U.S. Military Considers Complete Smoking and Tobacco Ban

CNN and the Army official blog reported this month that the Pentagon has commissioned a new study recommending a complete ban on all tobacco products for U.S. soldiers. Smoking tobacco would be prohibited by anyone in uniform. In addition, the ban would end tobacco sales on military bases. Pentagon spokeswoman Cynthia Smith stated, "The Pentagon supports the goal of a tobacco-free military. However, achieving that goal will depend on coincident reductions of tobacco use in the civilian population."

The study has received mixed reactions from military personnel. Many soldiers feel that an occasional cigarette should be their right. Retired Army Gen. Russel Honore said, "When you're tired and you've been going days on end with minimal sleep, and you are not getting the proper meals on time, that hit of tobacco can make a difference." Honore is well known for leading the military relief efforts in support of Hurricane Katrina and having a permanent stogie dangling from his mouth.

While a complete tobacco ban may seem harsh, the U.S. military's general order number one, an order produced by the Commanding General of Central Command, has banned the consumption of alcohol within the Middle East combat theater since the beginning of the Global War on Terror. Soldiers did get a reprieve this past December when some troops in Iraq were allowed a maximum of two beers during the Super Bowl. Still, if no alcohol is OK, shouldn't no tobacco be OK?

Part of the problem is that smoking has a long history in the US Army and military as a whole. Beginning towards the end of World War II and continuing through the Vietnam War up to 1972, Meals Ready to Eat (MRE's), know as C-rations or C-rats given to soldiers as meal replacements, all contained cigarette packs. During the Vietnam War, C-rations contained four sample packs of cigarettes to include brands such as Pall Mall, Luckies, and Winston. Athough MRE's no longer contain cigarettes, the phrase, "Smoke em' if you got 'em" is still commonly heard in Army formations today.

While smoking and tobacco is still a commonly enjoyed activity in the military, there are many valid reasons for a smoking ban in addition to the health benefits. From a tactical standpoint, smoking a cigarette is detrimental for a number of reasons. Cigarettes, cigars, and pipes are highly visible at night, reducing combat night discipline. The soldier loses some of their natural night vision for a short period after lighting a cigarette. Last, the smell of tobacco is strong and can help an enemy detect one's location.

Clearly, a cost-benefit analysis will have to be made between the comfort of the soldier, health of the soldier, combat effectiveness, and overall morale. More news about the tobacco ban will shed light on specifics of the proposed program. The study suggested a phasing out process of up to 5 or 10 years. The military may need time to figure out how to replace the $80 million in profits achieved through tobacco sales. These profits often are used for recreation and family programs on military bases.

The discussion of the proposed ban on the official Army blog can be read here.

Sources:

CNN "Study recommends total ban on smoking for soldiers" Chris Lawrence

Army Live "Recommended Ban on Smoking for Soldiers" Ash McCall

U.S. Central Command (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) "General Order Number 1D" Gen. John Abizaid

Stars and Stripes "Some troops in Iraq get OK for beer during Super Bowl" James Warden

MRE Info "Older U.S. Rations" MRE Menus