Will Pentagon Ban Tobacco Use in the Military?

By: Prerana Swami
Topics: In The News

(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, file)

Health experts at the Pentagon want a ban on the sale and use of tobacco in the military, USA Today reports.

A study commissioned by the Pentagon and Veteran Affairs recommends banning the product in phases over the next several years. Additionally, it suggests that "achieving a tobacco-free military begins by closing the pipeline of new tobacco users entering the military and by promoting cessation programs to ensure abstinence" – which means requiring all enlisting members to be tobacco-free, Army.com reports.

As the head of the Pentagon's office of clinical and program policy, Jack Smith told USA Today that he will be urging Defense Secretary Robert Gates to adopt the proposals set forth by the study. It finds that tobacco use costs the Pentagon nearly $846 million each year. $6 billion is spent by the Department of Veteran Affairs on treating tobacco-related illnesses as well.

The Pentagon requested the study in 2007, according to Army.com. It found one in three service members currently use tobacco products, and that the heaviest smokers are in the Army and Marines. The study also found that tobacco use has risen since the start of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, suggesting a direct correlation between combat and tobacco use.

Heavy smoking has been part of military culture for years. "The image of the battle-weary soldier in fatigues and helmet, fighting for his country, has frequently included his lit cigarette," the study says. A ban would mean fewer such associations, possibly changing the culture altogether, the study suggests.

Although tobacco use in the military is not encouraged, anti-tobacco advocate Kenneth Kizer told USA Today that such products are subsidized for troops. Much of the profits from their sale to troops go to recreation and family support programs.

If the proposals are adopted, tobacco products will not be sold at military commissaries. In addition, tobacco use would be banned on military property and tobacco use would be treated similarly to alcohol abuse and poor fitness, according to Army.com.

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by HAMMER77777 October 15, 2010 12:06 AM EDT: i hate smoking..its the most pointless disgusting thing ever..im 32, and When i went to school we were taught how horrible it is and i listened...That Knowledge Is Even More Extensive Now, so the young people have no reason to do that nonsense; Reply to this comment

by rharrisonscott November 22, 2009 11:09 AM EST

This discussion reminds me of Carlin's Hippy Dippy Weatherman skit. When a soldier is on a battle field, lung cancer is the least of his worries. BTW, don't think I care one twit for not using the feminine pronoun here. Women don't belong on the battle field. That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it, PC be damned.

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by HAMMER77777 October 15, 2010 12:03 AM EDT: smoking should be banned everywhere..ugly stinking habit

by davidf95 July 13, 2009 10:25 AM EDT

I agree with this ban. The Government's job is to protect us from ouselves. Now if they will just complete the task. Alcohol is the most dangerous entity in this country, BAN it. Football can be very dangerous, and deadly. BAN it. Nascar racing. We've seen people die from such activity. BAN it. Oh yea, and let's talk about flying. How many people died int he past coupld months due to flying? BAN it. Boxing? That has to be the most brutal sport their is. BAN it. And I have lost more people than I can count due to automobile accidents. I'm tired of my family dieing in these awful devices. Ban all cars.

Now. Maybe we can all be safe and unhappy.

/Sarcasm off.

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by HAMMER77777 October 15, 2010 12:03 AM EDT: no smoking


by KDFinWaco July 12, 2009 4:16 PM EDT: I must add, people who drive Humvees in the desert are in a lot of danger. Let's ban Humvee driving. For all anti-gunners, let's outlaw guns for it can't be the man pulling the trigger that is injuring and killing others. Why not outlaw cars and trucks -- oh, can't do that because the knuckleheads that feel like do-gooders actually like to drive them. Hypocrites.; Reply to this comment

by sweetvoiceofreason July 12, 2009 9:50 AM EDT

It's funny how people like environmentalist wacko can't be happy unless they're telling everyone else how to run their life. Members of the Armed Forces have smoked for as long as the Armed Forces have existed but now it's imperative to force them to give up cigarettes.

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by HAMMER77777 October 15, 2010 12:04 AM EDT: they should stop that sick disgustung habit

by Lin_Helms July 12, 2009 8:08 AM EDT

How about banning ACOHOL on Capitol Hill and maybe those people could think straight for a change. A sobriety test should be given every morning as they walk through the door.

NOTHING SHOULD BE TAKEN AWAY FROM OUR MILITARY THAT GIVES THEM ONE OUNCE OF PLEASURE.........

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by HAMMER77777 October 15, 2010 12:04 AM EDT: there is no pleasure in that disgusting stinking habit..ban it!!


by BigEdsBlog July 12, 2009 7:46 AM EDT: The health nannies are at it again. Next time they'll be coming after Marion Barry's crack.
Read my take on this, and come back for more good content.
http://libertarianhumor.com/2009/07/12/no-smoking/; Reply to this comment

by chaz1234 July 11, 2009 1:32 PM EDT

This is a great initiative for our service members. They should prohibit alcohol next and eventually fast food. Alcohol and obesity costs the military millions each year in healthcare. In fact, lets make a long list of rights we can take away from the people that are protecting our freedoms (while we still have them). I hope the people that support this ridiculous measure get something taken away from them then they might understand a little more about what it means to live in a free society.

Proud US Servicemember

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by HAMMER77777 October 15, 2010 12:05 AM EDT: i hate smokers..they are disgusting idiots


by proudmilvet July 11, 2009 5:35 AM EDT: (1.Smoke Em if You've Got Em (2.The Smoking Lamp is Lit(3.Don't try to blow smoke up my a## (4. I'd walk a mile for a camel. (This probably would only pertain to Iraq & Afghanistan Vets)(5.Where there's smoke there's fire (6. Don't Smoke, Don't tell. (7.As Commander-in-Chief President Obama will have to quit too (8.Smokey Robinson (9.I'm so Hot I'm Smokin! (10.Mind if I Smoke? No, Mind if I Fart! (New Top 10 Smoking Jokes); Reply to this comment