CODY SPEAKS OUT ON DRUGS

Soldiers Can't Perform At Peak Levels If They're Stoned.

Maj. Gen. Richard A. Cody has taken a proactive stance concerning a
disturbing trend at Fort Campbell. That is, drug usage by the troops. In an
open letter published in the post newspaper, Cody said there had been 423
positive urinalysis tests for the fiscal year. Although that's less than the
year before, it still is disturbing -- especially since there's been an
increase in the so-called rave drugs such as Ecstasy, GHB, LSD and
metamphetamines.

As post spokesman Maj. Paul Fitzpatrick pointed out, drug use in the Army is
reflective of what is happening in society at large. That is, we have a
continuing drug problem, particularly among young people, in this country.
Until that time that the United States discovers a more effective way to
fight the war on drugs, drug abuse will find its way into the Army.

It's always critical, of course, for our soldiers to be at a high state of
readiness. But it's become even more crucial in light of the Sept. 11
terrorist attacks.

As Cody said in his open letter, "We must be ready to give 100 percent
mentally and physically when called to respond to the national tragedy of
Sept. 11. To be prepared, we must do all within our power day in and day out
to prevent personal tragedies in the lives of our fellow soldiers that come
from illegal drugs."

The penalties for drug abuse vary according to the severity of the offense.
But Cody has made it clear that this kind of conduct will not and cannot be
tolerated in the Army.

The best way to avoid drug abuse is to never start taking drugs in the first
place. They start out as a way to escape problems and invariably create
more.

For those who are hooked and can't stop on your own, seek professional help
now before you ruin a military career just as it is getting off the ground.