THE USE OF STIMULANTS BY THE MILITARY

Regarding the Aug. 9 article "Military looks to drugs for battle
readiness": It is disturbing to read about the US military advocating and
using drugs to enhance performance, especially at a time when the Olympics
and professional sports are trying hard to ban drugs and school programs
are trying to teach children to "just say no."

If high-ranking officers are promoting such drug use, they are subjecting
the pilots, sailors, and soldiers to a terrible medical experiment. These
are people, not machines, and, therefore, any such drug use is abuse.

I hope the military will reconsider its drug policy. People need to fine
tune their endurance, alertness, and stamina through honest efforts
mentally, physically, and spiritually. There would be no bad effects from
this type of practice, only healthier, happier, safer, more balanced people
- - who can function well whether in battle or at home.

Joy Hinman Turner Valley, Alberta

Your article "Military looks to drugs for battle readiness" claims the
pattern of drug use goes back at least to the early days of the Vietnamese
operation. In fact, many World War II bomber crew members also used the
stuff routinely to keep alert during long missions. A trip from England to
Berlin and back was no lap around the jogging track. I never saw any overt
abuse, but some guys experienced longer-lasting effects than others did,
and adjusted their usage accordingly.

As a crew member on a B-24 bomber, I appreciated the extra help in staying
sharp during boring periods before getting near the area where enemy
fighters were waiting and flak started flying up to greet you.

Art Darwin Morganton, N.C.

Your article makes the unattributed assertion that an Air Force pilot's
refusal to use prescription stimulants during long missions can hurt his or
her career. On the contrary, the use of so-called "go pills" is completely
voluntary and up to the pilots themselves.

In fact, the dextroamphetamine ("go pills") informed-consent letter signed
by every aircrew member who might potentially use the drugs specifically
states, "I understand that my refusal to take dextroamphetamine will not
result in any penalty, punishment, loss of benefits or adverse action of
any type."

Stimulants are just one of many options Air Force pilots have to combat
fatigue during long flights - and often the one least used. Our pilots are
well trained and extremely competent. They are the best judges of what
actions they need to take to maintain their combat edge. We will continue
to respect and value that judgment. To say otherwise is a disservice to them.

USAF Maj. Gen. Carrol Chandler Langley, Va.