Unit Prevention Leaders (UPL)

The Army Center for Substance Abuse Programs (ACSAP), Alexandria VA, is the proponent for the UPL CTP. The UPL CTP is for the UPL candidate and is to deter the illegal use of drugs through each unit’s drug testing program. The success of a drug abuse prevention training program is dependent on the collection efforts in the units. Commanders are responsible for the collection and the Army Substance Abuse Program Manager is responsible for ensuring quality performance by the Unit Prevention Leaders (UPLs). Quality begins with the selection of the UPL. Commanders must be aware of how critical the job is and should consider this in their selection.

The UPL CTP is a 40 hour course, of which the first 24 hours are a self-paced, individual study using material provided by the Army Substance Abuse Program. All candidates must be on Additional Duty Appointment orders signed by the unit commander. The candidate must pass a background check and be a successful graduate of the 16-hour classroom UPL CTP training course. Candidates must contact the Drug Testing Coordinator prior to the UPL CTP for the required pre-course materials. UPLs are certified by the Fort McCoy Installation Drug Testing Coordinator.

A Unit Prevention Leader is certified for one year after graduating from the UPL CTP. At the end of that year, the UPL must recertify as a UPL. Recertification is accomplished through a UPL one day review and re-certification test. Information about the UPL training schedule is available from the Prevention Coordinator or the Drug Testing Coordinator.

UPLs are responsible for the following:
· Assists in briefing new personnel regarding ASAP policies and services.
· Administers the unit drug testing program.
· Informs the commander of the status of the ASAP and of trends in substance abuse in the unit.
· Maintains liaison with the servicing ASAP when deployed.
· Develops, coordinates, and delivers informed prevention, education training to the unit.

Fort McCoy Unit Prevention Leader
Minimum Qualification Requirements

To be a Fort McCoy Unit Prevention Leader (UPL), each soldier must:
· be an E-5 or above;
· possess integrity/honesty (both word and deed);
· be emotionally mature;
· possess excellent attention-to-detail skills;
· never have been confirmed positive by urinalysis for any drug;
· have no significant alcohol history (in his/her past, or present);

  Not currently enrolled in the Army Substance Abuse Program



 Notes:
1. Since these are only "minimum" requirements, Commanders may choose to require higher standards of their UPLs.
2. Questions, about what is a "significant" alcohol history, should be referred to the professionals of the ASAP (388-7721).

Point of Contact for UPL Leader Course:
Installation Biochemical Testing Coordinator
(608) 388-5955