How does the military handle cases involving drug misuse?

In Utah, drug misuse cases in the military are handled differently depending on the branch of the military the accused is in. In the Air Force, drug misuse cases are handled under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). A person accused of drug misuse will usually face court-martial proceedings, which can lead to harsh punishments such as dishonorable discharge or confinement. The commanding officer can decide to take non-judicial punishment before the case goes to court-martial. Depending on the seriousness of the offense, this could include reprimands, forfeiture of pay, restrictions, reduction in rank, or extra duties. Additionally, the military may decide to refer the case to the Drug Deterrence Program. This program is designed to help those who are struggling with substance abuse issues. The program requires the service member to attend counseling and drug education classes and may include random drug tests to ensure compliance. If the service member successfully completes the program, they may be able to avoid court-martial proceedings and have their records cleared. In the end, it is up to the commanding officer to decide how to handle each case. The military takes drug misuse very seriously and will take the necessary steps to ensure that justice is served.

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