Unspoken agreement: The military's point-of-view on steroids

[Livewire]

UNSPOKEN AGREEMENT
THE MILITARY’S P.O.V. ON STEROIDS

Q: I’m in the military and am home for awhile from my first tour in Iraq. I’m thinking of taking gear in my off time to go back agro like a mutha, and stronger and bigger. Do you think I have anything to worry about with testing? I never considered it before, so never thought to ask. Just worried. Don’t want to be dishonorably discharged after putting in that hell time for my country!

A:Nor should you get slapped across the face like that, gear or no gear. But that’s my opinion. I queried a few friends of mine who are high up in the military and who actually police that sort of stuff. Here’s what they said: “They don’t test for gear, so don’t worry – they’re after the rec drug users who snort coke and do drugs that can destroy motivation and attention span.” Another friend said, “I think they secretly don’t test for it because they know it makes a better soldier. On the other hand, if you’re caught with it, openly, they will get rid of you. It’s still an illegal drug, so unless you can prove you need to be on it for some medical reason, and can produce a ‘scrip, you’re in trouble. But I know a lot of guys who do it and don’t.” Possession, it seems, is the way to get caught, not through testing, so you are good to go on that bro. Just don’t take it with you over there, or talk about it or openly use it. There are rats on every ship and some guys will tell on you to get ahead. Remember, they all said that a commander of a branch unit can request test for a specific substance if he wants, including AAS, but unless he’s a total jackass out to get your ass, you’ll be ok. Thanks for fighting this ridiculous war for us bro!

source: http://www.getanabolics.com/2007/06/military-and-use-of-anabolic-steroids.html

[wes mantooth]

does this suprise you livewire???

[9 Ball Slim]

I'm currently deployed to Afghanistan.  While I can't claim to be a "higher-up" in the military, I have been in for 22 years, and am a MSgt in the USAF.  From what I've seen, the only time the military tests spicificly for AS in your system is under a command directed probable cause case.  It's just too expensive for Uncle Sam to test all samples for all things.  They usually only test for the big Rec drugs, like you said in your post.  The only time I've every seen a guy get popped for gear in his system, was a young airman who left his gear out in plain view in his barracks room....not smart in the first place, and it was enough to allow the commander to ask for a probable cause piss test. 

Bottom line, from what I've seen, you won't get popped no matter what you take, but if you do something simple like test, with some good PCT...you won't have any problems at all.

[Alex23]

My Dad was a cop for 26 yrs.

Similar policies even though his natural 260-275 + basketball shoulders "walk through your walls" never required any.

[240 is Back]

yeah, i'd almost PREFER if cops and military juiced.  Gives them an edge against criminals and enemies who might be coked/opiumed out of their heads. 

[Hedgehog]

yeah, i'd almost PREFER if cops and military juiced.  Gives them an edge against criminals and enemies who might be coked/opiumed out of their heads. 

In what situations do you think a cop would benefit from being on the juice?

What effects do you think elevated testosterone levels have on judgement in critical situations?

-Hedge

[bmacsys]

yeah, i'd almost PREFER if cops and military juiced.  Gives them an edge against criminals and enemies who might be coked/opiumed out of their heads. 

What kind of an edge? You don't have to be a physical specimen to be a good cop. You need good judgement.

[240 is Back]

In what situations do you think a cop would benefit from being on the juice?
What effects do you think elevated testosterone levels have on judgement in critical situations?
-Hedge

Long term durability, as well as short-term strength in needed situations.

At the same time, we oughta double the punishment for bad cops who abuse their power or do shove a guy when they don't need to. 

[Hedgehog]

Long term durability, as well as short-term strength in needed situations.

At the same time, we oughta double the punishment for bad cops who abuse their power or do shove a guy when they don't need to. 

What effects do you think elevated testosterone levels have on judgement in critical situations?

-Hedge

[240 is Back]

What effects do you think elevated testosterone levels have on judgement in critical situations?

-Hedge

Will invariably affect some negatively - all hyped up pricks ready to kick some ass.  And when it does, take their badge, cause they're bad seeds anyway.

On the other hand, some men with higher testosterone will therefore have stronger and more durable bodies, which will give them more physical confidence in situations - which might mean the cop doesn't resort to pulling his weapon as quickly. 

A very strong 220-pound cop will be able to use non-lethal means to control situations longer than a comparatively weak 140-pound cop.  The 140-pounder will likely use deadly force first.

[JasonH]

yeah, i'd almost PREFER if cops and military juiced.  Gives them an edge against criminals and enemies who might be coked/opiumed out of their heads. 

Yeah I'm sure Rodney King agrees with you on that one.

[Hedgehog]

Will invariably affect some negatively - all hyped up pricks ready to kick some ass.  And when it does, take their badge, cause they're bad seeds anyway.

On the other hand, some men with higher testosterone will therefore have stronger and more durable bodies, which will give them more physical confidence in situations - which might mean the cop doesn't resort to pulling his weapon as quickly. 

A very strong 220-pound cop will be able to use non-lethal means to control situations longer than a comparatively weak 140-pound cop.  The 140-pounder will likely use deadly force first.

What do you think is more important when being a police officer:

Physical strength

or

judgement?

-Hedge

[Rearden Metal]

What effects do you think elevated testosterone levels have on judgement in critical situations?

-Hedge

None. Now go back to being natural and speculating about others.

[240 is Back]

What do you think is more important when being a police officer:
Physical strength
or
judgement?
-Hedge

Judgment.

But I believe those who possess physical strength often have better judgment.

If you were a cop, and you were in a situation where some nutjob was running at you, or some maniac put his hands on you, or any other situation where one of you might be finding the ground very quickly...

wouldn't the ability to shove the man easily, pull him to the ground with one arm, or maintain your balance as he runs into you, benefit you tremendously?  



If you know at any time you can subdue the man, or at the very least not be knocked on your ass, you're going to make decisions based more upon law and less upon fear for your own safety.

[Hedgehog]

Judgment.

But I believe those who possess physical strength often have better judgment.

If you were a cop, and you were in a situation where some nutjob was running at you, or some maniac put his hands on you, or any other situation where one of you might be finding the ground very quickly...

wouldn't the ability to shove the man easily, pull him to the ground with one arm, or maintain your balance as he runs into you, benefit you tremendously? 



If you know at any time you can subdue the man, or at the very least not be knocked on your ass, you're going to make decisions based more upon law and less upon fear for your own safety.

Pull him to the ground with one arm?

Shove a man easily?

I think you may be slightly over-estimating the effects of steroids when used by Joe Q. Public Police Officer?

I doubt we're not gonna get Ronnie Colemans and Jay Cutlers in the streets if all police officers were juicing.

On a side note: Were you bullied as a kid?

-Hedge

[240 is Back]

Pull him to the ground with one arm?
Shove a man easily?
I think you may be slightly over-estimating the effects of steroids when used by Joe Q. Public Police Officer?
I doubt we're not gonna get Ronnie Colemans and Jay Cutlers in the streets if all police officers were juicing.
On a side note: Were you bullied as a kid?
-Hedge

Every bit of added confidence you have will give you better decision making skills.  Insecure people make poor decisions, and confident people make better decisions. 

I know the confidence that 20 pounds of muscle can add to a person.  I know that a 160-pound weight trained man will not be as confident as the 210-pound weight trained man.    All things equal, the larger man will have more options. 

[HalloweenMan]

hey, 
i was in the army and me and my platoon sgt took aas.  since he was e7, he knew more rules than me and it was explained that the army does not care about aas.  the urine tests are for rec drugs only.  coke, weed, pills, etc.  you should be fine.  unless there is a command directed inquiry, where they send you to get a test specifically for aas.  that is very rare though.  plt sgt said it never happens unless the person is obv on gear and it begins to affect their work.  also, you do not want to be caught with stuff, on your person, in your room, etc, during a health and welfare inspection.  thats worse than your plt sgt or sqd leader finding it. 
pm me if you have any questions.
be safe. 

[nycbull]

dont ask dont tell, maybe it will work for gear users.

The NAZI's experimented on their soldiers by giving them test. Made them more aggressive soldiers. US army knows this. I would think they would turn a blind eye.

[Wiggs]

Either you are lying or your friend is lying.  The test are conducted by civilian entities.
I'm in the military and have been an observer and a trusted agent.  They test for recreational drugs, steriods weren't on the list because it's never been a problem like weed, X, coke etc...If there were reasons to test the military can test.  They busted a guy at Air Force Academy a couple years ago for distribution and he got some hard time and kicked out of the Academy.  They don't condone the use of steroids they're just ignorant about it.  Why do you Dave Henry, Leo Ingram and others get away with it?

[Brutal_1]

What effects do you think elevated testosterone levels have on judgement in critical situations?

-Hedge

hahahaha,

Come to LA for a while, in fact do a ride along with an LAPD officer....you don't need much judgement when you're wrestling with EVERYONE you try to arrest.  I've got a buddy of mine working in Watts right now, NOBODY has respect for the cops there, not the kids, older people, no one, in other words, when they have to arrest someone...they have to work for it!!    By either beating ass or....well that's what they have to do. 

I'm sure elevated test levels can help here...


But sure, maybe in slower areas cops might not need it, but I know of plenty that are on it....and don't blame em at all.

"If they run, you make em pay for it" 

[HowieW]

Ok, I was a member of the USMC powerlifting team for one year and can tell ya, that the millitary is a LOT more interested in coke, pot, etc. If some guy were to flaunt their AAS it would not be wise because then you would be literally asking for trouble.

As for roids making better /more effective marines and soldiers???

Not sure of it would be a great idea. Most of my experience dealt with a great deal of mentle and physical endurance , rather than brute strength. I do know that to cleared for a deadly force card while on the MSG, I had to be checked out to make sure I was not a hot head or exhibited any violent out bursts, etc.
The marines want a man that can take orders, keep a clear head and not lose it.
Howard

[BEAST 8692]

testosterone was isolated in 1937 and almost immediately began to be used medically and for performance enhancement. in fact, it won the scientist a nobel prize.

the stigma associated with steroid use didn't gain negative attention until the west started looking for excuses as to why the eastern block countries were kicking their asses in athletic competition.

of course it was all motivated by anti communist propoganda as the western countries had been using the same drugs, just not as structured and organised or, usually, from such a young age.

uses:

hitler used them on his troops during ww2 for the aformentioned reasons. he also used amphetamines to keep his soldiers awake and alert.

john f kennedy and many of the more prominent members of american society had certain doctors that would prescribe them concoctions of an array of different drugs like test, amphet, etc.

jfk used such a concoction of test and amphet prescribed to him excusively and, apparently, was of great assistance during the very intense and stressful cuban missile crisis.

2 examples to provide a perspective on the reality of how such drugs were used.

there really isn't any big thing re test use in society. in fact, compared to alcohol and tobacco (which are widely used by religious leaders, politicians, law enforcement and the military) it is a  health tonic.

[hifrommike]

Use of AAS without a prescription is banned by both state & federal law in the US.  Those in the military remain citizens & cannot knowingly break these laws without putting themselves at risk.  I'm not saying to use or not to use, & cannot certify whether the brass cares or not (it might depend on who your CO is), but you are putting yourself at least at some risk if you use enough to make a clear difference in your build.  & it's not hard to tell. 

Further info:

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/theorderlyroom/l/bldrugtests.htm

http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/airforce/a/afdrugalcohol.htm

http://www.nutritionalsupplements.com/prescription/steroidsR20.html

http://www.corpwatch.org/article.php?id=12526

http://www.military.com/MilitaryReport/0,12914,MR_Hemp_Airmen,00.html

http://www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews/editions/1055/story01.htm

http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/101001p.pdf

[XFACTOR]

Do you think they would test a guy like Leo Ingram?  Christ they must shit themselves when they see the guy without a shirt.  His arms look 22-23 inches.

[Livewire]

Do you think they would test a guy like Leo Ingram?  Christ they must shit themselves when they see the guy without a shirt.  His arms look 22-23 inches.

no shit.  veins everywhere too.  guy looks like a roadmap.   probably sweats while drying off from the shower too.  no way EVERYONE in his company doesn't know he's on