The Navy SEALs, one of the most elite military units in the United States, are renowned for their physical prowess and exceptional performance in high-stakes operations. These forces are frequently deployed for the military’s most delicate and hazardous missions. The demanding selection and training programs, along with the intense pressure of these risky assignments, can drive a few individuals to resort to performance-enhancing substances.
Recent concerns regarding the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) within the ranks have prompted the implementation of a new policy. To maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the SEAL teams, the Navy has announced plans to conduct random drug testing for steroid use among its special forces beginning in November of 2023. Rear Adm. Keith Davids – the leader of Naval Special Warfare Command – revealed the recent initiative in September of 2023 in an announcement to his force. He emphasized the importance of this program in safeguarding their well-being and readiness for service.
The Navy will pioneer the implementation of random testing, with Army Special Operations Command planning to adopt the same approach soon. However, a specific commencement date has yet to be determined. According to Lt. Col. Mike Burns, the spokesperson for Army Special Operations Command, random testing has also been authorized, and they are currently developing a program. As of now, neither the Air Force nor the Marine Corps special operations commands have made any requests for a similar policy change.
This groundbreaking move marks the first time any U.S. military special operations group has taken such a comprehensive approach to combat doping and is one that military leaders have long resisted. The military has been facing a consistent issue with the use of these substances, although it has been relatively limited. However, leaders have been hesitant to implement more frequent testing due to the specialized nature of the process, the high cost involved, and the need to collaborate with a limited number of laboratories that offer such services. Occasionally, military services conduct tests if they suspect a problem with an individual service member, but regular random testing requires special permission from the Pentagon.
The Need for Random Steroid Testing
Several factors drove the decision to implement random steroid testing within the Navy SEALs. Most notable was the tragic death of a sailor during the SEALs’ grueling selection course, which exposed the presence of illicit substances, including steroids, among candidates. This incident raised concerns about the prevalence of drug use within the SEALs and the potential risks associated with it.
Kyle Mullen, a 24-year-old, tragically passed from acute pneumonia shortly after completing the arduous Hell Week test for the SEALs. A comprehensive report determined that Mullen’s death occurred “in the line of duty” and was not a result of his misconduct. While investigations found no performance-enhancing drugs in his system, the Naval Education and Training Command report revealed that he was not screened for certain steroids due to the unavailability of required blood and urine samples. Additionally, multiple vials of drugs and syringes were discovered in his car.
Further investigation conducted by the NETC into SEAL training highlighted the significant issue of performance-enhancing drug usage among aspiring elite commandos. Consequently, more rigorous testing was recommended.
In previous years, investigations in 2011, 2013, and 2018 were carried out to address suspicions of steroid use among SEAL candidates. Disciplinary actions were taken, and requests for enhanced testing were made. However, the implementation of hair follicle testing was denied multiple times by Navy leaders during this period. Furthermore, authorization for random steroid testing was not granted by the Defense Department.
Recognizing the need for change, Davids requested a policy amendment to allow screening for steroids. In January, the undersecretary for personnel at the Pentagon approved this request.
Expansion of Testing Parameters
The Navy’s new policy goes beyond the traditional approach of solely testing trainees in the selection course. Instead, it will encompass the entire Naval Special Warfare force, which includes approximately 9,000 service members, including SEALs and the combat boat crews who support them. According to the Navy, this comprehensive approach ensures that all individuals within Naval Special Warfare are held to the same standards and undergo the same level of scrutiny. By expanding testing parameters, the Navy aims to create a level playing field and foster a culture of integrity across the entire force.
The Navy has allocated $225,000 to finance the testing agreement until the conclusion of this month, with an anticipated expenditure of approximately $4.5 million annually for the subsequent two years.
Testing Procedures and Consequences
The Navy command has stated that they will choose four units at random monthly. In each selected unit, 15 percent of the sailors will undergo testing. This could mean around 200 sailors being tested each month. Any sailors who test positive will be subject to disciplinary action or possible removal from service.
Command leaders emphasize that there is merely anecdotal proof of the utilization of performance-enhancing drugs amongst the ranks.
Between February 2022 and March 2023, the Naval Special Warfare Center conducted over 2,500 screening tests and identified 74 SEAL or Special Warfare Combat Crewmen with elevated levels of testosterone, as stated by the command. It was revealed that three candidates ultimately tested positive for using performance-enhancing drugs. While testosterone tests are more prevalent, they are less accurate, necessitating further screening to detect steroid use.
Under the new random testing protocol, sailors must provide two urine samples. One sample will be sent to the Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory, a state-of-the-art facility utilized by international sports organizations to detect doping. This laboratory will screen for dozens of substances that are prohibited by the Department of Defense. The other urine sample will be sent to the Navy Drug Screening Laboratory Great Lakes for standard drug testing.
In the event of a positive test result, the sailor will be notified, followed by a preliminary inquiry. If there are no legal justifications for the drug use, the sailor will face disciplinary action and may be discharged from service. SEALs or Special Warfare Combat Crewman (SWCC) who test positive for steroid use may face serious consequences, including potential dismissal from the Navy. The stringent measures reflect the Navy’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of performance and integrity within its special operations forces.
Under Navy procedures, all SEALs and SWCC are informed of the substance ban and sign an acknowledgment of the prohibition.
Wrongful use or possession of steroids falls under Article 112a of the UCMJ. The military steroid lawyers at The National Security Law Firm has written a detailed article on the Legal Consequences of Performance-Enhancing Drugs/Anabolic Steroid Use in the Military, This article discusses in detail the elements of steroid offenses, the consequences of being charged with a steroid offense, as well as defenses to these charges in further detail. If you are being charged with a steroid or PED-related offense, we encourage you to read that post for more information. In addition, you can find further helpful information concerning Article 112a of the UCMJ in our article on Article 112a. Wrongful Use, Possession, etc., of Controlled Substances.
Addressing Concerns and Opposition
While implementing random steroid testing has received widespread support, some question the necessity and effectiveness of such measures. Critics argue that seeking an unfair advantage through performance-enhancing substances has long been a part of warfare and that any means that enhance operators’ capabilities ultimately serve the mission. However, the Navy defends that its decision to crack down on steroid use within the SEALs is grounded in fairness, safety, and long-term effectiveness. By eliminating the use of prohibited substances, the Navy aims to create a level playing field and ensure the health and well-being of its personnel.
The Issue of Doping in Special Operations
The issue of doping is not unique to the Navy SEALs, as other branches of the U.S. military also face similar challenges. While the Army, Air Force, and Marines currently lack comprehensive testing programs for their special operations forces, as discussed above, the Army also plans to implement such measures.
The Impact on SEAL Training and Operations
The implementation of random steroid testing within the Navy SEALs is expected to have a significant impact on both training and operational readiness. By deterring the use of PEDs, the Navy hopes to create a culture of excellence based on natural abilities, discipline, and teamwork. The Navy further hopes that this shift in mindset will not only improve the physical and mental well-being of SEALs but also enhance their operational effectiveness. They further hope that eliminating PEDs will ensure that SEALs perform at their best without compromising their long-term health and overall capabilities.
Nationwide Military Steroid Lawyer – Carl Marrone, Esq.
If you are facing a legal issue involving anabolic steroids or PEDs, it is essential to have a lawyer who not only possesses a deep understanding of these cases but is also dedicated to fighting for justice in this complex area of the law. The UCMJ defense lawyers at The National Security Law Firm aggressively defend various steroid/PED cases nationwide. Carl Marrone, who handles the firm’s UCMJ cases, was a college athlete and has been around professional bodybuilders his whole life.
Given his personal background, together with his impressive experience as a military defense lawyer, Carl possesses the unique combination of knowledge, skill, and experience that is vital to anyone being charged with a steroid use or possession offense in the military. It is important to note that steroid cases should not be treated like recreational drugs. Most military criminal defense lawyers, however, will try to treat them the same, since they fall under the same Article in the UCMJ and since most criminal defense lawyers’ experience is with recreational drugs, not steroids. There are many differences between steroids and recreational drugs, and these differences can have a huge impact on the way your steroid case should be defended. For example, large amounts of steroids could be used against you to establish an intent to distribute. Unlike recreational drugs, however, possessing large amounts of steroids can indicate personal use.
