Advance and Retreat: Tobacco Control Policy in the U.S. Military

Abstract

This archival study explored why military tobacco control initiatives have thus far largely failed to meet their goals. We analyzed more than 5,000 previously undisclosed internal tobacco industry documents made public via an online database and additional documents obtained from the U.S. military. In four case studies, we illustrate how pressures exerted by multiple political actors resulted in weakening or rescinding military tobacco control policy initiatives. Our findings suggest that lowering military smoking rates will require health policymakers to better anticipate and counter political opponents. The findings also suggest that effective tobacco control policies may require strong, explicit implementation instructions and high-level Department of Defense support. Finally, policy designers should also consider ways to reduce or eliminate existing perverse incentives to increase tobacco consumption, such as allowing exchange store tobacco sales to fund Morale, Recreation, and Welfare Programs.

Effects of the Wars on Smoking Among Veterans

“…As noted in their report, the US military has set goals to become tobacco-free several times. 16 The IOM report notes a contradiction that although the DoD acknowledges that tobacco use impairs military readiness, the military sells tobacco products at a discount and permits its use in some areas of military installations. 5 The IOM report recommends the DoD set a specific date by which the military will become tobacco-free and make compliance in all the armed services mandatory.…”

Present and Past Influences on Current Smoking Among HIV-Positive Male Veterans

“…Although we did not find evidence of lasting effects on smoking for veterans with military experience in the remote past, current service personnel still operate within a social context that supports smoking in many ways. Policy changes have lessened some of the tobacco-friendly aspects of military life, but many remain, including reduced costs for cigarettes in canteens and looser guidelines concerning areas and times where smoking is allowed, as contrasted to civilian life (Arvey & Malone, 2008;Nelson & Pederson, 2008). Furthermore, as long as smoking continues to be a valued and shared social activity among enlisted personnel, sustained abstinence will be difficult.…”

“…Smoking is widespread in the military population (Arvey & Malone, 2008). Several characteristics of military life may serve as incentives to tobacco use, including the lower cost of cigarettes in military facilities, sanctioned smoking work breaks, designated smoking areas, smoking as a social activity, and smoking as a means to relieve boredom or stress (Haddock et al, 2009;Nelson, Pederson, & Lewis, 2009).…”

Is It Time for a Tobacco-free Military?

“…2 Historically, military tobacco-control efforts have been halted repeatedly by tobacco-industry allies on the House and Senate Armed Services Committees. 5 Congressional interference has prevented the military from acting at local command levels to address tobacco use. For example, a smoke-free policy set at an Army installation and a campaign to motivate cessation at an Air Force Strategic Air Command unit 5 were rescinded after tobacco-industry allies in Congress intervened.…”

“…5 Congressional interference has prevented the military from acting at local command levels to address tobacco use. For example, a smoke-free policy set at an Army installation and a campaign to motivate cessation at an Air Force Strategic Air Command unit 5 were rescinded after tobacco-industry allies in Congress intervened. In fact, in response to the latest announcement from the secretary of the Navy, the House Armed Services Committee has already included language in the new defense-authorization bill that could force the military to continue cheap tobacco sales.…”