Tobacco use within the Army

SGT Suraj Dave — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 16:26:03 -0500

I actually talked to a veteran about this a few days back. How many joined as 18 year old Non-tobacco user's and left the Army as tobacco users, or are still in the Army and using tobacco.

I joined the Army as a non-tobacco user. My first deployment, I actually once had to defecate so badly during a patrol that I was squatting with all my gear on, everyone was pulling security for me (and simultaneously making fun of me lol) as I was squatting for a bowel movement. It was such an uncomfortable experience I began Chewing before missions so I could have the luxury of a Bathroom or porta potty and not worry about it during mission.... After doing that for a while, I just started doing it all the time...

As for a bunch of my friends who picked up smoking, many of them began smoking cigarettes because all of our chain of command did it, and by smoking with them you have an excuse to talk to them informally (Circumventing the open door policy). Another NCO i met told me that because his PSG and fellow squad leaders were smoker's, they would make decisions and have important discussions while smoking at the smoke pit, and he found that by not smoking he did not have much of a say in the NCO business, and as so began smoking.

I also knew a lot of NCO's/Soldier's who periodically just wanted a quick break from working, but no one is going to say its alright for you to just stand outside for no reason while everyone else work's, so other non-smoking soldier's then pick up smoking so they don't have to do extra work (and get breaks)

If i had to count all of the non-tobacco user's I personally know (from the Army), I would be able to count them on less then the fingers on both of my hands. 6 months after getting out, I quit myself. (Women, especially educated and well to do ones think chewing is incredibly unattractive)

I am not suggesting here that we ban tobacco, tobacco is a personal choice. I am not suggesting we tax it more either, seeing as that's one big tool our soldiers use to stay awake on guard and whatnot, in addition to many other reasons....

But does it seem to bother anyone that people start using tobacco just to be included in their unit/unit's decision making? It seem's that's how tobacco use tends to start in the Army.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2014 5:57 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 17:57:29 -0500

SGT Suraj Dave, I've seen the phenomenon that you describe - over and over - throughout my career.

I was just the opposite: I joined the Army as a smoker and after about nine years I decided enough was enough and I quit. The Army actually helped me quit, not with any program, but all the PT and running got a lot easier after I quit smoking. Plus I was motivated by my family to quit. That was one of the best decisions I have made in my life - quitting smoking. Definitely in the top ten of all time (for me).

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2014 1:27 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 13:27:23 -0500

Have noticed this myself. For every guy who quits to help his PT there's 5 that start because it's cool. I don't use tobacco, and won't start. I don't care if other guys do, that's thier business. However, there's so much peer pressure to use tobacco, that I try and apply a little the other way...

Response by Julian Causey made Jan 31 at 2017 9:27 PM

Julian Causey — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 21:27:42 -0500

Very interesting

Response by SP5 Joel O'Brien made Jan 31 at 2017 11:20 PM

SP5 Joel O'Brien — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 23:20:15 -0500

Never smoked, never will. We'd have 'smoke breaks' after the first few weeks of BCT but they'd only allow you to stand there and smoke. No soda, nothing to eat. After the break, you'd stuff your butts back into your sock which is where you kept the pack so it wouldn't show in your pocket.