Ft. Carson ASAP Commander's Quick Reference Guide

Reference List

• AR 600-85, Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP), dated 2 February 2009.
• Unit Prevention Leader (UPL) Handbook, Army Center for Substance Abuse Programs (ACSAP), Version 3.
• Fort Carson Command Policy CG-03, Subject: Command Alcohol Policy, dated August 5, 2009.
• Fort Carson Command Policy CG-05, Subject: Fort Carson Military Urinalysis Drug Testing Policy.
• Fort Carson Command Policy COS-03, Subject: Commander's Policy on Risk Reduction.
• Army Substance Abuse Program Military Collection SOP, Fort Carson, 1 October 2010
• 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson Suicide Prevention Action Plan

What is the ASAP?

The Army substance Abuse Program (ASAP) is the commander’s readiness and retention program. This program is provide to the commanders to educate that train Soldiers on alcohol and drugs, provide treatment to develop awareness of the consequences of the use of these substances and the potential impact on not only the individual Soldiers but the team, the unit and the Army as well. The goal of the ASAP is to deter substance abuse through aggressive urinalysis testing (Smart Testing), tracking of high risk behaviors and prevention education. The ASAP has several clinical treatment options to provide substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation to Soldiers in an effort to return the Soldier to full duty.

The two overarching tenets of the ASAP are Prevention and Treatment. Prevention encompasses five areas: Education & Training, Deterrence, Identification/Detection, Referral and Risk Reduction. The Treatment is covered by the clinical component of the ASAP. The clinical team works in two areas: Screening and Rehabilitation. The one aspect of Solder treatment which involves the ASAP as a whole is the targeted intervention. This is an educational/motivational program which focuses on the adverse affects and consequences of alcohol and other drug abuse. Prime for Life is the program which the Army uses to support this common treatment and prevention principle.

Who works in the ASAP?

There are two major sections in the ASAP which support each other. These are the Non-Clinical section and the Clinical section. All of the personnel who work in the Fort Carson ASAP work in builing 6236. The ASAP office is one team working together to ensure the readiness of the Soldiers on Fort Carson. Each section is broken down as follows:

• Non-Clinical
• Prevention Coordinator (PC)
  719-526-9191
  719-526-2438
  719-526-9283
  719-526-6524
  719-526-5108
• Drug Testing Coordinator (DTC)
  719-526-8407
• Employee Assistance Program Coordinator (EAPC)
  719-526-2196
• Risk Reduction Coordinator (RRC)
  719-526-0994
  719-526-2366
  719-526-2422
• Suicide Prevention Program Manager (SPPM)
  719-526-0401
• Clinical
• Front Desk / Appointments
  719-526-2862
  719-526-8245
• Clinical Director (CD)
  719-526-1200
• Supervisory Counselors
  719-526-2218
  719-526-2743
  719-526-0397
  719-526-1334

Employee Assistance Program

This program is designed to help employees in identifying and resolving personal problems that may affect their job performance. The Employee Assistant Program Coordinator (EAPC) is able to guide the employee towards resolutions that will improve job performance and help better the employees wellness begin. The resources that the EAPC can assist with are alcohol and drug related issues (abuse, misuse, dependency) work and family pressures, legal and financial problems, stress related to family life and work, and any other issues that can begin to weigh on an employee. Should the employee need assistance in finding resources for any of these issues, the EAPC has the information.

Suicide Prevention

Ft. Carson Suicide Prevention Program is designed to provide resources for suicide intervention skills, prevention and follow-up in an effort to reduce the occurrence of suicidal behaviors across the installation for Service Members, DA Civilians and Family Members.

Suicide Prevention Hotlines

• National Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
• Suicide Prevention Partnership of the Pikes Peak Region: 719-596-LIFE (5433)
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). For VA hotline press 1.

Risk Reduction Program (RRP)

The Risk Reduction Program (RRP) is a commander’s tool designed to identify and reduce Soldiers’ high-risk behaviors. The RRP focuses on effective use of installation resources and a coordinated effort between commanders and installation agencies to implement intervention and prevention programs. The RRP supports the Army’s well-being program initiatives by integrating prevention and intervention programs into a framework contributing to performance, readiness, and retention. The RRP also allows commanders to compare their units against others to determine if their units require command and/or other interventions.

High Risk Behaviors Currently Monitored at Ft. Carson

• Deaths
• Accidents
• STDs/STIs
• Self Harm and Suicide Attempts
• AWOLs
• Drug Offenses
• Alcohol Offenses
• Traffic Violations
• Crimes Against Persons
• Crimes Against Property
• Spouse Abuse
• Child Abuse
• Financial Problems
• Positive UAs
• Sexual Assault (Tracked on a post level)
• Weapons Charges (Tracked on a post level)
• Other identified High risk behaviors
• Objectives of the RRP

Objectives of the RRP

Increase unit readiness by providing systematic prevention, intervention methods and materials to commanders to eliminate or mitigate individual high-risk behaviors.

Risk Reduction accomplishes this through:

• Data Collection, analyses and reporting to Commanders.
• Conduct anonymous URI and R-URI surveys
• URI: Commanders will administer the Unit Risk Inventory (URI) to all deploying Soldiers at least 30 days before an operational deployment. Incoming commanders should consider this a necessary action during their change of command.
• R-URI: Commanders will administer the R-URI to redeploying Soldiers between 90 and 180 days of their return from deployment.

What it IS…

• Tool to maximize responsiveness to leaders.
• Tool to maximize resources available.
• Tool to minimize tragic high-risk behaviors
• Tool to improve outcomes: Health, Safety & Deployability.

Drug Testing Collection Point

Collection Point Fort Carson CO, our responsibilities are to train Commander’s selected NCO’s to become Unit Prevention Leaders (UPL) so that they can effectively conduct substance abuse prevention activities in their Units. Each Unit is required to have a Certified Primary and an Alternate Unit Prevention Leader (UPL), certification is good for 18 months and it’s a requirement to maintain their certification in order to collect samples.

Collection Point is also responsible for the collection and performance of quality assurance of each specimen that arrives at our office, Quality Assurance is performed to maintain the integrity of each specimen collected, make sure the proper Testing Code was used for a particular test, and that Chain of Custody is maintained at all times in accordance with AR 600-85.

Rotational Drugs/Special Test

The Forensic Toxicology Drug Testing Laboratory (FTDTL) tests every specimen it receives for the following substances: THC (active ingredient in Marijuana), Cocaine, Amphetamines, and Heroin. The testing facility also tests 20% of its samples on a rotational basis for: PCP, Oxycodone/Oxymorphone and Opiates such as Codeine and Morphine.

If a Commander wants to test a specimen for other illegal substances such as: Steroids and Mushrooms the Commander must have Provable Cause (PO). These types of tests require specific handling and documentation Legal and ASAP must be contacted for further guidance.

Spice – How to make a case

Spice is becoming a big concern for Soldiers and Commanders. In an effort to help Commanders correctly build a case to test a Soldier who is suspected of using Spice the following procedures must be followed:

1. 1. The Chain of Command must have probable cause that a Soldier is using Spice. Examples of probable cause are possession of the substance or paraphernalia.
2. 2. The Chain of Command should contact the MPI for an investigation.
3. 3. If the substance is found in the possession of the Soldier, the Chain of Command will contact CID for further investigation.
4. 4. The Chain of Command and the unit UPL will bring the suspected Soldier to the CID office for processing and a urine sample will be taken at that time.
5. 5. The Chain of Command must fill out the AFMES Form 1323 and the special test request memorandum with the CID case number in both documents. The urine specimen will then be turned into the Ft. Carson Collection Point with all the regular paperwork and the specimen will be sent for testing. The sample cannot be tested at the testing facility without an open CID case.
6. 6. The CID agent and the Chain of Command will continue to work together to build the needed probable cause case.

Upon the return of the test results, if there is no chemical trace of Spice found in the urine, the case will be sent back to the MPI for further processing of a drug paraphernalia case.

This is an expensive test so there must probable cause to open an investigation on a Soldier. This is not a test that can or will be approved for unit sweeps. Commanders are encouraged to test Soldiers that they suspect of using Spice as long as there is a probable cause for the suspicion.

Test Codes and Why to use a Code

There are 11 codes which can be used to test Soldiers. The most commonly used are IR, IO, IU, and PO. These codes are explained below.

Inspection Random (IR) – Random drug testing is a valid system of selecting a portion of a command for testing without individualized suspicion that an individual is using illicit drugs. Each Soldier has an equal chance of being selected for drug testing each time this type of inspection is conducted.

Inspection Other (IO) – This is a valid inspection under circumstances specified by a commander’s SOP. Some examples include testing Soldiers who were selected but unavailable for testing during a recent fandom inspection or Soldiers returning form absent without leave (AWOL), certain leaves, passes, or temporary duty.

Inspection Unit (Unit Screen) (IU) – This method is used to test an entire unit or command or readily identifiable sub-unit or segment of a command, such as a platoon or staff section. Unit sweeps are an effective tool for the commander, but should not be conducted routinely. Commanders should not use a unit sweep to target an individual Soldier or small group of Soldiers suspected of using drugs; testing for suspected drug use should be based on PO.

Search or Seizure/Probable Cause (PO) – This may include searches based on PO (in accordance with MRE 312(d) and 315). It is ordered to collect evidence when there is PO to believe a Soldier possesses an illicit drug within their body.

For an explanation of the remaining codes or for further information, please see AR 600-85 and contact the Ft. Carson ASAP office.

Unit Prevention Leader

Each unit is required to have at least a primary and alternate Unit Prevention Leader (UPL) (AR 600-85). The UPL is the commanders SME for all things related to the ASAP. The NCOs selected for this duty must be trained and certified through the Army’s 40 hour UPL Certification Training Program (UPL CTP). This course is trained by the Fort Carson ASAP. The following guidelines are outlined as the minimum requirements for selecting a UPL. In addition, all prospective UPLs will have a drug and alcohol background check conducted on them by the local PMO and the ASAP prior to attending the UPL certification course.

1. Be an E-5 or above (Must be E-5(P) or above to be a UPL).
2. Have one-year retention in the command.
3. Not have any problems with the use of illegal drugs or alcohol abuse. Not pending UCMJ or administrative action. Not be enrolled at the ASAP Clinic during the previous 3 years.
4. Demonstrate a willingness to be held to a higher standard than expected of other soldiers in the unit.
5. Exercise a willingness to be a role model in the responsible use of alcohol.
6. Practice and abide by the confidentiality policy of the Army’s biochemical testing program.

Certified UPLs are required to recertify every 18 months by attending a short (less than one day) class and passing the certification exam. All UPLs who deploy must attend the one day deployment certification training course PRIOR to deployment. The UPL will receive their certification card in approximately one month after the completion of the UPL course.

What happens when a Commander receives a positive urinalysis result?

The commander is notified of all positive urinalysis test results. If the positive test could be a result of prescription medication, the commander is notified buy will not receive the results until the Medical Review Officer (MRO) has reviewed the test. After the commander is notified, the positive result is referred to the MRO within 5 days by the Fort Carson urinalysis collection point. When the medical review is completed, the commander is notified of the results of the review. If the positive test is due to a legitimate medical prescription then no further action is needed. If the test is not from a legitimate medical prescription or the positive is from any other tested substance, the commander needs to complete the following actions.

1. Notify the USACID office within 5 days. If the USACID does not conduct an investigation the commander will initiate a commander’s inquiry.
2. The commander must initiate a flag and consult with the unit trail defense.
3. The commander num advise the Soldier of their rights under UCMJ Article 31 using DA Form 3881. If the Soldier does not waive their rights the commander cannot question the Soldier further and the inquiry must continue without the Soldiers input. If the Soldier waives their rights, then the commander my question the Soldier (when in doubt contact the SJA).
4. The commander must initiate administrative separation within 30 calendar days of receipt of a positive drug test report or if the case requires MRO-review, within 30 calendar days of receipt of the MRO-verified positive drug test report. (The commander may initiate action under the UCMJ and start administrative separation processing simultaneously.)
5. Refer the Soldier to the Fort Carson ASAP within 5 days of receipt of a positive urinalysis result with a DA Form 8003.

Once a Solder is referred, what happens?

The first thing that happens when a Solder is referred to the ASAP is a triage evaluation. This is a brief process designed to identify Soldiers who are at an increased risk of having disorders that warrant immediate attention, Intervention. All Soldiers referred are fully evaluated within 10 days to determine level of care and develop a treatment plan. Every Soldier evaluated will immediately have a Rehabilitation Treatment Team meeting.

The Rehab Team Meeting consists of Commander or 1st Sgt, ASAP counselor and the referred Soldier to ensure that all parties are on board with the treatment plan. A Soldier who has had one minimal incident with alcohol or drugs and the counselor and the command have no concerns that the episode will be repeated will attend ADAPT. Alternatively ASAP counselors may refer the Soldier to attend an extended evaluation period in the assessment group before final determination of level of care is decided.

Soldiers who have a history of incidents (DUI, Domestic Violence, several incidents with a .08 BAC or higher), who have a history of misuse of alcohol or prescription drugs or have a command that is concerned about future issues will be enrolled.

A full enrollment are Soldiers who are identified as needing more in depth treatment. In depth treatment cold include individual sessions, group sessions, intensive treatment (6 hours per week) as well as be encouraged to attend self help groups.

The Soldier will attend a minimum of 12 treatment sessions and last from three to six weeks, or longer based on the needs of the Soldier. The last treatment program that a Soldier cold be enrolled in is a long term program which could involve in patient care at a 28 day inpatient treatment facility which carries a mandatory year long aftercare program here at the Fort Carson ASAP.

Limited Use Policy

The Limited Use Policy basically stops the commander and/or JAG from using certain information in a Courts Martial, for UCMJ action, or for a discharge’s characterization of service. Commander’s are mandated to initiate separation on all identified drug abusers except a Soldier that self refers to the ASAP either directly or through command channels. The commander may, if he/she chooses, still administratively discharge the Soldier, but the Limited Use Policy mandates that the Soldier will receive an Honorable Discharge.

It should be noted that Soldier who self refer are basically forgiven for their previous drug/alcohol abuse, but until they successfully completed their treatment program they are flagged. This prevents a substance abuser from getting promoted while in treatment.

A soldier can be singled out to provide a urine drug test or an alcohol test for a number of different reasons: Probable cause, fitness for duty, or rehabilitation. A probable cause test basically means that the commander has sufficient evidence to believe that the Soldier is impaired on duty by alcohol or has used drugs and that the drugs or alcohol are still in the Soldier’s body.

A fitness for duty, also called a competence for duty or Command direct test, is ordered by the commander when he/she believes that the Soldier is currently impaired because the Soldier is behaving in a manner not consistent with the current duty period. The test is ordered for the safety of the Soldier and the soldiers around him/her. The results of this test are protected evidence and cannot be used against the Soldier. The positive test results will be used to get the Soldier into treatment.

A rehabilitation test is used to monitor whether or not a Soldier it stating clean and/or sober. This test is also protected evidence with one exception. A Soldier that is being treated for alcohol abuse can be tested for drugs and if it is positive then this test is not protected evidence.

When a Soldier is enrolled into treatment he/she will explain their past drug use or alcohol abuse to the counselor. The information about possession of drugs and personnel use cannot be used against the Soldier.

The Army considers an OD or a possible OD as a cry for help and treats a Soldier who ODs as a self referral. Any evidence of drug use, to include possession for personnel use is protected evidence along with any drug tests that the hospital conducts. If a doctor is treating a Soldier for anything else and does testing to confirm drug abuse then it is not protected evidence.

Cases where the Limited Use Policy does not apply:

• A positive test that results after the MP arrests a Soldier.
• A positive urine rehabilitation test on a Soldier who is enrolled for alcohol abuse.
• If a soldier tells his counselor that he couldn’t control himself and used again (after self referring), then this is not protected; only use prior to the self referral is protected.
• Soldiers enrolled in treatment are not only subject to rehabilitation testing, but also regular unit testing.
• If a Soldier is enrolled in treatment and his name comes up to be tested in the monthly urinalysis, then he will provide a specimen. This is not a rehabilitation test and he can be punished as long as it was after the initial elimination period for the drug.