If you are in the military you may be subjected to random drug tests. If the results test positive for illegal substances, you could face serious problems.
While you can probably understand why members of the armed forces need to be free from illicit drugs, not everyone who faces charges over this has taken any. Some people test positive when they have not taken illegal drugs at all. Here is why:
Presumptive field testing can produce false positives
Presumptive field testing refers to tests that look for illegal substances without actually defining what that substance is. These tests are often carried out in the field or in workplaces. They are different from the drug-specific tests carried out in laboratories.
Presumptive field tests have a reputation for being inaccurate. Research has shown that they often flag people as having taken drugs when this is not the case. Despite this, they are still used, often causing those who fall foul of them immense problems.
A positive test by the police could also affect you
Maybe you have always passed the drug tests the military had you take without a problem. However, they are not the only people who carry out tests. Maybe a police officer stops you one day while driving and has you take a presumptive field test. If you fail that, it could cause you problems with your work, as your officers might not be pleased to hear you failed a test and may implement proceedings against you.
When you give so much for your country it can be devastating to face disciplinary proceedings for something you never did. Learning more about your defense options can be a wise step to take.