Delaware National Guard  Drug testing team visits 261st   By Maj. Jane Zak, Public Affairs Officer, 261st Signal Brigade Sgt. 1st Class Joe DiDiego instructs Private 1st Class Bernice Hudson to verify all personnel data during the May drug screening. Sgt. 1st Class Joe DiDiego, assisted by a team of four soldiers (Staff Sgt. Myrtle Pierce, Staff Sgt. Sandy Hale, Sgt. 1st Class David Sanders, and Master Sgt. Robert Davis) conducted urine analysis testing at the 261st Signal Brigade during the May drill. During their visit, the team provided information on the many aspects of this process. Staff Sgt. Myrtle Piece signs her name, verifying that the specimen belongs to the correct soldier. Why Test? By law, each state is required to test 42% of the state’s end strength. This quota may change and be raised to 50%. Some states currently do 100% testing annually. The Military Police and Aviation units are the exception to the rule. 100% testing is required for soldiers who hold critical Military Occupational Specialties (MOS's) within these units. Who Is Selected? The selection process is random (with the exception of the soldiers assigned in duty positions that must be tested yearly), and our state’s goal is to test 90% of the units. DiDiego uses "HEIDI" computer software to randomly select soldiers. He enters in unit name and the percentage of soldiers to be tested. The software, interacting with the SIDPERS database, then randomly selects the soldiers who will be tested. When the team arrives at the unit, they work with the Commander and First Sergeant to determine how many of the soldiers that were selected are present for duty. 100% of those present must be tested by the end of the duty day. Where is the Analysis Done? Once testing is completed, the samples are boxed, sealed and shipped via the U.S. Postal Service to Tripler Army Hospital, Hawaii, for analysis. Results are usually provided within a 72-hour period. Sgt. 1st Class Joe DiDiego seals a specimen bottle. Who is qualified to conduct testing? DiDiego is assigned as the Substance Abuse Administrator for the Delaware Army National Guard. In order to hold this position, he must hold certification as an Installation Bio-Chemical Test Coordinator (IBTC). Personnel who assist with testing are currently assigned to various sections within State Headquarters (STARC) staff. All team members are required to have certification as State Program Managers with expertise in the collection, shipping, handling of drug testing. All received this certification either via attendance at the National Course or via On The Job Training (OJT). What resources are available for my unit? Substance Abuse Awareness is a factor in deterring abuse within the units. DiDiego has a 30-minute briefing that includes information on why we test, how testing is conducted, statistics on results, and trends in the types of drugs used. Any units who would like to schedule this briefing for their soldiers can contact DiDiego at (302) 326-7082. Staff Sgt. Sandy Hale ensures Sgt. Lawhorn checks his Social Security Number.

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2002 Delaware National Guard