What is your favorite on the spot correction?

That's why our BN command team at my previous unit set the policy that dip bottles in the TOC must be capped when not in use. Saw more than one SFC and CPT get chewed on by a CSM or MAJ for leaving spit cups around. My current unit doesn't have a tobacco policy. Go ahead and tell me we're less effective because our boys dip and smoke where they please - it'll be a good laugh.

I'd love to see how your PLT with no tobacco performs vs one without the same restriction (the same goes for restrictions on things like energy drink use). Since I'm fairly sure there's no hard science backing your claim up - the regulation is there to discourage tobacco use due to its impacts on long-term health - I don't think it would turn out the way you think it would... And while that little rule by itself won't make the difference between victory or defeat, I guarantee you it does contribute to lower morale. And that makes me wonder what else might cause morale problems in that platoon? Morale does make a significant difference in battle, and you never know what edge might make the difference. I can't see blind adherence to regulation as commendable if it puts the command climate - and victory - at risk.

CPL(P) (Join to see) - first, We have had no complaints on command climates nor in focus groups that I part upset in as the units EO rep. Second, research has been backed with facts on nicotine use within my unit as we are trailing performance traid is growing big in the Army now. Combats arms spend a week in the field with tobacco and energy drinks vs a week in the field without and the results were a tremendous difference to include with the sleep. Morale has not decreased over something as stupid as not being able to dip in a TOC or military vehicle. If your saying you would get pissed off because me as a staff sergeant tell you your not going to dip in this military vehicle, that would be an order, then you by are not meant for the Army if something as crazy as walking away from the vehicle to use you tobacco products gets you so fustrated. My platoon doesn't harp on things as little as this, as we have more important things to worry about and value the training we do in the field. Rules and regs are set in place for a reason. Even if we don't agree with some of them, we as NCOs and leaders must follow them. You as a specialist and hopefully as a fires leader should understand that if you ever want to move up and become a leader yourself. We are not saying soldiers cannot dip or smoke while out in the field, however they will not dip in any type of military vehicle, while walking, or in any DoD building as that is the regulation. If you feel differently then we'll, I know what type of leader you will be....if you ever get there with your set of mind.

I don't care for the condescending game. Are you sure you want to play it?

You are incorrect regarding the effects of nicotine on the human body. Nicotine is a stimulant; stimulants increase performance. It's science. Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3151730/

I'm a competitive shooter. I'm personally familiar with the scientific effects of stimulants on the human body under stress. About two years ago the 82d ran a series of performance tests on shooters during stress shoots and that included informal analysis of our performance difference when caffeine and nicotine were or were not involved. Both drugs can help the body reach optimal activation better, faster, and more precisely, resulting in a more controlled, aware, and capable shooter under stress. It's science, and it doesn't support your position. I was there. I was part of the test. I was the guinea pig hopped up on NOS nailing targets while hooked up to a heart monitor.

What is "performance traidbwimhcih"? I'm not sure if that's a typo or what.

If your unit is "trailing" anything, you're not outperforming anyone; "trailing" means "behind".

Are you sure morale hasn't decreased? Absence of evidence isn't evidence of absence.

I'm not a fires leader. Never will be. Check my profile. That should also address your concern that I'm a shitbag Specialist shamming along in positions of minimum responsibility, and I'm sure that checking that will also give you a major clue-in on why I care more about the science than about the regulation.

I totally get why the Army discourages tobacco use in garrison, but discouraging it during tactical operations does -not- make sense, with the exception of smoking outdoors at night during blackout operations - a dead giveaway for the nearest sniper or FO. No amount of stimulants will let you dodge a bullet.

CPL(P) (Join to see) - "Are you sure you want to play it?"

So last time I checked tact was valued on this sight specialist. I am a staff sergeant last time I checked validated myself. I will end this conversation here. As you clearly do not know how to talk with tact to Noncommissioned Officers. Well agree to disagree. No Thank you for the comments

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I am not knowledgeable of any regulation that prohibits the use of profanity during duty hours.

I know what you are saying though, sir. *Everyone put on your common sense caps*

SGT (Join to see) - I am from NJ and talk like a Sailor... But, I try to keep it in certain areas... I am talking about profanity in public... not around other service members... Remember, I talk like a sailor...

Whiskey Tango Fox, COL Charles Williams?

Having walked too many miles to count as a RATELO, I really have a hard time understanding the fixation on soldiers walking and talking at the same time. Next thing you know, some safety nanny will put out a policy prohibiting NCOs from walking around with a cup full of steaming hot coffee in their hands...

1LT William Clardy Is not a fixation Sir, is a regulation that I do not get to selectively enforce just because me personally I might not find it necessary.

Sorry, SFC (Join to see), I didn't intend to imply that it was a personal fixation on your part. I thought my comment about safety nannies made it clear that my disdain is directed at folks making trendy policy from echelons above reality.

1LT William Clardy No worries Sir, believe me, I feel the same too