Zimbabwe's air force has implemented mandatory drug screening for all applicants and will reject anyone who tests positive as part of broader efforts to keep narcotics out of the military. Air Marshal John Jacob Nzvede announced the policy during a graduation ceremony on Friday in Gweru, where more than 50 new officers completed their training.
The commander said substance abuse poses dangers to national defense readiness and warned that personnel cannot maintain the required standards if affected by drugs or alcohol. Medical evaluations for incoming members will specifically check for illegal substance use, and candidates who fail these tests will be barred from service. He called the growing drug problem a threat that demands coordinated action across government and society.
The announcement follows concerns that Zimbabwe's youth drug crisis is beginning to reach the uniformed services. Authorities have launched awareness programs and law enforcement operations targeting suppliers through an inter-agency task force dedicated to combating substance abuse. Among the 52 graduates were 19 women and 33 men who demonstrated skills in aviation operations, weaponry, and military tactics during the ceremony.
The commander said substance abuse poses dangers to national defense readiness and warned that personnel cannot maintain the required standards if affected by drugs or alcohol. Medical evaluations for incoming members will specifically check for illegal substance use, and candidates who fail these tests will be barred from service. He called the growing drug problem a threat that demands coordinated action across government and society.
The announcement follows concerns that Zimbabwe's youth drug crisis is beginning to reach the uniformed services. Authorities have launched awareness programs and law enforcement operations targeting suppliers through an inter-agency task force dedicated to combating substance abuse. Among the 52 graduates were 19 women and 33 men who demonstrated skills in aviation operations, weaponry, and military tactics during the ceremony.
