There was a time when the military allowed only caffeine to ward off drowsiness. That has changed.

The military now uses a range of pharmaceutical aids, beyond caffeine, to manage fatigue and sustain alertness during extended operations.

These medications, called “go pills” include:
Modafinil (Provigil): A wakefulness promoting agent used by various branches to maintain cognitive performance during long missions.
Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine): A potent stimulant historically used by Air Force pilots, especially during high-tempo air operations.
Methylphenidate (Concerta): Sometimes issued to enhance focus and alertness.

These are typically reserved for exceptional circumstances, such as:
Long-duration sorties or special operations behind enemy lines.
Nighttime combat or surveillance missions where sleep isn’t feasible.
Situations where fatigue could jeopardize mission success or safety.

Their use is tightly regulated. Service members must be medically cleared, and trained. Then the drugs are administered under strict supervision to avoid dependency or misuse.

Meanwhile, the Department of Defense continues to invest in non-pharmaceutical countermeasures too like wearable sleep trackers, fatigue management protocols, and even behavioral training to optimize rest and recovery.