Pubdate: Thu, 15 Aug 2002
Source: Christian Science Monitor (US)
Copyright: 2002 The Christian Science Publishing Society
Contact:  http://www.csmonitor.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/83
Authors:

THE USE OF STIMULANTS BY THE MILITARY

Regarding the Aug. 9 article "Military looks to drugs for battle 
readiness": It is disturbing to read about the US military advocating and 
using drugs to enhance performance, especially at a time when the Olympics 
and professional sports are trying hard to ban drugs and school programs 
are trying to teach children to "just say no."

If high-ranking officers are promoting such drug use, they are subjecting 
the pilots, sailors, and soldiers to a terrible medical experiment. These 
are people, not machines, and, therefore, any such drug use is abuse.

I hope the military will reconsider its drug policy. People need to fine 
tune their endurance, alertness, and stamina through honest efforts 
mentally, physically, and spiritually. There would be no bad effects from 
this type of practice, only healthier, happier, safer, more balanced people 
- - who can function well whether in battle or at home.

Joy Hinman Turner Valley, Alberta

**************************************************************************************************

Your article "Military looks to drugs for battle readiness" claims the 
pattern of drug use goes back at least to the early days of the Vietnamese 
operation. In fact, many World War II bomber crew members also used the 
stuff routinely to keep alert during long missions. A trip from England to 
Berlin and back was no lap around the jogging track. I never saw any overt 
abuse, but some guys experienced longer-lasting effects than others did, 
and adjusted their usage accordingly.

As a crew member on a B-24 bomber, I appreciated the extra help in staying 
sharp during boring periods before getting near the area where enemy 
fighters were waiting and flak started flying up to greet you.

Art Darwin Morganton, N.C.

**************************************************************************************************

Your article makes the unattributed assertion that an Air Force pilot's 
refusal to use prescription stimulants during long missions can hurt his or 
her career. On the contrary, the use of so-called "go pills" is completely 
voluntary and up to the pilots themselves.

In fact, the dextroamphetamine ("go pills") informed-consent letter signed 
by every aircrew member who might potentially use the drugs specifically 
states, "I understand that my refusal to take dextroamphetamine will not 
result in any penalty, punishment, loss of benefits or adverse action of 
any type."

Stimulants are just one of many options Air Force pilots have to combat 
fatigue during long flights - and often the one least used. Our pilots are 
well trained and extremely competent. They are the best judges of what 
actions they need to take to maintain their combat edge. We will continue 
to respect and value that judgment. To say otherwise is a disservice to them.

USAF Maj. Gen. Carrol Chandler Langley, Va.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom