Who has the authority to recommend that a member be prohibited from wearing the parachutist badge due to drug abuse?

The authority to recommend that a member be prohibited from wearing the parachutist badge due to drug abuse is vested in commanders at any review level. This is because commanders hold a significant responsibility for the welfare and discipline of their troops, and they are tasked with ensuring that all personnel meet the standards required for certain qualifications and special duties, such as wearing the parachutist badge.

The decision to recommend prohibition is serious and impacts the operational integrity and morale of the unit, so it requires the judgment and authority of a commander who understands both the implications of the behavior and the standards that must be upheld within the ranks.

Medical officers provide necessary health evaluations and could identify drug abuse, but the authority to recommend actions like prohibiting a badge rests with commanders. Senior enlisted personnel may have influence and provide recommendations, but they do not possess the formal authority to make such recommendations themselves. Similarly, while supervisors play a vital role in monitoring behavior, the ultimate authority lies with commanders, who have the overarching view and responsibility for the effectiveness and readiness of their unit.