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AMC Commander prohibits use of intoxicating substances

  • Published
  • By Capt. Matt Bush
  • 43rd Airlift Wing Legal Office
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  On April 13, Gen. Arthur Lichte, Air Mobility Command Commander, signed a general order prohibiting all military members assigned or attached to AMC from using intoxicating substances. This prohibition encompasses chemical inhalants, over-the-counter nonprescription medications or any other substance, other than alcohol, caffeine or tobacco that is ingested for the purpose of becoming intoxicated, high, altering your mood or function or achieving a psychoactive effect. In addition, possessing, distributing or ingesting the hallucinogenic plant Salvia Divinorum (Salvia), or the mixture of herbs known as Spice is also prohibited. 

After showing up in certain head shops and online, Salvia made the federal Drug Enforcement Administration category of "Drugs and Chemicals of Concern." Ingestion may cause dangerous hallucinations and changes in perception, as well as other unsafe psychological effects. Although Salvia is currently not identified as a Controlled Substance under federal law, its use is a violation of Air Force Instructions. It is also illegal to use, possess and distribute in many states. Currently, North Carolina has a Senate Bill circulating that would classify Salvia as a Schedule I controlled substance within the state, thereby making it illegal under state law to possess, use or distribute Salvia. This Bill has yet to be passed into law. 

Spice and Dream are other products available commercially which are covered by this General Order. Since the effects of their ingestion, commonly pursued through smoking, are similar to that caused by marijuana, it is often advertised as the legal substitute for marijuana. However, do not be fooled by this advertisement because the General Lichte has determined such use is inconsistent with Department of Defense Directives and Air Force Instructions and could seriously undermine our mission and negatively impact the nation's security. Consequently, its possession, use or distribution is also prohibited. 

Chemical inhalants are also addressed in this General Order. These are a diverse group of substances which include volatile solvents, aerosols, gases and nitrates which are huffed, sniffed, snorted or bagged to produce intoxicating effects similar to alcohol. These substances can be found in common household products such as glues, lighter fluid, cleaning fluid and paint products. Of course, using these products for their intended purpose is acceptable. 

Nonprescription, over-the-counter medication is addressed in this prohibition under certain circumstances. Substances like cold, cough, sinus, motion sickness, weight-loss, pain and sleep-aid medications ingested in amounts in excess of recommended dosages for the purpose of intoxication or to experience a psychoactive effect constitutes substance abuse. It is extremely dangerous to use substances in this manner and can lead to significant injury or death. 

The purpose of this General Order is to safeguard the health, welfare, good order and discipline of the Air Mobility Force from the serious risks associated with these forms of substance abuse and to ensure military readiness in this time of ongoing armed conflict. The Order is also based on the military necessity to foster mutual trust and confidence among members of the Air Mobility Force as well as the command responsibility to promote the public respect and acceptability of military service. Abuse of these substances by military members contradicts the nature of our profession of arms, threatens our military readiness and diminishes our ability to conduct the mission entrusted to us. More importantly, this type of abuse has the potential of endangering the life of the individual abuser, as well as the lives of other military members around the individual. 

As always, failure to obey a general order constitutes a violation of Article 92, Uniform Code of Military Justice, and may result in disciplinary or administrative action.