Battalion sacks 19 young soldiers for taking drugs

BY SIMON DE BRUXELLES

NINETEEN soldiers from one battalion have been dismissed for taking
drugs. The Ministry of Defence said that random testing had revealed a
variety of banned substances, including LSD, Ecstasy, cannabis and
amphetamines.

The soldiers aged 17 to 24 were all privates or lance corporals in the
2nd Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment, based at Warminster,
Wiltshire. The battalion's commanding officer, LieutenantColonel
Simon Porter, said last night: "I do not believe this has brought
shame on the battalion. The shame has been brought on the individuals
concerned. Those who choose to take drugs will not be tolerated."

A spokeswoman for the Army said: "We operate a policy of zero
tolerance. These men handle weapons and their lives depend on each
other."

The men were said to have tested positive in June. The spokeswoman
added: "Every unit in the army is subject to random drug testing.
Notices are put up without warning and nobody is allowed off base. Two
samples are taken and, if one proves positive and the person appeals,
the other is tested independently outside the forces. Two of the 19
have opted to appeal against the finding. If successful, they will be
reinstated.

"All have been given administrative discharges stating that their
service is no longer required. We do not use the term dishonourable
discharge."

The battalion ­ nicknamed The Poachers ­ was formed in 1964 and has
served primarily in Britain, Germany and Northern Ireland. It has won
the army interunit boxing championships four times, including this
year's title. Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother is the
ColonelinChief.

The battalion, on block leave until next week, is on a twoyear
posting at the Combined Arms Training Centre at Warminster. Next
February it moves to a posting in Cyprus. The spokeswoman said: "Those
who were thrown out have missed a very popular sunshine posting with a
lot of watersports."