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    Not In Our Corps: MEF CG takes hard stance against illegal drug use

    MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES

    11.25.2014

    Story by Sgt. Bobby Yarbrough 

    II Marine Expeditionary Force   

    MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Maj. Gen. William D. Beydler, the commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force, wants Marines and sailors to know drug abuse is not a lifestyle that lends itself towards being ready to deploy, combat effective or ready to defend our nation.

    Beydler said drug use manifests itself in service members by causing poor health, poor performance, lack of readiness, a failure to meet basic standards, and is a complete departure from the Marine Corps’ Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.

    Beydler said he has a clear message for the Marines and sailors who want to use illegal or prohibited substances and affect the readiness of our force.

    “Not in our Corps,” said Beydler. “Any Marine or sailor who has broken faith with us by wrongfully using illegal substances will be held accountable. It is just a matter of time.”

    Beydler said illegal drug use is a black and white choice and he will closely work with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Staff Judge Advocates to administratively process all service members found guilty of using illegal drugs in accordance with applicable service regulations.

    Sgt. Maj. Bryan Zickefoose, the sergeant major of II MEF, agrees with Beydler.

    “We are a force in readiness,” said Zickefoose. “We have to be ready to go all the time. Drug abuse is an insurgency we are fighting every day.”

    Zickefoose said even the loss of one Marine or sailor to drug abuse affects a unit’s readiness and hurts them on the battlefield.
    Increased drug testing.

    In September, Beydler met with more than 100 Substance Abuse Coordinators from units throughout II MEF to address his concerns with the increase of drug-related incidents involving Marines and sailors.

    Beydler said the numbers were alarming—over the past year, there has been a 32 percent increase in positive drug tests amongst service members within II MEF. However, Beydler said it was an increase he was expecting.

    “The increase is predictable because we are aggressively looking for illegal drug users,” said Beydler. “Some might say that we have a problem, but if you conduct more drug tests you risk finding more drug users. I don’t see that as a problem at all. I see that as getting after the problem.”

    Beydler said he has encouraged substance abuse coordinators to be resourceful in their approach to drug testing and utilize the resources they have available, including random drug screenings and breathalyzer testing.

    “As substance abuse coordinators, they have to understand the drug environment and understand how Marines make the decision to use illegal or prohibited substances,” said Beydler. “We all must work together to find a solution to reduce or eliminate substance abuse.”

    Beydler said as a commander his goal is to prevent drug use, not simply react to it. Beydler said he will work with Substance Abuse Coordinators from across the entire MEF to find a common solution to solve drug abuse.

    “I think at some point we will see those numbers come down, but we are not there yet,” said Beydler. “We haven’t gotten to the bottom of the problem yet, but we will. I think those numbers will come down because more people will be inclined to make the right decisions because of our efforts.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 11.25.2014
    Date Posted: 11.25.2014 15:02
    Story ID: 148815
    Location: MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US

    Web Views: 49
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN