What must a command do if a military member is involved in a drug incident?

When a military member is involved in a drug incident, the appropriate course of action for a command is to initiate separation for misconduct. This is essential because drug-related offenses can undermine the integrity and readiness of the military institution. The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) holds service members accountable for their conduct, and involvement with illegal substances is treated seriously.

Initiating separation for misconduct is a necessary step to uphold military discipline and standards. It reflects the commitment of the command to maintain a drug-free environment and ensures that all service members are held to the same standards of behavior. This action not only addresses the specific incident but also serves as a deterrent to others who might consider similar actions, reinforcing the consequences of violating drug policies within the military.

While providing mandatory counseling is an option in some cases, it is not universally required and does not replace the need for disciplinary action. Transferring a member to an inactive status or ignoring the incident would not be appropriate responses, as they fail to address the misconduct directly and could compromise the unit’s operational effectiveness.