Which code applies when a Commander has sufficient evidence regarding a soldier's violation of the UCMJ through drug or alcohol abuse?

The correct code that applies when a Commander has sufficient evidence regarding a soldier's violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) through drug or alcohol abuse is the Probable Cause (PO) code.

Probable cause is a legal standard used to justify the belief that a soldier has engaged in misconduct, such as drug or alcohol abuse. When a commander possesses specific evidence or reasonable belief based on observable actions or reports, it allows them to take necessary actions, including initiating a substance abuse evaluation or conducting a search. This code empowers the commander to act based on the evidence that suggests a violation has occurred, reinforcing the importance of maintaining discipline and readiness within the unit.

The other choices represent different circumstances. For instance, Inspection Random (IR) pertains to random drug testing conducted without any particular suspicion, while Command Directed (CO) refers to tests ordered by command under specific conditions. The Inspection Unit (IU) relates to inspections that include checking compliance with drug testing regulations but is not tied to evidence of individual wrongdoing as Probable Cause is.