Posted on 06/20/2004 1:12:29 PM PDT by Wolfie
Navy SEALs Caught Up In Drug Sweep
U.S. being forced to transfer some units
More than a dozen sailors, including eight SEALs, are being investigated after testing positive for illegal drug use, the Navy confirmed yesterday.
Seven sailors assigned to the Naval Special Warfare Command, including five SEALs, failed drug tests in early May while they were on a training exercise in Thailand.
Other sailors reported seeing the commandos using drugs in Pattaya, a Thai beach resort.
That was enough for Rear Adm. Joseph Maguire, the Naval Special Warfare commander, to order a drug-testing sweep of 3,300 of the 4,600 men and women under his command.
The only people not tested were those deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries and those on leave or on temporary duty.
In the sweep, six more sailors tested positive, including three SEALs, one student and two support personnel.
Some of those who failed the drug tests are assigned to units based at Coronado's Naval Amphibious Base. Others are from units in Little Creek, Va.
The episode is forcing the early replacement of two SEAL platoons overseas by two stateside units and has embarrassed units that have been used extensively in Iraq and Afghanistan in the war on terrorism.
"We identified the problem," said Navy spokesman Cmdr. Jeff Bender yesterday. "We investigated the problem, and we'll hold those accountable for their actions."
The investigations are being conducted by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and could result in criminal or administrative action. No charges have been filed.
The Navy has a zero-tolerance drug policy, and sailors caught using drugs usually are discharged. "This is something that's not taken lightly. One is too many," Bender said.
The sweeps come as the Navy is trying to increase its number of SEALs. The war on terrorism has increased the need for special operations forces such as the SEALs, Green Berets and Army Rangers.
Training SEALs is time-consuming and costly. Each two-year training process includes the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL class and advanced weapons and tactics training. It costs several hundred thousand dollars to train each commando.
The SEALs and special warfare crewmen were in Thailand for Cobra Gold, an annual multinational training exercise.
After other sailors reported the possible drug use, 10 sailors were asked to take drug urinalysis tests. Nine volunteered and the 10th was ordered to take the urine test, Bender said.
Seven sailors, five SEALs and two combatant crewmen tested positive. They were flown back to their units in San Diego and Little Creek. Navy law enforcement agents searched barracks and buildings used by the sailors in Guam and Singapore but found no drugs. Their stateside units were not revealed.
The two SEAL platoons, each with 16 commandos, will be replaced this month with two similar units from the United States, Bender said.
No operations or exercises were affected by the suspected drug use or testing, he added.
"This did not affect our readiness," he said, pointing out that only one-fifth of 1 percent of the drug tests were positive. "We have not missed a beat."
Drug use by such forces is worrisome, said defense analyst Ivan Eland, because the small units, often working in hostile territory, require teamwork.
"They are endangering their own lives but also the colleagues in their units," said Eland, senior fellow of The Independent Institute in Oakland.
Last year, 21 special warfare sailors were discharged after failing drug tests. In 2002, positive tests forced out 32 sailors assigned to Naval Special Warfare.
Adm. Vern Clark, chief of naval operations, has called for a 25 percent reduction in drug use this year.
KBR and Blackwater are always hiring.
Last year, 21 special warfare sailors were discharged after failing drug tests. In 2002, positive tests forced out 32 sailors assigned to Naval Special Warfare.
General Order #1, it's not just a good idea, it's the law.
As far as drug use, I've not seen anyone caught on that, but considering how hard they're slamming people for a beer or two, I'd imagine that the consequences are more dire than normal.
The recitation of his form 20, as tiresome as it is boastful, speaks volumes in itself. Once I read that and note the contradiction between what he has said in his post 10 and subsequent posts, I don't need to read further to know his character.
Someone must have gone back over JRPerry's posting history and saw what I saw. Pretty rough stuff. Anyway, he's gone. He seemed unstable to me.
Well yes, they are getting kicked out.
What's this I used to hear about joining the army and being a man? I musta dreamed it.
This case is for steroids, though the journalist's writing might lead you to think it is for crack or heroin. It's just steroids.
The Navy has a zero-tolerance drug policy, and sailors caught using drugs usually are discharged
OK...well I have a "zero tolerance policy" to drug and alcohol use by our senate,congress, judicial and executive branches and feel that if any of them are caught using or abusing either they should be discharged and loose all benefits.
The military should NOT have to be tested for anything if the above mentioned are not !
Not if you pay them off.
Back in 73 or 74 at Udorn, I got busted by Thai Police after buying a "brick" of Thai sticks for 100 Baht ($5.00).
The cops drove me to my house where I got 35 dollars (700 Baht) in cash, and paid the cops.
They gave me back my weed, and left.
I had to move after that, because they kept stopping by for another "shakedown.
I'd rather get busted by the locals than have to face the Squadron Commander for an Article 15.
I figured......we "all" got busted , warned or reprimanded for using other than prescribed dosages over time. When you run , jump, dive, PT, stay awake for days , hump a 100 pound ruck , and move tons of ordnance by hand more often than not ......it makes 20 years in the NFL seem like childs play. Small injuries over time compound and to do what ya love you take risks. I turn 50 this year and albeit my mileage is low .....the sudden stops makes my body feel 75 years old at times. Those who do not make the ultimate sacrifice of life in defending their nation more than likely sacrifice their youth and long term health. These days more care and training is available but in my time it was how much, how fast, how accurate or how far. Sports nutrition should be a mandatory part of training our servicemen and women.
Steriods and or mixed suppliments was what I suspected at first......
Stay safe.....
Not hard to do. Here he is pontificating about the importance of character, just days before broadcasting his contempt for field grade officers and rationalizing insubordination and illicit drug use.
(Un)fortunately it is not the 70s anymore. I would not want to get caught nowadays.
Would be nice if that was still the exchange rate also. :)
I noticed that one when I went looking the other day.
When I saw it - I knew it was just a matter of time.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.