The Australian Defence Force has launched a “scare campaign” discouraging the use of anabolic steroids and performance-enhancing drugs among military personnel according to the Sydney Morning Herald. This is response to the perception of a steroid abuse problem among troops in Afghanistan after seven special forces soldiers were caught using and/or in possession of anabolic steroids.
According to the steroid pamphlets published by the Australian Defence Force Mental Health Strategy (ADFMHS), the ADF has a zero tolerance policy on the use of anabolic steroids.
ADF members hold themselves to a set of values – these values are not consistent with breaking the law and supporting criminal activities. Obtaining non prescribed steroids supports criminality and the use of these types of drugs is not only dangerous, but threatens your career and financial well-being. Steroid use also affects your mates who are often assumed to be guilty by association when you are caught using these drugs.
Under Defence Instruction (General) Personnel 15-2, misuse of steroids by members of the ADF will usually lead to disciplinary and/or administrative to terminate the member’s appointment or initiate discharge proceedings.
If you are found to possess, supply or administer anabolic steroids to another person it is an offence under the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 1966. Penalties for breach of this Act include fines and/or imprisonment.
Random steroid testing is conducted in an attempt to detect steroid use. Military personnel in Australia can seek “mental health” treatment for steroid abuse and hope for leniency. However, this does not guarantee that they will not be discharged.
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