Perhaps nothing better illustrates the changing attitude of U.S. society toward smoking than the fall 1986 issue of Army Reserve 23: 12-15. This is the official magazine of the U.S. Army Reserve. The article reproduces one of Bill Mauldin's classic "Willie and Joe" GI cartoons from 1944. Seek buy custom term paper or need Free Essay Help? Get assistance by educated paper writers! The cartoon characters both have lighted cigarettes dangling from their mouths--as common a scene in the "old" Army as imaginable. The caption of the accompanying 1986 story, however, reads, "What's Wrong with This Picture? 'Smoke 'em if you got 'em' is no longer part of the Army's lingo." The issue then devotes the next three pages to describing the new "U.S. Army smoking Policy," which is described as "the end of an era." Millions of veterans from World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam will remember the free cigarettes on the battlefield, butt cans (and policing parade grounds and barracks), and stopping training for a smoke. But no more. Smoking is "out" in the Army, and the new motto is "Combat-ready soldiers don't smoke." Smoking is banned in combat training and advanced individual training; the Army offers smoking cessation programs, has designated restricted smoking areas in Army buildings, and bans smoking in military vehicles. "Role models" will be educated to influence soldiers not to smoke. An Army representative was asked "What articles of the Uniform Code of Military Justice could apply to violators?" The official answer: 

Army policy limits the use of Uniform Code of Military Justice punishment to violations of lawful orders that demonstrate a willful disregard for the health and comfort of non-smokers. We expect such cases to be few and far between, as almost all violations can best be handled with an on-the-spot correction. 

Older veterans are amazed to see the de-emphasis on tobacco products at post commissaries and exchanges, in boot camp, and throughout the military. The smoking picture has certainly changed in the armed forces.

Bookmark: