Operation Nighthawk

Master Sgts. Brian Brewer and Tate Beaufeaux inform the driver of a vehicle that they have been selected to patriciate in Operation Nighthawk, a random vehicle and drug screening that took place at Tinker between 1 and 3 a.m. Feb. 27. Random drug screenings usually come in the form of a letter. Night time surprise inspections increase the chances of catching recreational drug users. (Air Force photo by Micah Garbarino)

Operation Nighthawk

In the wee hours of the morning Saturday, Cita, a three-year-old military working dog, searches the back of a vehicle during Operation Nighthawk, a random vehicle and drug screening event. Cita and her handler, Tech. Sgt. John Ater, 72nd Security Forces Squadron, searched more than 30 vehicles during the operation. (Air Force photo by Micah Garbarino)

Operation Nighthawk

Three members of the 72nd Medical Group Drug Demand Reduction program, along with 12 first sergeants were on hand to collect urine samples that would be tested for all kinds of drugs, including prescription medication. Once a servicemember was notified at the gate of the screening, they were not permitted to leave the area until their vehicles had been searched and they were able to provide a urine sample. (Air Force photo by Micah Garbarino)

Operations Nighthawk: surprise inspections greet military members

Published March 5, 2010
By Micah Garbarino
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Nothing good happens after midnight. Ask Airman 1st Class Mike Bogert.

Around 1 a.m. Saturday morning he slipped out of his dorm room for a quick bite to eat in Midwest City -- 20 minutes later he stood in the cold night and watched as drug dogs sniffed through his vehicle and police inspected every inch. Then he was asked for a urine sample.

Airman Bogert, an aircraft structural maintenance journeyman with the 552nd Maintenance Squadron, wasn't alone. More than 30 other active duty Airmen and Sailors were informed of the random screening, known as "Operation Nighthawk," as they approached the Eaker gate. They were greeted by first sergeants who read them a prepared statement about what lay ahead.

"It's alright," said Airman Bogert, despite his somewhat stunned expression. "Random tests are routine in the military. It's no big deal."

On Saturday, the first sergeants were ordered to include every third car containing an active duty member. In the past, operations have included every car or every second car. The order is directed by the installation commander and ensures that the tests are unbiased based on rank, station or branch of service.

"Everyone plays," said Abe Kelly, 72nd Medical Group Drug Demand Reduction Program manager. "This is a very precise operation. We respect individuals and their rights inside the ground rules set by the commander."

This operation was ordered by 72nd Air Base Wing and Tinker Installation Commander Col. Allen Jamerson. It took a week of planning and was a joint effort between the 72nd Security Forces Squadron, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, 72nd Medical Group, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center Judge Advocate General and the Tinker First Sergeants Council, said Mr. Kelly.

The element of surprise is a key to success. Only the 40-person team knew about the operation. Because some drugs leave the system quickly, testing during the night, when people have had no chance to flush their systems, makes it easier to catch "recreational" drug users.

"The Department of Defense policy on illegal drug use is clear," said 72nd ABW Command Chief Master Sgt. Eric Harmon. "There is zero tolerance. We are subjected to be tested at any given moment. Just don't do drugs!"

The military's proactive drug-testing policies are something Airman Bogert can attest to first-hand. He's been in the Air Force 18 months and Saturday morning's surprise was his fourth mandatory urinalysis.

"You will get caught. We are all in the military for a reason, and that is not to do drugs," Airman Bogert said. Leaders are hopeful that other Airmen get the same message because the primary focus of Operation Nighthawk is to deter drug use, Chief Harmon said.

The results of the urinalysis tests won't be available for at least a week because the samples are tested at Brooks AFB in San Antonio. The samples will be screened for numerous drugs, including otherwise legal prescriptions that are commonly abused, said Mr. Kelly.