Tip- off lands soldiers in strife

The Defence Department didn’t reveal what the substances were.

The testing and subsequent investigation occurred just before the start of biennial Exercise Hamel, a major exercise in Central Queensland that involved 5 Avn Regt’s Chinook and MRH- 90 helicopters.

Separately, the Defence spokeswoman also confirmed three personnel from other Townsville- based units had returned positive drug test results in recent weeks.

“Illicit drug use within the Australian Defence Force is not tolerated,” the spokeswoman said.

A military source, who wished to remain anonymous, said those who tested positive for drugs needed to be held accountable for their actions.

“They should all be sacked immediately, especially aircrew who are well educated about the use of prescription and illicit drugs,” the source said.

“It’s outlined very clearly in the defence force’s alcohol and drug policy.

“The Australian public holds ADF members to a higher standard … they all swear on the Bible and to the Queen to uphold those values.”

The source said because of the value of aircrew, the disciplinary action taken may not be proportionate. “In the past it’s been zero tolerance, but now it’s increasingly known that people are allowed to remain within the defence force.”

The ADF Prohibited Substance Testing Program was introduced in 2005 with urinalysis as the primary mode of testing. At least 25 per cent of Defence members are tested annually.

In August, the Bulletin revealed almost 80 Townsville army personnel had been kicked out of the ADF between 2012 and 2015 after testing positive for drugs.

Steroids were the drugs most commonly detected followed by cannabis, methamphetamines, amphetamines and ecstasy.

Defence members who return a positive test result for a prohibited substance face immediate administrative action, which may include termination, unless there is a legitimate and medically supported reason for use.