Banning Tobacco Sales on Military Installations

SGM Matthew Quick — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 23:40:06 -0400

Good idea or bad idea?  Why or why not?<br><br><span style="color: rgb(75, 73, 66); font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">The Navy is on the verge of eliminating tobacco sales on all its bases and ships.  If implemented, should the rest of the military follow suit?</span><br><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://www.armyreenlistment.com/profile.gif"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.armyreenlistment.com/news-banning-tobacco-sales.html">Navy mulls banning tobacco sales on all bases, ships</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">10 Years Army Strong for Soldiers and Families</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2014 11:42 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 23:42:41 -0400

That may cause some issues with morale, but at least they should be able to buy it from a civilian store still right? That isn't a ban on possession it doesn't sound like. My issue would still be the morale.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2014 12:12 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 00:12:50 -0400

MSG, I personally use tobacco products and my opinion will try and be as unbiased as possible. I do not think the rest of the military should follow suit. I understand the public health concerns, however, smoking areas are designated in order to mitigate that risk and if people who don't smoke want to hang around the smoke pit that's on them. It is and should always be the Soldiers decision to smoke or chew. By regulation the use of tobacco products are only used in the designated smoking area, so i see no problem with tobacco being sold.

Response by SSG Rodney Farrar made Mar 25 at 2014 12:41 AM

SSG Rodney Farrar — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 00:41:32 -0400

Anyone who has used an MWR facility since 1997 (if I remember right that's when they made the law) can thank a large amount of the facility was funded buy smokers.  If you look at a pack of cigarettes from on post they do not contain a state tax stamp but smokers still pay a the same amount of a tax it goes to the MWR.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2014 10:01 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 10:01:33 -0400

I'm a non-tobacco user to start.  However, this feels the same as banning large sodas, corn syrup, and other things that may be harmful to you.  It teaches nothing.  Service members are suppose to have discipline, both physical as well as mental. Do I agree with smoking? Not in the least.  Should the sale be banned? NO! That is a very slippery slope.

Response by SPC David Wyckoff made Mar 25 at 2014 10:25 AM

SPC David Wyckoff — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 10:25:45 -0400

Military members won't stop smoking or chewing. They will simply go on the economy to get it. So if its banned on Navy installations, the gold rush towns that always surround military bases will gain a large revenue rush. If not that, then Mom and Dad will be sending care packages even when their young SMs are in garrison. No, it won't stop the SM from using tobacco.

My question would be if they stop sales, are they going to permanently ban smoking anywhere on post? Right now you step outside (at least 50 feet) a government building and you are good to go. But will SMs have to wait until they exit the access control gate to light up?

Response by SSgt Lonnie Montgomery made Mar 25 at 2014 11:08 AM

SSgt Lonnie Montgomery — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 11:08:44 -0400

<div>Sounds like another failed policy in the making.  If alcohol is sold then tobacco products too should be sold.  This political correct society that thinks it needs to monitor and control every aspect of lives has got to stop.  What is next whole milk in lieu of 2%. Stop the madness stop it now.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>

Response by SMSgt Jeff G made Mar 26 at 2014 3:51 PM

SMSgt Jeff G — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 15:51:02 -0400

Ban tobacco sales, but not use. MWR may be subsidized by tobacco purchases on military installations, however, that dismal amount of money is nothing compared to the healthcare dollars DoD bleeds to pay for tobacco associated diseases. As former 2 pack a day smoker, a military healthcare worker and veteran, I have seen first hand the devastation tobacco reaps. People will still use tobacco, but taking away one easy step in the chain might actually save lives by convincing some to stop using.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2014 10:21 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 22:21:42 -0400

Providing they "ban" tabacco sales on military installations, people will find placed to smoke. On post: in the woodline or porta potty. Overseas try it, not gonna happen. So many civilians that do smoke/chew as well as coalition forces. But for arguement sake lets say they do, I would be on the phone and western union cash back home to have family send me about 4 cartons a month. A soldier will find a way

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2014 10:47 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 22:47:13 -0400

Horrible idea - everyone knows when you ban something from the military men and women they go against the flow just to prove a point. I understand their thought process but I think this is the wrong way of attacking it.

Response by SFC Stephen P. made Apr 29 at 2014 12:03 PM

SFC Stephen P. — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 12:03:07 -0400

Increase in mail volume as members switch to mail order.
Increase in DUIs when members drive off the installation to get smokes.
Short term financial difficulties for a few members.
Possible negative retention impact (most likely negligible, especially in the current environment).
Slight reduction in MWR funding.

Probably be better off prohibiting the use of tobacco, but I doubt any real improvements to readiness as a result.

Benefits:
Bragging rights for a small number of officers.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2014 12:47 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 12:47:27 -0400

I think that the banning of sales is doable. However, I would submit to you that you would have to likewise eliminate the sale of alcohol as well. In my opinion, neither will happen anytime soon. The out-right banning of tobacco would have a significant effect on retention as well.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2014 1:20 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 13:20:41 -0400

I'm against banning tobacco use on Post. However, I think a better way to ask this question is, "Should AAFES be in the business of selling tobacco products to service-members?"
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Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2014 6:35 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 18:35:11 -0400

Here is my semi-related question: How many times as a leader did anyone get a phone call in the middle of the night from the MPs to come pick up a Soldier who was involved in a 'tobacco related incident'?

Yes, tobacco impacts a person's health, but so does Taco Bell and Burger King and RedBull and Monster and Cheetos and (insert infinite list of unhealthy foods/drinks here), but does it impact good order and discipline anywhere near the extent that alcohol does? Why is everyone so hellbent against smokers when it is drinkers that seem to cause the vast majority of indiscipline in our ranks?

Just my $.02

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2014 3:49 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 15:49:19 -0400

On a ship I can understand it. I say that because I feel that a ship is the same as a military vehicle or a military owned building where tobacco use is prohibited anyways. So why sell something on a ship that shouldn't be allowed for use?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2014 5:17 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 17:17:28 -0400

I am not a smoker with the exception of a cigar now and then, but removal of tobacco doesn't solve the problem. Soldiers will continue to smoke or dip if that is there prerogative. Like many of you have stated, where does this end? Beer, liquor, wine? Will junk food be next? The notion that removing items from the racks at the PX will stop behavior is ludicrous.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2014 6:04 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 18:04:16 -0400

You know - I think the policy is probably never going to get off the ground - so smokers are safe.

What I do think is that we should take into consideration such things as alcohol usage, smoking, drug usage, etc., when we consider the health and life insurance costs. Life insurance for those Active duty and beyond; health insurance for costs for those using and paying for Tricare - or any other than active military health insurance. Let's get real - we're all adults. No one put a gun to our heads and insisted we drink alcohol, smoke, dip, chew, eat a crappy, unhealthy meal when not eating on post/base/ship. If you opt to smoke - then based on blood tests your health insurance and life insurance will cost more. If you're caught for a alcohol based offense - your life and health insurance costs go up, commensurate to the risks taken. It's just like if you drive a car and get into an accident that's deemed your fault - your auto insurance rates go up...and they should!!

Bottom line: you want to drink, smoke, dip, chew, engage in whatever militarily unnecessary and unapproved risk taking your short term and long term insurance rates go up. Let adults be adults - and pay the price for the health care and life insurance costs.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2014 6:17 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 18:17:22 -0400

What does it accomplish?

The only thing this will force me to do is make sure my car tag is current, i have valid insurance and my CAC card with me to get back through the gate! Ill just drive 1 more mile off post and pay the state taxes! Are they doing this to help the local economy?

Response by Cpl David Schaffer made Sep 19 at 2014 5:55 PM

Cpl David Schaffer — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 17:55:33 -0400

I am not a smoker however I think this is ridiculous. Just because I do not smoke and personally do not like the smell does not mean Joe Schmoe should not be able to. Give them smoking area's on the base that they can smoke in and be done with it. Now if they are going to debate banning anything I say alcohol (though I am opposed to them doing that as well). I mean come on our society is so messed up and backwards and that backwards mentality is coming into our military from the PC but kissing politically driven officers and SNCO's.

Response by MSgt William Lucas made Sep 19 at 2014 6:48 PM

MSgt William Lucas — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 18:48:09 -0400

I think if a Service is going to ban smoking on federal reservations, they should not sell tobacco products on those reservations.

Response by CW2 Eric Scott made Mar 5 at 2015 2:21 PM

CW2 Eric Scott — Thu, 05 Mar 2015 14:21:48 -0500

Shit if they ban that they might as well start making Kale MREs and try banning war all together. So long as there is a chance I could get shot in my face the least I'm going to do is make sure there is Skoal in there somewhere.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Aug 2 at 2017 12:11 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 12:11:04 -0400

Id rather see when/where use controlled plus education and assistance to stop if wanted stepped up.
Want to drink? Fine, do it after duty hours.
Want to smoke? Fine, do it after duty hours.
Neither activity should be "banned" and neither activity should get even a min of duty time.
"But Im just smoking on my beak, everyone gets a break"
Yaaaa, right..because when the smoker gets a break, they ONLY go smoke..ya sure.... We know that's not true...they smoke PLUS take the time needed to do the things associated and NEEDED on break. Get a refreshment, use the bathroom, make that phone call to the bank.....Smokers do all that AND take time to go smoke. Thus wasting duty time on a habitat that decreases medical readiness , has proven heath risks and issues to performance as it relates to military duties.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2017 1:34 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 13:34:01 -0400

Yes , its garbage and its bad for your health and health of others, plus its disrespectful .

Response by SGT James Murphy made Aug 2 at 2017 6:05 PM

SGT James Murphy — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 18:05:41 -0400

WHY would you want to do that? If you smoke you smoke if you don't smoke you don't smoke. You shouldn't be so concerned about other peoples habits. As long as they aren't blowning smoke in your face what's the problem?