Do they drug test at military bases?
Asked by: Maryse Boehm | Last update: January 7, 2026Score: 5/5 (29 votes)
To prevent and identify drug use among military personnel, DOD policy requires service members to participate in random urinalysis testing. For those struggling with addiction, the military offers support.
How does a military base drug test?
-Urine specimens sent to the Confirmation Department are tested for drug or metabolite presence and concentration using Gas or Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. If the results indicate that a drug or its metabolite equals or surpasses the DoD limit, the specimen is reported as positive.
Do they drug test you before basic training?
All recruits complete a medical questionnaire and undergo an evaluation that includes height and weight measurements, hearing and vision exams, urine and blood tests, and drug and alcohol tests. Female recruits: the physical exam takes place in a private room with a female attendant, and a drape or gown is provided.
What drugs do the military test for?
Types of Drugs Screened During Random Tests
Traditional illicit drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, and opiates are routinely tested for. However, as drug trends evolve, the military has adapted its testing protocols to include synthetic cannabinoids and other designer drugs.
Can you refuse a drug test in the military?
You have the right to refuse to consent to a urinalysis test. If your first shirt sergeant or law enforcement authorities ask you to consent, you do not have to say yes. In addition, you cannot be punished in any way if you refuse to consent. However, your commander may direct or order you to provide a sample anyway.
GETTING KICKED OUT OF THE ARMY FOR DOING DRUGS!!!
What happens if you can't pee at MEPS?
If you fail to provide a sufficient amount of urine when directed, and it has been determined, through a required medical evaluation, that there was no adequate medical explanation for the failure, it may be considered a refusal to test. When you report for testing, you must make an attempt to provide a specimen.
What drugs disqualify you from military service?
However, those who have experimented with more serious “hard” drugs, such as heroin, ecstasy, and cocaine, will be disqualified. Even if you are allowed to enlist, it's important to keep in mind that some sensitive jobs may not be open to you due to your past illegal drug and/or alcohol use.
What drugs do they test you for at MEPS?
- Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC metabolites.
- Cocaine metabolite.
- Amphetamine, Methamphetamine.
- Designer Amphetamines (MDMA, MDA)
- Opioids (Codeine, Morphine, Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Oxycodone, Oxymorphone, Heroin metabolite, Fentanyl, Norfentanyl)
How far back does an 8 panel drug test go?
How far back 8-panel drug tests go depends on how frequently a person uses a drug, how quickly their body metabolizes substances, and other factors. Some substances, such as amphetamines, cocaine, and opiates, may only be detected for several days while others are detectable for a week or longer after usage.
How sensitive is a military drug test?
What is the cutoff level for military drug tests? The cutoff levels vary for different substances. See chart above. For instance, marijuana has a cutoff level of 50 ng/ml, cocaine is 150 ng/ml, and amphetamine is 500 ng/ml.
What disqualifies you from basic training?
All interested individuals must clear a criminal background check and have no felony convictions. Individuals who have been convicted of a felony as an adult or juvenile for offenses involving violence, domestic violence, illegal drugs or sexual misconduct will be disqualified.
How to explain failed drug test?
If you fail a drug test, it's important to be honest and direct when explaining the situation. Acknowledge the result, explain any mitigating circumstances (such as prescription medications that may have caused a false positive), and take responsibility if applicable.
How often are you drug tested in the military?
The Drug Testing Program (DTP) is a commander's program that is conducted in a truly random manner to avoid predictability by the tested population. Commanders at every level will ensure random urinalysis testing at the rate of 10 percent of assigned end strength each month.
Do they drug test you at basic training?
Week 1: Processing
Immediately upon arrival, you are assigned to a division. You'll receive a full medical, dental and fitness screening. Women will receive a pregnancy test, and all recruits will be subject to a drug urine screening once they are on-site.
Does military urine test for nicotine?
No, there is no prohibition against nicotine in any form (chewing tobacco, smoking, vaping, or my favorite—nicotine replacement gum, patches or lozenges in the effort to quit the aforementioned), so nicotine or cotinine are not among the substances tested.
What kind of discharge for failing drug test army?
Failing a drug test in the Army may result in a discharge, which can range from a general discharge to an other-than-honorable discharge or a dishonorable discharge, depending on the circumstances surrounding the drug test failure and the service member's military record.
What should you not do before a urine test?
Do not take any paracetamol or drugs containing paracetamol 72 hours prior to collection. Avoid seafood and red wine 72 hours prior to collection. 48 hours prior to collection of the specimen. Levodopa should be avoided for two weeks before collection.
What is the most common false positive drug test?
Previously unreported drugs that are associated with false positives are: atenolol, bisoprolol, sildenafil, tapentadol, and tramadol. An OTC nasal inhaler can cause a false positive as well. Amphetamine and methamphetamine are the most commonly reported false positive drugs.
What can be detected in a mouth swab test?
What Shows Up in a Mouth Swab Drug Screen? Mouth swab drug tests can detect alcohol, amphetamines, barbiturates, opioids, and opiates. They can also detect the presence of drugs like THC, PCP, ecstasy, and GHB.
What is the duck walk at MEPS?
The duck walk is used to test feet and ankle balance, flexibility, agility and range of motion. It is just one of many medical tests performed at MEPS along with audiology, eye exams, blood screenings and full physical exams.
How long after MEPS do you go to Basic?
After finishing at the MEPS, recruits follow one of two options: "Direct Ship:" Departure for Basic Training occurs in a matter of days versus months. Delayed Entry Program (DEP): Commit to Basic Training at a time in the future, generally within one year.
What are the most common disqualifiers for the military?
- Vision Disqualification. ...
- Dental Disqualification. ...
- Ears and Hearing Disqualification. ...
- Allergic Conditions Disqualification. ...
- Skin Disqualification. ...
- Psychiatric Disorders.
What drugs are not allowed in the military?
- Blood modifiers. ...
- Antineoplastics (oncologic or non-oncologic use). ...
- Immunosuppressants, like chronic systemic steroids.
- Biologic response modifiers. ...
- Benzodiazepaines, whether used chronically or newly prescribed.
Can you join the military with one testicle?
The absence of one or both testicles, whether congenital, acquired, or unexplained absence of a testicle is also unacceptable according to military standards.