Five Air Force Academy cadets have been kicked out of the school, and another 25 are under investigation for allegedly using a prohibited intoxicating substance known as “Spice.”
“Consistent with Air Force policy and instructions, the U.S. Air Force Academy has a zero-tolerance policy regarding the use of these intoxicating substances, and certainly illegal drug use or possession,” said Lt. Gen. Mike Gould, the school’s superintendent, in a media release.
Air Force personnel who violate banned-substance policies face disciplinary actions that could include court-martial, non-judicial punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, reprimands and involuntary separation from the service.
Five cadets have been separated from the academy since April, the Air Force said.
“The investigation remains ongoing, and any additional allegations will be fully investigated as well,” the release said.
“The abuse of these products by military members, cadets and cadet candidates contradicts the nature of the profession of arms, threatens our military readiness and impairs our responsibilities to the Air Force and our Nation,” Gould said.
Academy command describes Spice as a “mixture of herbs and synthetic cannabinoid compounds” sold by commercial sources.
The release said commanders also are investigating, and concerned about, the use of salvia, a psychoactive hallucinogenic plant.
Cadets were warned, as well, about the dangers, and repercussions of, inhaling household chemicals and abusing over-the-counter medications for the purpose of becoming intoxicated or “high.”
“The recent separations and the use of Spice by a few of our cadets is not the behavior we expect of America’s future Air Force and world leaders, and is not reflective of the highest standards we hold true to every day,” said Brig. Gen. Richard Clark, academy commandant of cadets.
Kieran Nicholson: 303-954-1822 or knicholson@denverpost.com
