MARINE FORCES RESERVE, New Orleans -- According to Marine Administrative Message 579/10, there has been an increase in Marines and sailors using both legal and illegal substances in efforts to “get high.”
The recently updated MARADMIN provides information on the dangers of abusing certain substances, compounds, and mixtures used to “get high.” It also states the legal consequences of such action and provides leaders with guidance to combat substance abuse.
“Here at the SACO office we take urinalysis testing very seriously,” said Staff Sgt. Joseph Lassandrello III, the substance abuse control officer for MarForRes. “As per the Marine Corps order, we test the Marines on a monthly basis, as well as holding urinalysis for all new joins and UA (unauthorized absence) Marines.”
Many of the substances used are not illegal under federal or state laws, but still pose a significant danger to the health and safety of Marines and sailors. Some, including the substance “Spice,” are illegal under Department of Defense regulations.
“When I first started working as the SACO, I would hear some Marines say that they have been at MarForRes for years, and have never been tested,” said Lassandrello, explaining the tougher stance MarForRes has taken towards drug abuse over the years. Now, whenever Marines complain, it’s because they are being tested on a regular basis due to the more strict and effective MARADMIN, said the Staff Sgt.
As of now, the MARADMIN, published Oct. 18, prohibits the abuse of these substances with the intent to induce intoxication or excitement. When revised, it will be strengthened to specifically prohibit the possession, sale, manufacture and distribution of such substances intended to be abused.
The MARADMIN can be found at the Web site link http://www.marines.mil/news/messages/Pages/MARADMIN579.10.aspx.