Research into Compulsory Drugs Testing (CDT) of UK service personnel, published today by the Journal of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), has identified a rise in positive tests for illegal substances in the British Army from 517 individual cases in 2003, to 795 in 2005 (and 769 in 2006), and also a four-fold growth in soldiers testing positive for the class-A drug cocaine.
Professor Sheila Bird, a Senior Scientist with the Medical Research Council writing for the RUSI Journal states that the British Army’s substantially increased urinary cocaine positive rate – up from 1.4 perthousand in 2003 to 4.0 and 5.7 per thousand in the first semesters of 2006 and 2007 respectively (up to a four-fold increase) – could however just be the tip of the iceberg.
The government has refused, on the grounds of cost, to disclose key data on CDT practice, such as whether there have been subtle changes in test practice since 2003. Changes might include better test sensitivity, more testing after weekends, or intentionally targeting returnees soon after home leave. Such alterations could go a long way to explaining the increased rate of cocaine positivity without much underlying change in soldiers' infrequent cocaine use. However, if there has been no alteration in CDT practice since 2003, then the cocaine-positive results are worrying on two counts: first, the hike in cocaine positivity signals a genuine change in soldiers' drug use during a period coincident with major operations; secondly, infrequent cocaine use has a high chance of going undetected so that the observed cocaine-positive rates could in fact be masking infrequent cocaine-use rates that are two to three times higher.
Traces of cocaine are found in urine for only two to three days after use. By contrast, cannabis remains in urine for two to three weeks. In 2003, cannabis accounted for half (50 per cent) of all CDT positive tests, whereas cocaine was 22 per cent. By 2006, around 50 per cent of all positive tests registered cocaine use, with cannabis around 30 per cent. Professor Bird’s article suggests soldiers’ drug use may have shifted away from cannabis partly to minimise their chance of testing positive in CDT.
Comparing data gleaned from parliamentary questions on CDT, Professor Bird’s analysis counters claims that this trend is a ‘reflection of society more generally’, when placed in societal context alongside the declared ‘drug use in the last month’ of respondents to the British Crime Survey. The self-reported survey of some 6,000 respondents aged between 16-24 years notes cocaine use to be 28 and 30 per thousand respectively in 2003/04 and 2005/06, and 32 per 1000 in 2006/07. Military cocaine-positive rates, twenty times lower in 2003, were only six times lower in 2006/07.
Since most military personnel who test positive for drugs are dishonourably discharged, irrespective of which illegal drug was misused, these findings will place even more scrutiny on the debate over recruitment and retention of service personnel. Only last month the Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that seventeen soldiers from the 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders) tested positive for cocaine after a rest and relaxation period in Cancun, Mexico following an exercise in Belize.
Professor Sheila Bird, who conducted the research, said:
Military personnel take calculated risks as part of their professional lives. Their calculation about the risk of testing positive in CDT, and ministerial as well as public health scientists’ interpretation of the ongoing hike in soldiers’ cocaine positive rate is severely handicapped by the government’s refusal (on grounds of cost) to disclose key information such as whether the tests are targeted and if the pattern of weekday and weekend testing has altered, in particular since 2003.
If there have been changes to the testing regime with relation to the day the sample is taken, this can have a substantial effect on the rate of positive tests. Such a change could itself discover three times more cocaine positives without there having been any alteration in underlying use of cocaine by service personnel, if their use of cocaine is infrequent, sporadic, but primarily on home leave or at weekends.
If, however, there has been no recent change in test practice, then the cocaine positive findings are genuinely concerning. Why so? Because the 4.0 to 5.7/1000 urinary cocaine test positive rates in 2006 and 2007 could mask a two to three times higher sporadic cocaine user rate, if infrequent use is primarily at weekends and testing is not specifically targeted on Mondays.
Christianne Tipping, Defence Management analystat RUSI, who has written alongside Professor Bird in the Journal on the MoD’s drugs policy, said:
The issue of an increasing number of drug-related discharges at a time when recruitment and retention are problematic needs to be examined by the MoD.
The hardline policy on drugs has served the MoD well to date. CDT exists to deter rather than to try to catch every single person who might engage in occasional drug use. It also helps to maintain operational effectiveness and reduce possible security risks, such as blackmail. However, there could be a need to look at a more pragmatic management strategy so that recruitment difficulties in certain trades are not compounded by high discharge rates resulting from drug offences. The MoD needs to be sure its near zero tolerance approach still constitutes the best way of managing the problem of drug abuse in the Armed Forces.
Drug abuse in the Armed Forces is a live issue at present, especially after the recent case involving the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, but it is important to stress that drug misuse in the Armed Forces as a whole involves relatively low numbers.
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The Journal is the leading publication of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). Published six times a year, it is an internationally recognised authority on defence and security issues.
MOD To Sell Helicopter Maintenance Businesses
The Defence Aviation Repair Agency (DARA) businesses at Fleetlands in Hampshire and Almondbank in Perthshire are to be sold to Vector Aerospace, securing a long term future for the business, it was announced on February 5, 2008.
These two Rotary Wing and Components businesses undertake vital helicopter maintenance and repairs for MOD rotary aviation units.
Defence Minister for Equipment and Support, Baroness Ann Taylor, said:
"In selling DARA we are confident that we are securing a long term future for the business. This is the best result for Defence, for our Armed Forces, and for the employees.
"My priority is ensuring our forces out on operations have the equipment they need to do their job and it is essential that we continue to maintain our aircraft to the highest standard.
"I pay tribute to the dedicated and highly skilled employees at Fleetlands and Almondbank, doing a fantastic job to support our troops in Afghanistan, Iraq and at home, by ensuring our helicopters are fit to fly.
"If we do not sell, there is no doubt that the businesses at Fleetlands and Almondbank could decline rapidly and probably close within a few years, leading to serious job losses.
"We want to retain such a highly skilled and valuable workforce in Fleetlands and Almondbank. But with decreasing workload due to a number of our aircraft starting to go out of service, diversification into the commercial sector is the best solution.
"We have made this decision very carefully, following widespread consultation including with the Trades Unions. And we have worked hard to agree transfer of employment terms such as pensions. It has not been easy, but it could provide a good future for all those involved in our military rotary aviation maintenance."
Vector Aerospace are a Canadian-based company who specialise in the military and civilian aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul business globally. They were selected by the MOD last July as the preferred bidder for the DARA businesses following an extensive selection process.
Vector Aerospace Chairman and CEO, Don Jackson, said:
"There is a significant amount of synergy between the DARA businesses and Vector's current global operations. We are looking forward to growing the level of support that we are providing to the UK MOD and to working with the employees at Almondbank and Fleetlands to create a Centre of Excellence in European helicopter maintenance. We have expansion plans, and hope to increase our staff numbers as appropriate."
One can but wonder whether this is the slow road to the privatization of the military, just like, as it would seem, more and more military jobs are taken over in the American sectors in Iraq, etc. by units of private security contractors, once upon a time called mercenaries, such as Blackwater Security, and others.
One can only but wonder how much more of the once national government operated services this so-called Labor government is prepared to sell out to private industry.
The most worrying factor, as far as our service men and -women are concerned, is (1) safety and (2) the possibility that shareholder concerns come above any others and such companies suddenly are taken over by foreign interest. The gods forbid those foreign interest be covert and enemy. The chances of this happening are not at all remote, however, and this, as a citizen and even more so were I a serving member of the security forces, worries me.
Michael Smith (Veshengro), February 2008
These two Rotary Wing and Components businesses undertake vital helicopter maintenance and repairs for MOD rotary aviation units.
Defence Minister for Equipment and Support, Baroness Ann Taylor, said:
"In selling DARA we are confident that we are securing a long term future for the business. This is the best result for Defence, for our Armed Forces, and for the employees.
"My priority is ensuring our forces out on operations have the equipment they need to do their job and it is essential that we continue to maintain our aircraft to the highest standard.
"I pay tribute to the dedicated and highly skilled employees at Fleetlands and Almondbank, doing a fantastic job to support our troops in Afghanistan, Iraq and at home, by ensuring our helicopters are fit to fly.
"If we do not sell, there is no doubt that the businesses at Fleetlands and Almondbank could decline rapidly and probably close within a few years, leading to serious job losses.
"We want to retain such a highly skilled and valuable workforce in Fleetlands and Almondbank. But with decreasing workload due to a number of our aircraft starting to go out of service, diversification into the commercial sector is the best solution.
"We have made this decision very carefully, following widespread consultation including with the Trades Unions. And we have worked hard to agree transfer of employment terms such as pensions. It has not been easy, but it could provide a good future for all those involved in our military rotary aviation maintenance."
Vector Aerospace are a Canadian-based company who specialise in the military and civilian aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul business globally. They were selected by the MOD last July as the preferred bidder for the DARA businesses following an extensive selection process.
Vector Aerospace Chairman and CEO, Don Jackson, said:
"There is a significant amount of synergy between the DARA businesses and Vector's current global operations. We are looking forward to growing the level of support that we are providing to the UK MOD and to working with the employees at Almondbank and Fleetlands to create a Centre of Excellence in European helicopter maintenance. We have expansion plans, and hope to increase our staff numbers as appropriate."
One can but wonder whether this is the slow road to the privatization of the military, just like, as it would seem, more and more military jobs are taken over in the American sectors in Iraq, etc. by units of private security contractors, once upon a time called mercenaries, such as Blackwater Security, and others.
One can only but wonder how much more of the once national government operated services this so-called Labor government is prepared to sell out to private industry.
The most worrying factor, as far as our service men and -women are concerned, is (1) safety and (2) the possibility that shareholder concerns come above any others and such companies suddenly are taken over by foreign interest. The gods forbid those foreign interest be covert and enemy. The chances of this happening are not at all remote, however, and this, as a citizen and even more so were I a serving member of the security forces, worries me.
Michael Smith (Veshengro), February 2008
New Field Hospital at Bastion
A new solid build field hospital at Camp Bastion which will increase the capabilities of the British military medical team in Helmand has been opened by Armed Forces Minister Bob Ainsworth.
The Medical Treatment Facility (MTF), which is housed in one of the few solid buildings at Bastion replaces the tented field hospital that has been used since 2003. The temperature-controlled building allows the medics to better avoid the heat, cold or dust that come with the Helmand territory.
With a fully equipped operatTwo mobile digital DRAGON X-Ray machines, worth £150,000 each have also been installed in the MTF which allow imaging within five seconds and, being portable, remove the need to move a patient from the ward, speeding the diagnostic process.ing theatre supporting two operating tables, the MTF also supports up to six beds for the most critically injured in an Intensive Treatment Unit (ITU). Two general wards handle patients with recovery needs and there are an additional two separate, private rooms, supplying a total capacity of 37 beds, with room for expansion.
Mr Ainsworth, who opened the new hospital while on a tour of Helmand, said: "I have always had the highest regard for the medical treatment received by our servicemen and women, but this new hospital is simply outstanding. I have seen for myself the quality of the building and equipment and I have met the staff, who are consummate professionals dedicated to treating everyone who comes through the doors to the highest standard.
"Our Armed Forces are engaged in a dangerous mission here and we owe it to them to provide them with the confidence that if they are injured, they will receive the very best of care from the moment they are picked up in the field, through their immediate treatment and any subsequent rehabilitation. This new facility and the staff who perform under such difficult conditions are helping to save lives and they should be extremely proud of the work they do and the contribution they are making to help bring stability to this country."
Two mobile digital DRAGON X-Ray machines, worth £150,000 each have also been installed in the MTF which allow imaging within five seconds and, being portable, remove the need to move a patient from the ward, speeding the diagnostic process. The digital scans can be enhanced as well as being instantly shareable with medical staff back in the UK.
The pathology lab can conduct blood and sample testing as well as having the capacity to supply blood products for transfusion. Equipment normally only found in the National Blood Service, used to gather the blood platelets much needed in trauma recovery, is currently on trial.
Mr Ainsworth was also shown the primary healthcare facilities which provide a general practice surgery, two dental surgeries, a welfare department, a mental healthcare team and a dedicated Hospital Chaplain. There are plans to develop the site further to include physiotherapy treatment and recovery rooms.
Staffed by around 100 personnel, the temperature-controlled building is capable of dealing with the most serious trauma injuries. Patients injured in mine-strikes, with blast, fragmentation or gunshot wounds, benefit from a team of on-site clinicians and consultants who can perform the immediate surgery which will save limbs and lives, before swift repatriation to continue care back in the UK.
The Officer Commanding of the Hospital Squadron, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Wallbridge, said: "The hospital treats personnel from across the ISAF coalition nations and we have also helped many from the Afghan National Army, Police and also local nationals for a whole range of complaints, from children suffering malnutrition or burns to those suffering traumatic amputations due to anti-personnel mines."
The hospital is currently staffed by 243 Field Hospital (Volunteers), from the south west of England, mainly Territorial Army personnel who have been given leave by their employers to deploy to Afghanistan. TA medics have a diverse range of medical and clerical posts back in the UK and in addition to trauma and intensive care experience they bring together a wealth of skills that might not otherwise be seen in a military setting. This has been particularly true with those trained as paediatricians, who have proved extremely valuable when dealing with local children.
Lt Col Wallbridge said on meeting Mr Ainsworth: "This new facility is simply fantastic, capable of bringing together the skills of experts in trauma surgery and recovery, intensive care and nursing with state of the art equipment. While we were always able to provide high standards of care in the tented hospital, we were always fighting a bit of a battle with the environment, the heat, cold or dust. Here, our outstanding staff and equipment also enjoy excellent working conditions."
The Medical Treatment Facility (MTF), which is housed in one of the few solid buildings at Bastion replaces the tented field hospital that has been used since 2003. The temperature-controlled building allows the medics to better avoid the heat, cold or dust that come with the Helmand territory.
With a fully equipped operatTwo mobile digital DRAGON X-Ray machines, worth £150,000 each have also been installed in the MTF which allow imaging within five seconds and, being portable, remove the need to move a patient from the ward, speeding the diagnostic process.ing theatre supporting two operating tables, the MTF also supports up to six beds for the most critically injured in an Intensive Treatment Unit (ITU). Two general wards handle patients with recovery needs and there are an additional two separate, private rooms, supplying a total capacity of 37 beds, with room for expansion.
Mr Ainsworth, who opened the new hospital while on a tour of Helmand, said: "I have always had the highest regard for the medical treatment received by our servicemen and women, but this new hospital is simply outstanding. I have seen for myself the quality of the building and equipment and I have met the staff, who are consummate professionals dedicated to treating everyone who comes through the doors to the highest standard.
"Our Armed Forces are engaged in a dangerous mission here and we owe it to them to provide them with the confidence that if they are injured, they will receive the very best of care from the moment they are picked up in the field, through their immediate treatment and any subsequent rehabilitation. This new facility and the staff who perform under such difficult conditions are helping to save lives and they should be extremely proud of the work they do and the contribution they are making to help bring stability to this country."
Two mobile digital DRAGON X-Ray machines, worth £150,000 each have also been installed in the MTF which allow imaging within five seconds and, being portable, remove the need to move a patient from the ward, speeding the diagnostic process. The digital scans can be enhanced as well as being instantly shareable with medical staff back in the UK.
The pathology lab can conduct blood and sample testing as well as having the capacity to supply blood products for transfusion. Equipment normally only found in the National Blood Service, used to gather the blood platelets much needed in trauma recovery, is currently on trial.
Mr Ainsworth was also shown the primary healthcare facilities which provide a general practice surgery, two dental surgeries, a welfare department, a mental healthcare team and a dedicated Hospital Chaplain. There are plans to develop the site further to include physiotherapy treatment and recovery rooms.
Staffed by around 100 personnel, the temperature-controlled building is capable of dealing with the most serious trauma injuries. Patients injured in mine-strikes, with blast, fragmentation or gunshot wounds, benefit from a team of on-site clinicians and consultants who can perform the immediate surgery which will save limbs and lives, before swift repatriation to continue care back in the UK.
The Officer Commanding of the Hospital Squadron, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Wallbridge, said: "The hospital treats personnel from across the ISAF coalition nations and we have also helped many from the Afghan National Army, Police and also local nationals for a whole range of complaints, from children suffering malnutrition or burns to those suffering traumatic amputations due to anti-personnel mines."
The hospital is currently staffed by 243 Field Hospital (Volunteers), from the south west of England, mainly Territorial Army personnel who have been given leave by their employers to deploy to Afghanistan. TA medics have a diverse range of medical and clerical posts back in the UK and in addition to trauma and intensive care experience they bring together a wealth of skills that might not otherwise be seen in a military setting. This has been particularly true with those trained as paediatricians, who have proved extremely valuable when dealing with local children.
Lt Col Wallbridge said on meeting Mr Ainsworth: "This new facility is simply fantastic, capable of bringing together the skills of experts in trauma surgery and recovery, intensive care and nursing with state of the art equipment. While we were always able to provide high standards of care in the tented hospital, we were always fighting a bit of a battle with the environment, the heat, cold or dust. Here, our outstanding staff and equipment also enjoy excellent working conditions."
Under Body Armour Combat Shirt & other kit for The Front Line
The innovative Under Body Armour Combat Shirt (UBACS) is just one of the items that MOD clothing specialists have developed in response to the demanding conditions that British front line men and women are encountering on contemporary operations in the various theatres of operation around the globe but especially in Iraq and Afghanistan.The UBACS standard issue in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is designed to be worn under protective body armour. I assume that is if body armour is available for the lack of it has, so far, cause the death of a number of British Service personnel on operations. The body of the long-sleeved shirt is made of a special fabric that absorbs sweat – ideal when soldiers are fighting in often formidably hot and uncomfortable conditions.
While, I am sure, this shirt is very welcome, personal individual body armour for each and every trooper would be more welcome still.
"Considerable time, effort and money goes in to ensuring that our troops are provided with excellent kit that allows them to perform to the best of their capability, said Head of the Defence Clothing team, Colonel Silas Suchanek, “and we know the UBACS has been a hit since the demand for it has been incredible. This is all about investment in our front line and it drives everything we do."
Ensuring that our troops are provided with excellent kit that allows them to perform to the best of their capability, to quote the good Colonel would, in my opinion, mean especially that each and every service man or woman is issued with his or her individual set of body armour that he or she does not have to share with other troopers. Like PPE in industry such kit is PERSONAL and should not be handed about.
Maybe one of those days the British government is actually prepared to put its money where its mouth is an give decent kit to our troops. I do not even want to start on the radios that do not work under certain conditions, which means they don't work most of the time properly. This is a disgrace.
"When I joined the Army”, Col. Suchanek stated, “serge and wool were the order of the day, irrespective of the climate we were serving in. I am proud and delighted to be part of an organisation that works so hard to deliver excellence to our people."
Most of the kit that is issued nowadays, and that, for instance, includes the shemah or kaffiah, that the SAS likes to wear, initially was bought by the troops themselves because it was good stuff. Now, as is the case with the Shemah, it is issued, even in camouflage colors. The Norwegian shirt that is now standard was, originally, not so many years ago, unavailable as issue and only because troops bought it from NATO surplus themselves slowly the MoD adopted it. This goes even as far as boots and other kit. Many troops buy their own simple because the MoD cannot be bothered to actually procure decent stuff regardless of what Col. Suchanek may be saying. Then again, under the current government and not just this one alone, the military and especially procurement has been all about saving money. It is therefore surprising that we are not losing more personnel in the areas the British Forces operate in.
© Michael Smith, February 2008
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