Operation Detect and Deter: Random is random Published Sept. 30, 2013 By Senior Airman Shandresha Mitchell 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- "Each morning we come in and start the Air Force Drug Demand Reduction Program software to see whether it will be a testing day or a non-testing day," stated Andre Johnson, 6th Air Mobility Wing drug demand reduction program manager. If it is a testing day, the random selection drug testing program system generates a list that includes an individual's name, social security number and squadron. "We take the paperwork and send it to the prospective squadrons' trusted agents," explained Johnson. "The trusted agents then notify the personnel to come pick up the drug testing letter signed by their commander in order for them to test within the two hour time frame." The Air Force Drug Demand Reduction Program is a consolidation of several programs, having similar goals in one office. The DDRP is responsible for the military and civilian urinalysis testing programs, to further deter our "total force" from drug use. This ensures a safe work environment and a healthy and ready force. The process is completely random. However, most believe this entire process is not random, and few even believe they are hand-selected by their leadership. The system pulls from a pool of names that contain all base personnel, without specifications for a given unit or squadron. The program is designed to detect and deter those who are using illegal substances. "Once an individual is selected, their name goes back into the random pool; that's the randomness of the program," explained Johnson. "Many individuals don't understand that when you have a random program, if a member is tested today that doesn't mean they won't be chosen to test tomorrow because their name goes back into the pool." If an individual's name is generated while they are on leave, that member is not exempt from being tested. "The system does not know that the individual is on leave," commented Johnson. "Therefore, if someone is selected while they're on leave, we put that member's name back into the random pool with a date on it; the name will regenerate and go back to the trusted agent who will notify the member, if they have returned from leave, of the test." Even while a name is on the list for testing that same name can regenerate again. If this event occurs, once the individual provides a sample the second test is cancelled. "It's a two-fold program," stated Johnson. "We are here to deter personnel from using illegal substances and detect if they are using."