Photo By Sgt. Joshua Young | Lance Cpl. Alyssa Nida, an administrative clerk with I Marine Expeditionary Force...... read more read more
Subscribe
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - The word ‘spice’ has headlined newspapers for hundreds of years. Before refrigerators were invented, salt was used to preserve food in the European world. Other spices were extremely valuable and rare due to the difficulty of transportation from Asia.
Explorer Christopher Columbus sailed on an expedition in 1492 to find a direct route to India for spice trade. He ran into a giant obstacle during his voyage, which was later called the Americas. The development and settlement of the ‘new world’ caused conflicts and war.
Old Spice made affordable shaving cream and after-shave available in 1938 and, along with other shaving product companies at the time, waged a war on the beard, according to Morgan Spurlock’s documentary ‘Mansome.’
An all-female singing group from England, called the Spice Girls, waged a musical war on the world in promotion of ‘girl power’ and women’s rights in the 1990’s.
Spice is making news again. This time, affecting the Marine Corps. Synthetic products, labeled as ‘not for human consumption’, marketed as potpourri, incense and bath salts, are used as a popular and modern ways to get high. The compounds can mimic the effects of marijuana and other drugs like lightheadedness, which make them desirous and dangerous.
The Marine Corps upholds a zero tolerance policy on drugs. Marines in possession or found guilty of using a prohibited substance through inspections, investigations or urinalysis, will be administratively separated from the Marine Corps and face criminal charges.
“The policy is pretty cut and dry,” said Staff Sgt. Daniel Paredes, a substance abuse control officer with I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group. “I completely agree with it because there’s circumstances where Marines have someone’s life in their hands or are responsible for the well-being of other Marines. It’s enforced the way it should be.”
Marines who use bath salts or spice became aware, through word of mouth, that random and annual urinalysis doesn’t test for compounds found in the promiscuous drugs, explained the SACO. An investigation must be opened through the Naval Criminal Investigative Service or Criminal Investigation Department for the Marine Corps to test for the drugs.
“The biggest problem right now in southern California is the spice and synthetic drugs,” said Paredes, 31, from Aurora Hill, Ind. “It’s the biggest problem because Marines are seeing the synthetic drugs as easy outs to get high without being identified as drug users.”
An investigation will be opened if a Marine is caught with the drug. Only a specialized urinalysis test designed to screen synthetic drug users will catch them. The synthetic drug test can be taken voluntarily outside of an investigation, but a spice user usually won’t agree to take the test, Paredes said.
“Marines are refusing tests,” said Staff Sgt. Armando M. Merghart, the legal chief of I MHG. “It’s a big problem. We have some cases where Marines were caught, but they’re still denying it.”
Marines are convinced the controversial drugs are safe and easy to hide even though many are caught, prosecuted and separated from the Marine Corps.
Paredes holds no sympathy for drug-popping Marines and the punishment they receive.
“Marines have been caught using spice in the barracks by the commanding officer,” Paredes said.
“I don’t think there is any place in the Marine Corps for drug offenders or abusers,” Paredes said. “If a motor transportation Marine’s mind isn’t in the right place because he or she is high on some drug, I wouldn’t want that Marine driving me or any other anyone else around. They’re a danger to themselves and everyone around them.”
At basic training Marines receive a series of classes on the dangers and consequences of drugs. This continues while attending military occupational specialty schools and in briefs while in the fleet.
They’re taught to recognize symptoms in their peers, like agitation, sweatiness, anger and paranoia. Seeking help for fellow Marines who may have fallen victim to the drug is a must, which often compromises surrounding relationships and others safety.
“A lot of Marines come through my office finally realizing they may have a substance problem once their spouse leaves them or files for divorce,” Paredes said. “If Marines have an incident regarding drugs and get kicked out of the Marine Corps, they’re losing their benefits for themselves and their families.”
The I MHG SACO is determined the Marine Corps can fix the problem the same way it’s spreading: through word of mouth.
“Education is going to be the biggest aspect of fixing this,” he said. “Get the word out to every Marine and sailor from the bottom rank all the way to top. It’s effecting their careers, their lives after the Marine Corps, their chances of finding a job, and it’s hurting their relationships.”
“Education and preventative measures are a big thing,” he said. “If we’re not enforcing these policies, we aren’t doing much good anymore.”
| Date Taken: | 09.01.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 09.14.2012 11:14 |
| Story ID: | 94723 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US |
| Hometown: | FORNEY, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 360 |
| Downloads: | 3 |
This work, SACOs have no tolerance for spice users, say goodbye, by Sgt Joshua Young, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT