AMC commander signs order prohibiting use of spice

15 Dec 2010 | Senior Airman Samantha S. Crane

Gen. Raymond Johns, Jr., the commander of the Air Mobility Command, signed a general order Nov. 2 prohibiting the use of intoxicating substances, including spice.

The order bans AMC members, including those assigned to tenant units, active duty on temporary duty on an AMC base, Air Force Reserve on an AMC base and Air National Guard members assigned or attached within AMC) from possessing, distributing, inhaling, smoking, chewing, consuming, or otherwise ingesting any type of Salvia Divinorum, Salvinorin A, or any botanical incense or herbal mixture called "spice."

Failure to obey the general order is a violation of Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice and is punishable by court-martial, Article 15 or other disciplinary and administrative actions.

"The biggest thing people need to know is that the use of intoxicating substances requires the Air Force to initiate discharge action against the member," said Lt. Col. Darren Huskisson, the 375th Air Mobility Wing staff judge advocate. "Violators can be punished under the UCMJ. Punishments may include confinement and total forfeiture of all pay and allowances. Enlisted members may also face reduction to the lowest enlisted grade. My advice ... it's just not worth it. Don't do it."

During the past year, the Scott Air Force Base Legal Office has handled 11 separate cases involving the use of illegal drugs, five of which were related to the use of spice.

Punishments included a combination of Articles 15, confinement, grade reductions, forfeitures of pay and bad conduct discharges.