Local Air Force OSI stands up Combined Joint Drug Enforcement Team Published April 28, 2009 By Special Agent Kyle McArthur 9th Field Investigations Squadron chief investigator EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Eglin and Hurlburt Field Air Force Office of Special Investigations has taken the war on drugs to new heights. The 9th Field Investigations Squadron is leading the way with the formation of a combined Joint Drug Enforcement Team between the two installations. This consolidated effort consists of AFOSI special agents and security forces investigators, who have teamed with local drug task forces for a sole purpose - the war on drugs. "Improper use of drugs is a serious breach of discipline and is incompatible with continued service," said an OSI agent. "It is our team's job to ensure individual mistakes have the least impact on the Air Force, while we vet out the real source of the problems - the suppliers." The overall number of people involved in drug abuse investigations is still relatively small compared to the overall local military population. However, recent drug abuse cases at Eglin and Hurlburt show continued use of multiple illicit drugs by Airmen and other military members to the detriment of their careers and the ongoing mission. AFOSI ran more than 80 drug abuse investigations in the Florida Panhandle involving military members over the past two years, but that number is substantially lower from years past. Approximately 90 percent of these cases were directly affiliated with Air Force members. The other cases were against civilian drug suppliers. AFOSI is the only investigative agency in the Air Force with the authority to pursue civilian suppliers, as long as there is an identified nexus to the Air Force. The 9th FIS, located at both Eglin and Hurlburt Field, has taken significant proactive measures to ascertain whether drug use is truly down or if detection has simply diminished. AFOSI uses a three-pronged strategy to form the foundation in the battle against drug abuse. The first element is supply interdiction. This is done through aggressive efforts - including running undercover operations - to eliminate the availability of drugs service members consume. The second and third elements comprise supply reduction and information analysis. This is accomplished through multiple means, but primarily through the collection of local information and educational efforts. "We educate the troops from day one, our focus is not on punitive action but preventive measures," said a JDET investigator. "Air Force personnel are only good sensors of information and illicit activity if we continually educate them." One of the many sources of information AFOSI relies upon comes from testing of personnel. The Air Force employs random urinalysis and inspections to deter and detect illicit use of controlled and illegal drugs and ensure the health and welfare of Air force personnel. Positive test information is provided directly to AFOSI personnel. More recently, emphasis has been placed on expanding drug testing to include off-duty, after hours and weekend testing. Random urinalysis and drug screening has also been conducted at the base's main gates. "These random checks are part of our overall effort to ensure we maintain good order and discipline for our quality Air Force . . . as Eglin continues to lead the way in safety and security," said Col. Bruce McClintock, 96th Air Base Wing commander, about the drug screening event at Eglin's gates on March 16. Air Force policy on the use of drugs, including steroids and marijuana analogues such as salvia and spice, is clear : The illicit use of prescription medications, anabolic steroids, illegal drugs or marijuana analogues by military members are offenses punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Additionally, Air Force members are prohibited from possessing, selling or using drug paraphernalia. The Air Armament Center's Staff Judge Advocate office affirmed illegal drug use is taken very seriously in the Air Force. Over the last year, there were more than 300 courts-martial within the Air Force for drug use, possession, manufacture, and distribution. Some of the courts were for single offenses, such as one specification of use or distribution while others had a combination of drug related specifications. To report a crime or suspected drug abuse, call AFSOI at 882-2153 or Security Forces at 882-2777.