Twenty years after Alexander the Great defeated Poros, one of his generals, Seleukos Nikator, the Conqueror, invaded the Punjab in 303 BC and was defeated by Chandragupta, the first emperor of the Maurya line. Chandragupta’s minister, Kautilya (also known as Chanaka), wrote a guide on statecraft called ‘Athashastra’ similar to ‘The Prince’ which Machiavelli (1469-1527) wrote later; two volumes of the Arthashastra and parts of other volumes are devoted to the conduct of war.

Hitler And Nazi Drug Use

Stimulant Use in Extended Flight Operations

LT COL RHONDA CORNUM, USA
DR. JOHN CALDWELL
LT COL KORY CORNUM, USAF

PSYCHOSTIMULANTS, particularly amphetamine, became available in America for clinical use in 1937, and since then have been widely prescribed. More recently, their beneficial effects have been overshadowed by the recognition of a significant abuse potential.  Nevertheless, the military services, particularly the Air Force, have recognized the value of psychostimulants under certain conditions.  Use of amphetamine, at the direction of the unit commander and under the supervision of the flight surgeon, has been sanctioned by some components of the Air Force since 1960 and by the tactical air forces until 1991.  In March 1991, following successful completion of Operation Desert Storm, the chief of staff of the Air Force sent a message terminating the policy of allowing in—flight medications, including amphetamines, by Air Force personnel.

This article briefly outlines the historical development, mechanism of action, and effects of amphetamine on normal personnel.  It then discusses the value of these agents in military operations, the safety record, and the concerns that may have been the impetus for banning their use.  Finally, it concludes that, in light of their value to mission accomplishment—especially in the absence of demonstrable negative effects—the ban on amphetamines should be rescinded.