Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS)

Statement of Policy

It is Army policy that its workplace be free from illegal use, possession, or distribution of controlled substances by its civilian workforce (to include appropriated and non-appropriated personnel) and that it's workplace be safe, healthful, productive and secure.

To achieve its policy/goal each Army installation is mandated to implement a Drug-Free Federal Workplace (DFW) program. AR 600-85 specifically Chapters 1 and 14 provides guidance related to manpower staffing, position requirements and their duties. Army Pamphlet 600-85 Army Substance Abuse Program Civilian Services, provides detailed instructions and administrative procedures for implementing the ASAP program for DA civilian employees contained in Chapter 14, AR 600-85.

Key Components

Drug Testing is essential to the goal of eliminating drug abuse. The Army DFW program includes the following types of drug testing:

1. Applicant testing which screens out individuals who use illegal drugs and is limited to persons tentatively selected for appointment to a testing designated position (TDP).
2. Testing designated position ( TDPs) are those positions that are important enough to the Army?s mission or to the protection of public safety that testing to detect the presence of drug is warranted a condition of employment.
3. All Army civilian samples are tested for Marijuana, Cocaine, Amphetamines, Opiates and Phencyclidine (PCP).
4. All Army collection, testing. and MRO procedures adhere to Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs promulgated by DHHS.
5. Random drug testing can be a powerful deterrent to drug abuse, considering the possible range of consequences that a positive drug test may have on an employee's career. Employees in TDPs are subject to random testing which occurs without suspicion that a particular individual is using illegal drugs.
6. Accident or unsafe practice testing can provide invaluable information in determining the cause of serious accidents. Accordingly, all DAC employees may be subject to testing when there is an examination authorized by an appropriate installation or activity commander regarding an accident or unsafe practice.
7. Voluntary testing enables employees to demonstrate their commitment to the Army's goal of a DFW and to set an example for other DA civilian employees.
8. Employees not in TDPs may volunteer for unannounced random testing.
9. Follow-up testing can be a deterrent as well as an appraisal tool. All DA civilian employees who have successfully completed rehabilitation and/or are enrolled in rehabilitation for illegal drug use may be subject to unannounced follow-up testing for up to 12 months.