 kkcapricorn says: 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 civilia continued....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 From a health standpoint, obviously, it's bad, but good grief if you're old enough to fight in a damn war, why shouldn't shouldn't you have the choice to smoke and drink in the designated areas and during the appropriate times. So hypocritical the government has become. How easy they forget the Lucky Strikes and Camels issued at 2 cartons a week during WW2. Why ? well truth be told it relaxes and is better then issuing cocaine for nerves in battle. I didn't smoke at all until Vietnam. Came home an over 3 pack a day smoker...lol So yes i can attest to the calming effect it has. And like Clip-on-tie say's your old enough to die for your country why try to hold by the hand until the ultimate sacrifice. After my 1st tour in nam i cam home just under 20 years old. Went to get a beer and was told i wasn't allowed. Oh yeah along with being called a baby killer and what not. The ones that ran to canada to hide were the ... clicked wrong box and submitted to fast... shoot me.. but offended some of those NOT EVEN FROM THIS COUNTRY ! Then telling parents when and how to discipline their kids. I rant on this in my clipmarks profile...lol But yes i agree smoking is not good for you.It can kill you they say but at least let grown up people have some choices. I dont smoke never have,BUT give them a break they need something to reduce stress the worlds gone mad They shoot up the troops with untested vaccines, (believed to be behind the Gulf War Syndrome), expose them to depleted uranium munitions, don't provide them with the needed help when they return home traumatized and with PTSD and now suddenly they're worried about their health? Tss. |
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