Hello Warriors! According to reports, the IAF pilots are increasingly using drugs to optimise performance in combat exercises.
They are using these “authorised” pills to boost alertness levels and cognitive powers as well as fight fatigue and sleep deprivation during round-the-clock combat exercises as well as long-range sorties designed to hone war-fighting skills.
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WHAT ARE GO/NO-GO PILLS?
Modafinil and Zolpidem, nicknamed ‘Go/No-Go’ pills respectively, are used to first increase adrenaline and wakefulness, then counteract with sedation for recovery until the next mission.
Modafinil is the ‘Go’ pill which gives the pilot the required adrenaline rush and boosts his alertness and cognitive functions during a combat mission.
The drugs were used across the IAF in Exercise Livewire, a military exercise which simulated a two-front war held from October 31 to November 8 in which all 54 IAF airbases were activated. It was a high-tempo exercise to simulate a war, which requires high adrenaline levels and the ability to push the envelope.
After the adrenaline rush of a combat sortie with the Go pill, a fighter pilot needs to sleep well to ensure he remains sharp for the next mission. This is where the No-Go pill comes into play. It relaxes you, does not let your mind wander or worry.
ARE THERE ANY HEALTH CONCERNS?
Although the rise of drug use raises concerns about potential for addiction, the IAF is firm that their use is regulated. Handling highly stressful situations becomes more difficult when sleep-deprivation and fatigue come into play, and can negatively affect decision-making ability.
From fighter and helicopter pilots to air traffic controllers and even the top brass, the Go/No-Go pills were used to “good effect” during Livewire, which was designed to test both offensive and defensive capabilities for a two-front war contingency with “swing forces” being rapidly moved from the western theatre to the eastern one, and vice-versa.
Some of the side effects are said to be muscle weakness and behavioural changes.
WHEN AND HOW ARE THEY USED?
The Go/No-Go pills are being used to optimise performance only after extensive clinical trials, both in simulators and actual flying, with all necessary safeguards. For another, side-effects of both the pills during trials were negligible and did not appear to be a cause for concern.
IS IT SAFE?
The field trials and studies were conducted by IAF doctors to validate pharmacological strategies for sleep and alertness management for aircrews in extended operations.
The pills are not meant for everyday use, and are allowed only for specific missions under strict supervision. For another, side-effects of both the pills during trials were negligible and did not appear to be a cause for concern.
Even though it is useful in enhancing the alertness, continuous use might lead to abuse and addiction.
IS THERE ANY HISTORY OF SUCH DRUG USAGE?
Using performance enhancing drugs in the armed forces is not new. Amphetamines and other stimulants, along with sedative and sleeping aids, are widely used in modern armies since at least World War II.
These pills have been authorised and are popular among military aviation circles across the world.
