing substances," said Senator Colin Kenny, the chairman of the standing Senate committee on national security and defence. The military says it plans to expand the drug testing program to include blind testing, which will encompass the entire Canadian Forces, not just soldiers slated for duty in Afghanistan.

Pot smoking Canadian Soldiers? Who would have Thunk it?

The Cocaine and other heavy drugs, I see as a problem.... but we all know my stance on marijuana.

Correct me if I am wrong, but it's been a while since I checked, but doesn't the Canadian Military permit drinking?

[prejudged_Fire]

The Cocaine and other heavy drugs, I see as a problem.... but we all know my stance on marijuana.

I don't. Please explain it to me.

[treme]

I'd smoke to keep from going to walk around in the hot with a gun.

[Osborn F Enready]

If soldiers can drink while off duty, I don't see why they couldn't smoke pot.

[Praxius]

Quote by: Osborn F Enready If soldiers can drink while off duty, I don't see why they couldn't smoke pot.

That's where I'm coming from on this.... I mean, sure you got the factor that weed is still illegal, but if they can still smoke ciggs, which would reduce their lung capacity and endurance, and they can drink alcohol, which wouldn't be too good if you had a hangover the next day before you go into battle..... then smoking pot shouldn't be that big of a deal.

And when you think about it.... if they held off from smoking pot at home, they'd have an unlimited supply in Afghanistan:

[Politics Watch]

Although this story was published by CanWest News today and CBC yesterday, the facts about the 250 Canadian troops not going to Afghanistan because of failed drug tests was first reported by Politics Watch in August.

Drug testing in the military was part of a larger feature "Are Canadian politicians and public servants on drugs?" that was published on August 29, 2007.

This Politics Watch special report examined drug testing policies for Canada's military, bureaucrats and political staffers. It also looked at drug testing in US government and politics. Just how little scrutiny there is in Canada may surprise you.

[Politics Watch]

You can find the POLITICS WATCH feature here:

Drug Testing in Canadian Government and Politics - Politics Watch ® News Services

[Osborn F Enready]

I don't think drugs should be outlawed or regulated as they are, so I doubt the "lack of scrutiny" in Canada would disappoint me.

Regardless, thanks for the link.

[prejudged_Fire]

I mean, sure you got the factor that weed is still illegal, but if they can still smoke ciggs, which would reduce their lung capacity and endurance, and they can drink alcohol, which wouldn't be too good if you had a hangover the next day before you go into battle..... then smoking pot shouldn't be that big of a deal.

You can still drink without getting drunk and having a hangover the next day. Theres the difference. You can drink without affecting your performance, you can't say the same about pot.

[Osborn F Enready]

I can say the same about pot.

-Have you smoked pot?
-What independent studies have you seen on pot?
-Can you provide correlation of how pot affects performance based on amount in blood, urine or hair samples?

There is much more fallacy than, factual, vetted substance to the issue of how pot affects people, in relation to use and frequency of use, levels measurable, etc.

[Praxius]

Quote by: prejudged_Fire You can still drink without getting drunk and having a hangover the next day. Theres the difference. You can drink without affecting your performance, you can't say the same about pot.

Yes I can.... and at times, it improves my concentration and focus on certain things I am doing.... compared to alcohol. I could smoke a small bowl and get a small buzz, or nothing at all, and I'd still make the same reactions, decisions and focus I would sober.

[prejudged_Fire]

I could smoke a small bowl and get a small buzz, or nothing at all, and I'd still make the same reactions, decisions and focus I would sober.

Ok, but not everyone can and I can't blame the military for not wanting to take the chance of some idiot who can't handle his high doing something stupid.

[Praxius]

Quote by: prejudged_Fire Ok, but not everyone can and I can't blame the military for not wanting to take the chance of some idiot who can't handle his high doing something stupid.

Same can be said about alcohol.... some can't hold their liqour.

[Chaossaber314]

Legally, if it's banned in a country I can see it being banned for troops overseas.

Objectively, as long as it's not being used while on duty, I think it should be fine. Of course, there probably should be a time limit thing. Like local police in my area can't consume alcohol 12 hours before a shift. That makes sense to me.

[prejudged_Fire]

Same can be said about alcohol.... some can't hold their liqour.

I know, I don't think they should be allowed to drink either.

[another day]

Quote by: Osborn F Enready If soldiers can drink while off duty, I don't see why they couldn't smoke pot.

Because marijuana makes you question and ponder things, as well as making you non-confrontational and passive. Can't have soldiers thinking for themselves or shying away from violence now can we?

Alcohol does the opposite. It's perfect for the army.

On another note, great way to get out of military service... I wonder if they would keep you home during a draft if you were addicted to drugs?

[Jubloz]

Quote by: prejudged_Fire You can still drink without getting drunk and having a hangover the next day. Theres the difference. You can drink without affecting your performance, you can't say the same about pot.

The effects of marijuana typically don't linger into the next day and, in my experience, don't last any longer than the effects of alcohol; actually, personal observation would imply that it wears off more quickly. Furthermore, in much the same way that you don't have to drink to the point of hangover, it's quite possible to smoke enough to get a light and temporary buzz. Alcohol also causes dehydration, which can be extremely detrimental in the hot conditions of Afghanistan. Prejudged_Fire, you're looking for "facts" to back up your opinion, rather than forming an opinion by looking at actually information.

[Jubloz]

Quote by: another day Because marijuana makes you question and ponder things, as well as making you non-confrontational and passive. Can't have soldiers thinking for themselves or shying away from violence now can we? Alcohol does the opposite. It's perfect for the army.

Heh, maybe the military should start using mushrooms then. That's what the vikings sent some of their troops into battle with. :eek:

[Praxius]

Quote by: another day Because marijuana makes you question and ponder things, as well as making you non-confrontational and passive. Can't have soldiers thinking for themselves or shying away from violence now can we?

Nah... smoke me up, stick a weapon in my hand and tell me to go shoot the enemy.... if I'm a soldier, it'd be my job to shoot and kill.... I'd just be more focused on my target then normal.

You should see me take out sober people in FPS. Yeah I know that's no comparison to real combat... but I'm just relating that I do better in the game stoned then most do sober.

That additional thinking helps me make stratigies most wouldn't think of.

Alcohol does the opposite. It's perfect for the army.

So long as you don't have to aim.

On another note, great way to get out of military service... I wonder if they would keep you home during a draft if you were addicted to drugs?

I don't know the official story, but I know they won't send you over in Canada.... and if you have illegal drugs in your system while signed into the military, I think from what I was told in Militia, you get a court martial, since when you sign in, you also sign that you will not do them..