The Pentagon has reassured troops that tobacco products will not be banned on the war front, as was previously believed. That is, for now, officials aren't planning to ban smoking yet. Fears over such a ban arose when a study was released recommending that smoking in the army banned within the next 20 years.
However, at a news conference for the Pentagon, press secretary Geoff Morrell clearly stated that Defense Secretary Robert Gates will not ban the use of cigarettes, chewing tobacco or any other such products for those troops who are working in war zones.
With regards to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Morrell said, "He knows that the situation they are confronting is stressful enough as it is. I don't think he is interested in adding to the stress levels by taking away one of the few outlets they may have to relieve stress."
But the goal of having a smoke-free force remains. This is quite an ironic situation as soldiers go into war facing impending death, their health is probably the last thing on their minds, and relieving stress the first.
[Via: AP]
