Minot cracks down on drugs Published Oct. 18, 2010 By Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The installation commander ordered the first 40 Airmen through the Magic City or Main Gate here Oct. 10 at one minute past midnight to provide a drug testing sample. In coordination with the Minot AFB first sergeants, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, the 5th Bomb Wing Legal Office and the Drug Demand Reduction Office, the testing was a sure way to ensure Minot AFB is a "drug-free" zone. "Once identified at the gate, Airmen were directed to the 5th Medical Group atrium where they in-processed prior to providing a drug testing sample," said Capt. Mike Kirkland, 5th BW Judge Advocate General on-scene advisor. "After providing a sample, all Airmen were released on their way." The directive, called Operation Prairie Hawk, was implemented to ensure the success of the Air Force Global Strike Command mission. Captain Kirkland noted the directive is not an annual requirement and may occur at any time with no notice. "Safe, secure and effective operations on Minot AFB requires our Airmen be drug free," he added. "Random drug testing is critical to ensuring mission performance." The testing requirements come from much higher up the chain, Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff, has shown great concern for ensuring his service adheres to the strict drug use laws laid out by the Uniform Code of Military Justice. "It is important to let all Airmen, all ranks, know drug use will not be tolerated in today's Air Force," said Chief Master Sgt. Martin K. Smith, 5th Bomb Wing command chief. "It lets individuals know they're being watched and the guilty are being caught." Throughout the entire process, entry controllers carried out normal operations to ensure the safety of Minot AFB roads. "The purpose of the gate sweep was strictly for drug screening," Captain Kirkland said. "The responsibility for detecting drunk drivers or other violations remained with the installation entry controllers throughout the event." The operation concluded at 1:30 a.m. as the 40th Airmen screened was released. In accordance with Air Force directives and requirements set forth by the installation commander, Captain Kirkland stressed the arbitrary nature of the screening. "One of the main Prairie Hawk benefits is the deterrent effect it creates," he said. "You may be tested anytime, anywhere."