Ban on tobacco urged in military
Big brother….
USA-Pentagon health experts are urging Defense Secretary Robert Gates to ban the use of tobacco by troops and end its sale on military property, a change that could dramatically alter a culture intertwined with smoking.
Jack Smith, head of the Pentagon’s office of clinical and program policy, says he will recommend that Gates adopt proposals by a federal study that cites rising tobacco use and higher costs for the Pentagon and Department of Veterans Affairs as reasons for the ban.The study by the Institute of Medicine, requested by the VA and Pentagon, calls for a phased-in ban over a period of years, perhaps up to 20. “We’ll certainly be taking that recommendation forward,” Smith says.
A tobacco ban would confront a military culture, the report says, in which “the image of the battle-weary soldier in fatigues and helmet, fighting for his country, has frequently included his lit cigarette.”
Also, the report said, troops worn out by repeated deployments often rely on cigarettes as a “stress reliever.” The study found that tobacco use in the military increased after the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan began
Why not ban liberals from participating in decisions about the military…that would be a much better law!
Although I do not like smoking and as a nurse am well aware of the health impact, come on – smoking is legal. How can anyone support this? They should not sell cigarettes at a discount (without taxes) anymore to help discourage it. They should push smoking cessation assistance. But ban it? What are they going to do – put them in the brig? What about alcohol or tattoes, both of which are legal but harmful.
Guess this means no more peace pipes….
Phase out ? limit # cigs @ day ?
It’s time for co-ed barracks to calm the nerves…..