The US Military is considering banning tobacco – a substance which has long been used by soldiers of all ranks through the ages. A study commissioned by the Department of Defense and carried out by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found that the negative health effects that arise from using tobacco products is costing the US government $846 million per year in medical expenses. Furthermore, the study has also said that the Department of Veterans Affairs spends a further $6 million per year trating tobacco caused illnesses in military vets.
The Institute of Medicine is recommending that tobacco be banned in all military installations and that new recruits to the army be screened for tobacco dependance.
It will be a hard one to pull off however, tobacco usage is so ingrained in most militaries around the world that one in three personnel in the armed forces is a smoker. Perhaps unsurprisingly, during stressful combat situations, this number rises sharply. Furthermore, this will incur the dissentment of many people in the armed forces. Many soldiers consider the fact that they can purchase tax-free goods on military installations one of the few perks they get in the military.
The electronic cigarette may be an option here if the US government decides to go with the proposed ban. In addition to cutting tobacco related health problems, a military style electronic cigarette could be rolled out that does not have the glowing LED on the end, for better concelment during operations. One problem with smoking in the field is that the smoke and glowing cigarette can be spotted by enemies, especially at night when stealth is a priority.
Superb idea – the E Cigarette that is military specific!
No red led light at the end while inhaling.
E Cigarette Industry; Are You Listening?