How random is drug testing at Dover?

Published July 2, 2008
436th AW Public Affairs

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Q: How is the drug testing random when every civilian in a unit gets hit for the urinalysis test twice in 45 days, and one person is selected four times in two weeks? It doesn't appear very random.

A: The likelihood of eligible civilians being notified of selection for mandatory random drug testing is a function of the selection process and the member's availability. The Air Force Drug Testing Computer Program utilizes a random algorithm to select members from a database, which is populated by Civilian Personnel Office with individuals filling positions which are subject to mandatory drug testing. Unit Trusted Agents are notified of their members selected for testing, and then reconcile the list with the members' availability (due to leave status, TDY status, etc.). Trusted agents then notify those members who have been both randomly selected and determined to be physically available for testing.