Sailors, Cadets, Midshipmen Discharged for Using “Spice”
There are often long discussions on the military’s ability to influence or govern the private conduct of its members — whether over issues of alcohol, chewing tobacco, smoking, divorce, sexuality, or other aspects of what many people consider behavior unrelated to “official” conduct. As has been shown in many cases, the military can (and does) regulate the behavior of its troops, even when potential restrictions may be entirely legal and permissible in civilian life.
The use of “spice,” which is reportedly unregulated and commonly available in smoke shops and related retail outlets, is one such example. While it may be entirely legal for a civilian to purchase and “use” spice, which is described as a “synthetic marijuana” with components difficult to detect with normal drug tests, most military members are now banned from possessing, using, or distributing the substance — just as if it was any other illegal drug.
Interestingly, military punishments for spice seem to repeatedly occur in groups, almost as if a “drug ring” has been busted and kicked out.
The USS Bataan is said to have discharged 16 sailors for “using or dealing” the substance.
According to the Navy Times, the US Naval Academy recently expelled seven midshipmen for “use or possession” of spice. A confiscated notebook reportedly detailed the design of a veritable spice society at Annapolis.
The Air Force Academy is reportedly investigating as many as 25 cadets for the same offense, after having already discharged five. An Air Force Academy press release indicated that it wasn’t merely drug use at issue: it was character:
“These recent separations and the use of Spice by a few of our cadets is not the behavior we expect of America’s future Air Force and world leaders, and is not reflective of the highest standards we hold true to everyday,” said Brig. Gen. Richard Clark, USAFA Commandant of Cadets. “Ultimately, we are protecting our primary mission: developing leaders of character.”
As in other cases, the military has made a judgment on the appropriate conduct of its troops, judging that certain behaviors are inconsistent with the high standards of character required for military service — even if those behaviors are currently permitted in society.
There is so much wrong with this article, I’m having a hard time deciding where to start. A key “fact” is inaccurate, but I’m not even concerned about that. The first paragraph is what makes my skin crawl.
For some reason, the article’s tone is a joyful when it states, “the military can (and does) regulate the behavior of its troops”. As a high functioning, well respected member of the armed forces, that sentence disgusts me. Somehow perspectives have become so skewed that it is celebrated when a grown man or woman, who chose to serve their nation, is not allowed the basic freedom of engaging in a harmless activity during his/her off hours.
The civilians on the outside looking in, and the top brass at the top looking down, are so detached and removed from the everyday reality of the lower and gritty ranks, that even as a prevailing optimistic, I seriously doubt you will ever understand, or even have a clue. Enjoy your little bubble.
There are likely other things you agree are “harmful” and have no problem with the military regulating; and you probably wouldn’t call them “basic freedoms” or care if they were during the “off hours.” In this case, you seem to think “spice” is harmless. The military apparently does not. Noted.
As to being “joyful” or “celebrated,” you’re projecting emotion into a notably stoic piece.
In chosing to serve your country the choice was also made to play by the rules set up by the militarty. It does suck for those busted but they knew the rules. As far as Spice being harmless that is your opinion..I agree with JD, the Military and manyothers who seem to believe otherwise.