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Think twice before using spice
Posted 5/31/2012 Updated 6/1/2012
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Commentary by Maj. Bryon Gleisner
Air Force Global Strike Command Judge Advocate
5/31/2012 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Thinking about getting a so-called "legal high" this summer? Don't. There is no such thing.
This spring, three Airmen from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., found out the hard way that smoking spice will not only ruin your career, but can also result in a court-martial conviction and jail time. The three Whiteman Airmen, assigned to the 509th Civil Engineer Squadron, purchased spice at a liquor and tobacco shop and smoked it together on numerous occasions.
The Airmen's spice use came to the attention of military authorities when one of the Airmen was selected for a urinalysis test, which tested positive for spice. An Air Force Office of Special Investigations investigation quickly uncovered the spice use of the two other Airmen involved and each was brought before a special court-martial to answer for their crimes. Each Airman was convicted at trial, stripped of their rank, lost pay and sent to jail. The jail sentences ranged from 75 days to three months. Each will also face administrative discharge from the Air Force and loss of benefits.
As spice use has increased, the Air Force has aggressively pursued new ways to detect those who are using the synthetic drug and to hold them accountable when use of it is discovered. The Air Force was the first of the military branches to begin urinalysis testing for spice. Commanders throughout Air Force Global Strike Command will be ordering more urinalysis sweeps at the gate, in the dorms and within their units. Eventually, those using spice will be caught.
All Airmen must be aware that it is a violation of AFI 44-120, paragraph 1.1.6, and Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice to knowingly use "any intoxicating substance, other than the lawful use of alcohol or tobacco products, which is inhaled, injected, consumed or introduced into the body in any manner to alter mood or function . . . . These substances include, but are not limited to, controlled substance analogues (e.g. designer drugs such as 'spice' that are not otherwise controlled substances); inhalants, propellants, solvents, household chemicals and other substances used for 'huffing'; prescription or over-the-counter medications when used in a manner contrary to their intended medical purpose or in excess of the prescribed dosage; and naturally occurring intoxicating substances (e.g. Salvia divinorum)."
So don't be fooled into thinking that spice use isn't as bad as using other illegal drugs such as marijuana or that its use can't be detected by a urinalysis test. The three Airmen from Whiteman certainly had a long time to think about just how wrong they were as they sat behind bars. Their cases should be a warning to all that spice use is not legal, it's not healthy and it's just not worth it.
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