Commentary
Recruitment in all branches of service is declining, sparking national debate about our military readiness. Some suggest lowering standards to keep up with the times, but this is a dangerous proposition. An op-ed suggests “Don’t Ask, Don’t Test,” arguing against testing for marijuana use in the military. This proposal is reckless and should be rejected.
The author advocates for increased use of a drug linked to addiction, psychosis, schizophrenia, and other harmful effects. Lowering standards for marijuana use would lead to increased consumption, posing serious risks to our military readiness and the health of our service members.
Regular marijuana use can have detrimental effects on brain development, leading to IQ loss and other mental health issues. Advocates for removing marijuana testing requirements overlook these risks and fail to consider the long-term consequences of increased drug use among military personnel.
While easing marijuana policies may address recruitment challenges, it could have negative implications on the quality of recruits. Marijuana users tend to perform poorly on entrance exams and are more likely to drop out of school, impacting their ability to serve effectively in the military.
Addressing recruitment challenges requires a focus on promoting good nutrition and physical activity, not loosening drug policies. Advocates for marijuana use fail to acknowledge the potential harm it can cause to individuals’ physical and mental well-being.
Tolerating drug use in the military threatens the readiness of our service members. Testing for and prohibiting marijuana use, especially in its more potent forms, is essential to maintaining a strong and capable military force.
It is crucial that the military does not ignore illegal drug use and continues to uphold its standards to ensure the safety and effectiveness of our armed forces.
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
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