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Troops Fume Over Proposed Smoking Ban

'If I were forced to quit, I'd probably be unbearable,' says one

By Wesley Oliver, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 30, 2009 1:29 PM CDT

(Newser) – Since the days of Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s signature corncob pipe, through the rationing of cigarettes during World War II, smoking has been ingrained part of military culture. But a new proposal to introduce a smoking ban in the armed forces is sparking fierce opposition, with some saying it could cost the military personnel, the AP reports. “It’s an outrage,” says one staff sergeant, while another added, “Your nerves get all rattled, and you need something to calm you down.”

But doctors say nicotine acts as both a stimulant and a depressant, so while smoking may help reduce stress, it also creates it. Other proponents of the ban cite lower medical costs—which now top $1.6 billion—and increased productivity from the elimination of smoking breaks. The Pentagon insists any ban would be a long way off, but that hasn’t calmed some troops: “If you take it away from us entirely, you're going to have some very angry soldiers,” warns one.

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A proposal to make the military smoke-free is drawing strong reactions from troops, even though the Pentagon says any ban is a long way off. (AP Photo/John Moore, File)

A proposal to make the military smoke-free is drawing strong reactions from troops, even though the Pentagon says any ban is a long way off. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek, File)

A proposal to make the military smoke-free is drawing strong reactions from troops, even though the Pentagon says any ban is a long way off. (Getty Images)

circa 1940: A Royal Navy sailor lighting a cigarette. (Getty Images)

American military leader General Douglas MacArthur (1880 - 1964), wears a military uniform and sunglasses, smoking a corn cob pipe, Leyte Island, Philippines. (Getty Images)

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I'm a fairly high-strung individual to start with. If I were forced to quit, I'd probably be unbearable.
- Staff Sgt. Joe Dunn, 32

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Troops Fume Over Proposed Smoking Ban