Pentagon Recommends Soldiers Be Banned From Smoking

Should soldiers be banned from smoking while in the discharge of their duties? That is what a new study has recommended. The study not only finds that smoking should be banned on all military bases, but that soldiers in the thick of battle should not be allowed to smoke. In addition, it is recommended that no tobacco products be sold on military bases.

What is the impetus for these recommendations? The study cites both short term and long-term sequelae; military "readiness" is impaired, and health problems such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases are the consequences of using tobacco products for an extended period of time. Even oral tobacco products are targeted, as their use can lead to oral cancers.

Undoubtedly, if the recommendations are followed, there will be mixed feelings regarding the proposed edict. Soldiers are not likely to react to the recommendations favourably--chances are there will be strong sentiments on both ends of the argument. Soldiers will likely states that stress relief is one of the biggest reasons to allow soldiers to smoke. Staying awake and alert may be another reason cited for allowing soldiers to smoke while on duty. Soldiers smoke in higher numbers that their civilian counterparts, and stress relief may be the biggest reason. Boredom may also play a role, as soldiers are often forced to "hurry up and wait" for a job to commence.

Soldiers are often offered cheaper tobacco products at commissaries, and the profits from sales often support family programs on the bases. While smoking has been banned in the buildings on bases around the country many years ago, this has not seemed to decrease the number of soldiers who smoke.

Related Links:

Video: The Real Cost of Smoking from Health Guru

Soldiers and Smoking from UW Health

Tobacco Use and PTSD from Tobacco Free Gallatin. Org