Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:00:00 -0500
7/6/2009 - A new Institute of Medicine report, recommends that DoD gradually reduce (and eventually eliminate) the use of tobacco products to restore and maintain the optimal health and readiness of our nation?s service members.
Should the DoD ban the use of tobacco?
Can DoD ban tobacco?
Would a smoking ban lead to increased anxiety/stress among deployed troops?
What should be done to combat tobacco use?
How do outreach programs like Quit Tobacco, Make Everyone Proud fit in?
2 comments:
30 years in the military and an ex smoker to boot, I know the issues with health, worker productivity, stigmas and monetary costs attached to smoking. HOWEVER.......Military personnel are Americans, and America is all about choices. People in the military are citizens of this nation first and foremost. Soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines are the most qualified group to be citizens of this nation that I know of. Not just being born here, but serving to protect what it stands for. They stand up for what this country is all about. If this ban goes into effect, then there is a bigger gap between citizens and military personnel. They already are bound by a second and completely differnet set of laws called the UCMJ. To smoke or not to smoke is a personal choice, and this decision is based on social views, pressures and perceptions. There are physical standards that everyone has to conform to. If a smoker can meet those standards then so be it. Let peer pressure and social status control these choices. We as a nation, especially now, are having our lives paths chosen for us more and more. We are moving away from what this country is founded upon. Personal choice, not the herd mentality, not government by BIG BROTHER. My neighbor is not my keeper. If smoking is to be banned in the military, then ban smoking on a national level. Come to think of it, ban liquor, beer, knives, guns, boats, swimming, motor cycles and automobiles....all behaviors or devices which can be hazardous to your health. If it is good enough for the military then it is good enough for the general public.
I agree with your point. We just can't impose our point of veiw, you are right.
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