Why corpsman can't do drugs

[Navycameron]

I was just curious but why can't corpsman have prior drug use. Also I have seen this question alot on military.com but how could they find out if someone has done drugs in the past? I heard they do an invistigation on every person that joins is this true or not. And also if they really do investigations do they do really in depth investigation and how would and investigation for a corpsman be different than someone in the aviaton field compared to corpsman or anybody in the medical field in the military. I'm only asking this question because I have seen this question been asked alot so I mind as well ask it here and see what you guys think.

[Meatfoam]

First off, they do indeed frown on drug use in the very first place. The corpsman holds a special position because of the facts that controlled substances are more accessible to a corpsman than they would be to people in other ratings. Therefore the requirements regarding prior drug use are more
strict if you want to become a corpsman.
Apparently the Navy does not distinguish between the casual or experimental use of cannabis versus heroin. Illegal drug use is illegal drug use! The Navy employs a zero tolerance policy. I had to get a waiver because I admitted to smoking pot twice in my life. They are really strict about it. It's probably because they remember the epidemic drug use during the Vietnam era and the problems that came along with that. Keep in mind that life in the military does not reflect the realities of civilian life.
As far as the background investigation goes common sense should be applied.
Just think about how many people join the corpsman community each year. It's a lot! Do you really think that the Navy has the manpower to put each potential candidate under the microscope and check every individual background. As long as we are not talking "Secret" ot "Top Secret" clearance check, your background investigation is pretty basic.

[DeeDee]

Good answer Meatfoam

NavyCameron - an investigation is done on all personnel - if you have done something that you shouldn't have - it is better to admit it and deal with the consequences rather than keep silent and have to deal with the embarrassment when it comes out later.

Just a suggestion

[Navycameron]

When they do an investigation do they go to your refferrels or do they go to more people than that.

[puckmedic]

First of all let me speak as a retired Hospital Corpsman: As a corpsman, we are entrusted with the care of the injured and sick. A task that I was honored to have. In that time, I was able to obtain access to ship's pharmacies and those of clinics. In later stages, I controlled the acces sto these areas. It was entrusted to me to handle narcotics in a manner which they were intended. To do otherwise was a viloation of federl law, navy regulations, and my own person code of ethical and moral behavior.

If an individual has a history of use of illegal drugs or misuse of prescription medications, thye have a higher risk of repeating that use once we entrust them with the keys to a medication locker. I personally do not want any one who had a history six months ago, coming to work for me in my sick bay or BAS and not being able to trust them. Our shipmates (both Sailor and Marine) expect us, denmand us to be above such irresponsible behavior. They need to trust us. They can't do that if DOC X has a history of illegal use, they won't no matter how good you are , ever fully trust you.

Now from a Law Enforcement Officer's view point (remember I was once a correctional officer): If there's this much question about back ground checks and a waiver issue, it is my proffessional opinion that you might want to find another career choice. I'm thinking I can't trust you to do what the public expects of you as an HM. Now if that offends you, that's just not my problem.

I believe that this much concern over the issue on your part is an indication that you indeed have something you rather not have them find. Like it was stated earlier, let it be know now and not aftewr you're in. Fraudulant enlistment would make you look weak. Own up to past mistakes and see where it leads before you get in. The last thing you need is attention on you from NIS when a tablet of something is unaccounted for. If you're clean, it won't be an issue. If you aren't the muddy hole begins to get deeper.

[DeeDee]

AMEN Puckmedic -
THAT is EXACTLY what I was trying to say in not so many words ;)


DeeDee

[puckmedic]

Just so my point is crystal clear, I lay it out there as heavy as maple syrup on a stack of pancakes. There's always some one that will try it and they always get caught.

We had a guy get a MD to write for 10 tylenol 3's gave the patient half and took the other five. Went to the brig, disgraced us all in medical (we all got painted with the brush) and none of us were allowed to do our job in the regards to pharmacy again. The duty MD had to come down and write the RX then monitor the HM1 or HM2 section leader.

The guy that got busted was not the section leader, the fool gave the HM3 the keys- He got busted as well. Both got dishonorable discharges after serving brig time. Section leader got 45 days and the clown who did the dirty got 60. Federal drug convictions!!!! Way to go dummies!