The U.S. Navy recently altered its drug testing program in an effort to enforce its zero-tolerance drug policy and eradicate illicit drug use.

The new program, launched on July 30, requires a monthly minimum of four drug tests that represent 15 percent of a command’s members. This replaces the yearly random test for 100 percent of a command. The policy also mandates a screening for each sailor who reports to a new command within 3 days of arrival.

The Navy has also committed to cracking down on alcohol abuse. The new policy includes automatic expulsion for second-offense drunk driving. Previously, the commanding officer could use personal discretion when dealing with a sailor caught driving under the influence.

In addition to deterrence, the Navy has also assigned a drug and alcohol advisor to any command with over 500 members to aid in prevention and treatment programs.

Positive drug tests in the Navy have declined since 2001, from over 6,200 to under 2,200 in 2008. This number translates to just under 0.5 percent of all sailors testing positive. A positive drug test usually results in automatic discharge.

The stricter policy results both from previous success with zero tolerance as well as a concern for cost effectiveness. It costs about $150,000 to replace a single sailor discharged under the program, but drug testing has become more affordable over the years.

“These changes give us a more robust program,” said Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention program director Bill Flannery. The new policy will aim not only to crack down on actual drug use, but also work to change the culture of heavy drinking that has persisted throughout the Navy’s history. According to Flannery, both components must be ongoing and vigilant to be successful. “Alcohol abuse is not what we do,” he said. “The moment we say we’ve won, we’ve lost.”