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 BRIGADIER GENERAL RICHARD M. CLARK
 LIEUTENANT GENERAL MICHAEL C. GOULD
Academy investigates illegal drug use

Posted 1/12/2012 Email story   Print story

    

1/12/2012 - U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The Air Force Academy is investigating approximately 15 cadets for violating a general order prohibiting the use of intoxicating substances -- other than alcohol, caffeine, tobacco or lawfully-used prescribed medications.

The Academy superintendent issued his general order in April 2010, and it applies to all Academy cadets, cadet candidates and military members attached to the Academy.

"Consistent with Air Force policy and instructions, the U.S. Air Force Academy has a zero tolerance policy regarding the use of these intoxicating substances, and certainly illegal drug use or possession," said Lt. Gen. Mike Gould, the Academy superintendent. "The abuse of these products by military members, cadets or cadet candidates contradicts the nature of the profession of arms, threatens our military readiness, and impairs our responsibilities to the Air Force and our nation -- and we will not stand for this behavior, ever."

Based upon investigations by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations in late 2011, the Academy launched an immediate investigation into cadets who allegedly violated the general order. Those who disobey the general order face disciplinary actions, which could include trial by court-martial, non-judicial punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, reprimands and involuntary separation from the Air Force.

"These alleged actions by just a few of our more than 4,300 cadets are not what we expect of America's future leaders and are not reflective of the highest standards we uphold every day," said Brig. Gen. Richard Clark, the Academy's commandant of cadets. "We expect the very best from our cadets, and we do not tolerate this type of behavior."

As the investigation continues, any additional allegations will be thoroughly examined to determine appropriate disciplinary action, if warranted.

(Courtesy of the U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs Office.)



tabComments
1/19/2012 12:15:23 PM ET
Realize that there is a good chance it is performance enhancing drugs since the Academy does have one of the highest percentages of Intercollegiate Athletes in the student body.I saw a few of these case while there. @The Nuts, you are right the academy, does get bad press when it's there wheareas other schools dont even remark.
Grad, AF
 
1/18/2012 9:54:23 AM ET
It is indeed disgusting, but the numbers of kids at the Academy doing illegal drugs of any kind are much much lower than that of any other university or college. It happens at every college -- except at the Academy you get in trouble -- as you should. At every other school nothing happens when you get caught. You never hear about kids in other schools getting drug hits even though it happens much more frequently.
The Nuts, SC
 
1/12/2012 4:30:56 PM ET
Wow. So in addition to the increasing numbers of sexual assaults we are now seeing increases in drug use as well. I thought that to be admitted to the academy you were of the highest morale caliber. This is embarassing and disgusting.
Fish, ABQ NM
 
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