Zero Tolerance: More than a catchphrase

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jason Barebo
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  In a continuing effort to eliminate substance abuse among Airmen, the Whiteman AFB Demand Reduction office has implemented Operation Nighthawk.

"This is another weapon in our arsenal to deter our Airmen from making poor choices when it comes to substance abuse," said James Taylor, Demand Reduction flight chief. "We randomly test personnel when they are most vulnerable, usually at night after the bars and clubs are closed. Zero tolerance is not just a catch phrase - it is a choice and an action."

The program begins with an initial meeting between the Demand Reduction office, the Staff Judge Advocate and Brig. Gen. Robert Wheeler, 509th Bomb Wing commander. Once an operation's dates and times are established and all legal requirements are met, the meeting group expands to include a group commander, a first sergeant, and randomly selected observers and collectors.

"We are constantly looking at statistics from Air Force, major command and base level," Mr. Taylor said. "This operation has to happen when you least expect it. That improbability variable establishes the deterrence."

The operation is fully supported by senior leadership.

"This operation is a deterrent for our most valuable resource, our Airmen," said Brig. Gen. Robert Wheeler, 509th Bomb Wing commander. "We need each and every one of them to complete our mission and drugs are not compatible with military service."

Senior leadership at Whiteman established a high-bar for the operation with 99.99% of tested Airmen showing no signs of substance abuse.

"We don't have a substance abuse problem here," General Wheeler said. "However we realize that people can be tempted or swayed into doing drugs. We have a zero-tolerance for this because it's a critical issue for national security. Knowing this operation is in effect will help Airmen avoid those lapses in judgment that could end their careers and potentially their lives."

In addition to deterring substance abuse, Operation Nighthawk also provides a sense of teamwork, accountability and a combat-ready force that is alert and not impaired, Mr Taylor said.

"I am optimistic that the programs we have implemented here ensure we are indeed an elite fighting force that is more than ready for combat operations," Mr. Taylor said.