Study recommends total ban on smoking for soldiers

**Jason** · 07-12-2009, 08:10 PM

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.

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.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/07/12/mil...ban/index.html

**40sondacurb** · 07-12-2009, 08:42 PM

It will save on VA cost.

**Drew1369** · 07-13-2009, 02:07 AM

Smoking calmed my nerves after an attack

dfarrell1219 · 07-14-2009, 05:16 PM

I work at a military installation. A round some of the bravest men and women on the planet. And, we allow them to make decisions daily that affect the fate of the free world, literally.

So, I also trust them enough that if they wish to choose to smoke, i think they should be allowed to.

They are smart enough to know the risks/implications. But, for whatever reason if they make that choice, so be it.

During WWII our nation fought the most gruesome, difficult, important war in human history. And, our men fought bravely, sacrificed all - and won. And smoked like chimneys! Hell, they got smokes in their rations.

No one in this country is "fooled" into thinking smoking is anything but dangerous and bad for one's health. But if you choose to do that - so be it. Our brave men and women deserve the right to make that decision on their own - let's not treat them like children.

07-12-2009, 08:10 PM	#1 (permalink)
Jason Faugh a ballagh Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Pasco, FL Posts: 8,476 OS: Windows Vista My System Blog Entries: 2	Study recommends total ban on smoking for soldiers 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. 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. http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/07/12/mil...ban/index.html __________________ Posting Tips \| Advice for New People \| Common Fixes \| Agus na damnaithe fágtha gan focal Glaoigh ormsa i measc na naomh

07-12-2009, 08:42 PM	#2 (permalink)
40sondacurb Don't be a menace Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 6,285 OS: Vista sp2	Re: Study recommends total ban on smoking for soldiers It will save on VA cost. __________________ Donate to keep the forum running

07-13-2009, 02:07 AM	#3 (permalink)
Drew1369 Moderator Relaxation Room Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 3,428 OS: Win7 Ultimate	Re: Study recommends total ban on smoking for soldiers Smoking calmed my nerves after an attack __________________ We humans have a primal urge to kill because, thanks to natural selection, all the homo sapiens who didn't have a primal urge to kill, were themselves killed. http://obamaclock.org/

07-14-2009, 05:16 PM	#4 (permalink)
dfarrell1219 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 2 OS: XP	Re: Study recommends total ban on smoking for soldiers I work at a military installation. A round some of the bravest men and women on the planet. And, we allow them to make decisions daily that affect the fate of the free world, literally. So, I also trust them enough that if they wish to choose to smoke, i think they should be allowed to. They are smart enough to know the risks/implications. But, for whatever reason if they make that choice, so be it. During WWII our nation fought the most gruesome, difficult, important war in human history. And, our men fought bravely, sacrificed all - and won. And smoked like chimneys! Hell, they got smokes in their rations. No one in this country is "fooled" into thinking smoking is anything but dangerous and bad for one's health. But if you choose to do that - so be it. Our brave men and women deserve the right to make that decision on their own - let's not treat them like children.