updated Sun July 12, 2009
From Chris Lawrence
CNN
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- You've seen the iconic picture of a soldier with a cigarette dangling from his mouth, but that could soon be a thing of the past.
The Pentagon is considering a ban on the sale and use of tobacco in the military
A new study commissioned by the Pentagon and the Department of Veterans Affairs recommends a complete ban on tobacco, which would end tobacco sales on military bases and prohibit smoking by anyone in uniform, not even combat troops in the thick of battle.
According to the study, tobacco use impairs military readiness in the short term. Over the long term, it can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer and cardiovascular disease. The study also says smokeless tobacco use can lead to oral and pancreatic cancer.
The Defense Department's top health officials are studying the report's suggestions and will make recommendations to the Pentagon's policy team and Defense Secretary Robert Gates.
The study recommends phasing out tobacco products such as cigarettes and cigars over a five- to 10-year period.
However, the suggested ban does not sit well with many in uniform, including retired Gen. Russel Honore, best known for coordinating military relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina-affected areas with an ever-present stogie. He said soldiers at war need to puff.
"When you're tired and you've been going days on end with minimum sleep, and you are not getting the proper meals on time, that hit of tobacco can make a difference," said Honore, who was in charge of the Army's training programs before he retired.
Other soldiers questioned whether this was a good time to stamp out smoking, given the Army's concern with a high suicide rate.
"For some, unfortunately, they feel that smoking is their stress relief. Well if you take it away, what is the replacement?" said Sgt. 1st Class Gary Johnson.
The Pentagon supports the goal of a tobacco-free military, said spokeswoman Cynthia Smith.
"However, achieving that goal will depend on coincident reductions of tobacco use in the civilian population," she said.
Dr. Ken Kizer, the author of the study, found that civilians don't smoke as much as soldiers. One in three active duty soldiers smoke, he said, adding that among the general population, that number is less than one in five.
The Pentagon banned smoking in buildings on bases years ago. It has counselors on call to help service members quit. But while local governments have heavily taxed tobacco, the commissaries often sell it at deeply discounted prices.
"The military sends very mixed signals," Kizer said. "This is what's confusing to people."
The study found that profits from those tobacco sales -- $80 million to $90 million -- often pay for recreation and family programs on base.
Last edited by Knaur Amarsh; 12 Jul 09, at 16:14.
When our perils are past, shall our gratitude sleep? - George Canning
OMFG.
Stupidity from the nanny state.
We also need to ban alcohol, cause that harms soldiers and reduces readiness.
Cars are to dangerous for military personnel to drive. Before the GWOT, car accidents were the #1 killer of troops. Especially when combined with alcohol.
Last but not least. We need to ban combat. That really causes long term health problems.
Friggin idiots.
Its the newest idiocracy.
I dont think any state is capable of succesfuully nanning cigarette in the millitary.
What people don't notice as much is the amount of smokeless tobacco (Skoal, Copenhagen) those boys put away.
Crazy idea. I don't recall many smokers at all, especially on deployments, but close to 50% of the platoon was into dip.Originally Posted by Chogy
Aut vincere aut mori
That' ll be up next I reckon
The study also says smokeless tobacco use can lead to oral and pancreatic cancer.
When our perils are past, shall our gratitude sleep? - George Canning
Well, such a program is failing to see two things.
First of all, in an all volunteer force, it's going to be harder to attract people is they are treated that way.
Secondly, one of the things I learned as a provost marshal is to give people some room for ........... "the harder you let them play, the harder they will fight".
If you don't let them play much, we-ll....................
_____________________________________________
("I expect the best and I give the best. Here's the beer. Here's the entertainment. Now have fun. That's an order!"--Lt. Rasczak providing his infantry with R&R, (w,stte), "Starship Troopers")
Don't give them any ideas...
"Only Nixon can go to China." -- Old Vulcan proverb.
I think it’s a great idea in principle, but it’ll never happen, despite the many benefits, namely healthier soldiers, reduced health-care costs, etc.
Nebula82.
Smoking calms the nerves (so I've heard). If so, then a soldier smoking a cig just might be that much more effective and less likely to panic. He may even live to use his veteran's health care.
"Only Nixon can go to China." -- Old Vulcan proverb.
The Pentagon needs to consider putting a stop to stupid nanny state - feel good stuff and concentrate more on improving gear for soldiers.
Alternatively
1. Take heavy object and apply on the head of official who dreams up harebrained ideas
2. Repeat till you see common sense appearing
Might have a negative effect on recruitment also.
Cant see every potential recruit smoker giving up the habit in order to enter the Military.
A cigarette takes years to kill, a bullet a nano second..Let adults make the choice, the same choice that drew them to fight and die for their Country.
Is health care more expensive if you are a soldier than a civilian? I suspect more soldiers are discharged though injury than smoking. If the US are so against smoking then ban tobacco altogether..Sorry, did I hear someone say the Tax Coffers would be reduced by $billions if not Trillions.. and how could they recoup that...tax the people, less Government spending, reduce Defence spending...all for a cigarette.
Tennessee Ernie Ford would be spinning in his grave
Smoking and drinking are accepted every day vices, that are heavily taxed and unhealthy for the human body, but serve a purpose.
The taxation question will always be a problem, but not as much as a population that is living longer, who's economy is suffering from terminal cancer which will create it's own problems in the very near future.
I could hardly stop laughing yesterday, as I heard on the radio that the German Government has realised that the recession is causing a mega deficit in what they have given to the Banks etc., and the now reduced tax income due to lower spending by the population, well no shit Sherlock, if you take from the poor and give to the rich eventually the poor will have nothing more to give, not because they are rebelling, but because they haven't got it, and no means of earning it.
Tony
Yet another ex-tankie of 1 RTR origin.
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)
Posting Permissions
LinkBack URL
About LinkBacks
Reply With Quote
Share this thread with friends: