Marijuana remained the drug most commonly used by military personnel, and use of other drugs was much lower. However, Cocaine and Prescription Drug Abuse is on the rise.

Illicit drug use was related to productivity loss as measured by being late for work, leaving work early, being hurt in an on-the-job accident, working below one's normal level of performance, and not coming to work because of illness or injury.

Military personnel who used any illicit drugs or any drug except Marijuana were more likely than all DoD personnel to report loss of productivity from work.

Overall 87,4% of military personnel reported being tested within the past 12 months. marine Corps personnel (93.9%) reported the highest rates of testing in the past 12 months.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT & PREVENTION PLANNING

In accordance with MCO P1700.24B, needs assessments must be conducted by unit SACOs to determine a unit's needs regarding substance abuse prevention and education. An annual prevention plan must be developed by the SACOs and signed by the unit commander. The
plan must include Measurements of Effectiveness that also must be reviewed annually by the commander. The requirement is part of the AIRS checklist used by CG/IG inspectors to inspect unit on mission readiness and capability. Your local Drug Demand Reduction Office can assist you in the creation of this plan. Please contact Fred Mossop, Drug Demand Reduction Coordinator at 466-3907 or email fredrick.mossop@usmc.mil

Professional Military Education (PME) is provided to all interested units desiring to augment or fulfill unit training requirements in areas of substance abuse and dependence issues. The areas of training include: illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and supplements. The training can be tailored or modified to suit the audience. Senior leadership training and junior enlisted training is available. Anyone interested in scheduling a class, please contact Fred Mossip, Drug Demand Reduction Coordinator at 466-3907 or email fredrick.mossop@usmc.mil

The 8-hour Urinalysis Course is provided to unit substance abuse program representatives and is REQUIRED  for anyone involved in the collection process to include potential unit substance abuse control officers, substance abuse control specialists, drug and alcohol program advisors, observers, and administrative assistants. The classes are conducted by the Drug Demand Reduction Office with the assistance of the Wing SACO, Mr. Steve Berry. Personnel will receive detailed instructions on the proper administration of the program. Course materials are provided and there is mandatory testing at the beginning and end of the training for certification as unit urinalysis program coordinators. Contact Fred Mossop, Drug Demand Reduction Coordinator at 466-3907 or email fredrick.mossop@usmc.mil
 

SUBSTANCE ABUSE CONTROL OFFICER (SACO) AND ASSISTANT COURSE

The SACO Course is a three (3) day training course for newly appointed Substance Abuse Control Officers (SACO) and Assistant Substance Abuse Control Officers. Through this curriculum SACO's and ASACO's are trained as mandated by MCO PI700.24B on all areas pertaining to their billet. Mandatory participation for all three days is required. As a result of this training, supervisory unit level substance abuse education, needs assessments, unit annual prevention planning, and other tasks required by the MCO will be covered. This comprehensive training arms the SACO's with valuable tools, which are presented in an easy to understand format. Day 3 of the training is Urinalysis Collection specific. Contact Fred Mossop, Drug Demand Reduction Coordinator at 466-3907 or email fredrick.mossop@usmc.mil

The Drug Demand Reduction Program continues to help support the local community by providing Drug Prevention presentations. The DDR Program has supported the Tri-Region Boys and Girls Club and participates in local health fairs and with future plans to participate in the National Night Out (National Night Out Against Crime) Campaign. Contact Fred Mossop, Drug Demand Reduction Coordinator at 466-3907 or email fredrick.mossop@usmc.mil

The annual celebration of National Red Ribbon Week focuses on communities and students across America committing themselves to living drug-free lives. It is very appropriate for the men and women of the Department of Defense to join with other Americans to support the dreams and goals of our children, and to commemorate the ultimate sacrifice made by Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena on our behalf. The Drug Demand Reduction team is available for Drug Prevention Presentations to the Drug Demand Reduction Coordinator at 466-3907 email fredrick.mossop@usmc.mil