Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Steroid testing in USCG

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 7/15/2009


Question
I am about to get drug tested by the USCG as part of my process to join OCS.  I
also have finished a cycle of steroids 2 weeks prior.  Do they test for steroids and
what type of drug test is it (urine, blood, hair,etc).

Answer
John,
Yes, the military tests for steroids via urinalysis.  If they find anabolic steroids that are not prescribed for you by a doctor than they will do a second test via hair sample.  This is true not only before you enter the service but also after you have entered.  Each month the commander randomly draws a number out of a hat.  Everyone on that base whose Social Security number ends in the number drawn, must submit to urinalysis testing.  I once held the record on my base in Colorado for getting drawn and tested 5 months in a row.

Colonel H

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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MARK A. HOWELL

Expertise

All military questions, any Service. 30 years experience & two Ph.D.'s. 4 times Base Commander. Worked with Army, Navy, USMC, USCG and several foreign military units. Veteran of Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and 10 civil wars in Africa.

Experience

Air Force Colonel with 30 years experience. Air Force Base Commander 4 times. Highly decorated.

Organizations
Org of Am Historians, Wild West History Assoc., Disabled American Veterans - Life Member, Am Motorcyclist Assoc. - Life Member, North Am Hunt Club - Life Member, NWTF - Life Member

Publications
Numerous book reviews published in the Journal of American History. Two books submitted for publication.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in military history, Columbus University (Summa Cum Laude) Ph.D. in history, Northfield University, London, England (Summa Cum Laude) Master of Arts degree in history, Marshall University, WV Bachelors degree, double-major in history and mathematics, Salem College, WV Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL

Awards and Honors
Legion of Merit Defense MSM MSM x 5 Joint Commendation Mdl AF Commendation Medal Army Commendation Mdl Joint Achievement Mdl AF Achievement Medal Outstanding Volunteer Mdl

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