Mobilization

File: aaabf_25.txt
Page: 25
Total Pages: 51

A p p e n d i x C
Use of Stimulant/Sedative Medications
(" Go" / " No-go" Pills )

Background: Stimulant medications (dexedrine 5 ma. or recently caffeine 200 mg.) were first used in SAC in
1960 and TAC in 1962. No formal data gathering has occurred; however, no problems with the use of these or
sedative medications have been reported over the period of use. All TAC aircrews are ground tested with 5 mg
dexedrine and also 30 mg of the sedative temazepam. SAC does not use stimulants, but has authorized
temazepam in single/dual seat aircraft.
Following Desert Storm, HQ TAC/SGPA, with the support of TAG/DO, conducted an anonymous
survey of deployed fighter pilots. 464 surveys were returned which is approximately a 43% return rate.

Results: Desert Shield
65% of respondents used "Go pills" on the deployment. Only 43% of those had used "Go pills" on a
previous deployment. In some units, usage was as high as 83%.
Desert Storm
57% of respondents used "Go pills" at some time (17% routinely, 58% occasionally, 25% only once).
Within individual units, usage varied from 3% to 96%, with higher usage in units tasked for sustained combat
air patrol (CAP) missions. Usage was closely correlated to mission demands an] personal fatigue.
61% of those who used "Go pills" found them essential to mission accomplishment. High risk times
were on the tanker or returning to base after a strike mission.
There were no adverse side effects reported. "Go pills" were suspected in 1 case of nausea, 2 cases of
jitteriness, and 1 case of "spatial disorientation" in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).
The typical mission profiles surrounding usage were 6 to 8 hour sorties with double or triple turns,
duty days in excess of 14 hours for 38% of respondents and interval crew rest less than 6 hours in 23%.
Two hundred sissy nine (269) pilots responded regarding the use of �No-go" medications for a return
rate of approximately 25%. 54% of the respondents reported using "No-go" pills at some time in the
deployment. Most frequent reasons given for use were too much noise and difficulty getting "unwired" after a
mission.