Smoking

BigJim

5-Year Member
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Mar 14, 2010
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9
Hi I'm a class of 2014 appointee to USMA. I have heard that most cadets at West Point smoke either cigarrettes or cigars and I was wondering to what degree that is true. It's really no difference to me since I don't smoke, but I'm just sort of curious.
 
Not true!!!
Curious as to where you heard that.
The majority of the cadets that are inclined towards that sort of thing, dip.
 
When I visited my cadet said there are a fair amount smokers, and the times we walked by the smoke steps there were always a few cadets there. It is definitely far from "most." There are a lot more dippers and chewers.
 
Hi I'm a class of 2014 appointee to USMA. I have heard that most cadets at West Point smoke either cigarrettes or cigars and I was wondering to what degree that is true. It's really no difference to me since I don't smoke, but I'm just sort of curious.

Most cadets don't. Out of the ones who do, most dip. Most cadets do participate in the tradition of smoking a cigar after Christmas Dinner with the whole Corps.
 
The majority of the cadets that are inclined towards that sort of thing, dip.

My favorite class during my overnight was taught by an infantry NCO who was spitting dip into a Snapple bottle half the class.
 
My favorite class during my overnight was taught by an infantry NCO who was spitting dip into a Snapple bottle half the class.

Who cares? Tobacco is a part of military culture, its not a big deal.
 
Who cares? Tobacco is a part of military culture, its not a big deal.

I didn't say anything negative about it. I was just saying, it happened to be my favorite class, and the teacher happened to be spitting into a Snapple bottle.
 
Who cares? Tobacco is a part of military culture, its not a big deal.

Actually, quite a few people. Tobacco use has some serious negative health effects. While it is perfectly legal, you will find very few people promoting it. (At least, at USAFA. YMMV)
 
Hi I'm a class of 2014 appointee to USMA. I have heard that most cadets at West Point smoke either cigarrettes or cigars and I was wondering to what degree that is true. It's really no difference to me since I don't smoke, but I'm just sort of curious.

My son does not smoke cigarettes or chew but he does smoke one cigar after the Christmas dinner. Since he grew up with a Dad that smokes he has seen the toll it takes and doesn't want to go down that road. I remember him telling about a fellow cadet in his group that didn't want to smoke the cigar so she just held it when they had pictures taken. If you don't want to smoke, nobody will make you. :thumb:
 
Smoking is really frowned upon in the military. Military bases are federal installations and you will find it hard to find a spot to smoke, basically if you want to smoke it will be outside, and if you are going WP or AFA you will kick the habit quickly when the first sight of snowfall occurs since your ARSE will be shivering in a corner to inhale.
 
Smoking is really frowned upon in the military. Military bases are federal installations and you will find it hard to find a spot to smoke, basically if you want to smoke it will be outside, and if you are going WP or AFA you will kick the habit quickly when the first sight of snowfall occurs since your ARSE will be shivering in a corner to inhale.

The cold hasn't stopped a lot of people from what I have seen. I often walked by on the coldest of days and wondered how the group of people in the smoking area could willingly be outside. :biggrin:
 
Mostly only fair weather and special events smokers at USAFA.
Perhaps Army culture is different.
 
Raimius realize that Colorado and NY are two different areas. I am betting that CO is colder much longer than NY.

I will agree with you that in the AF you do not see a lot of cigarette smokers, instead you see a lot of cigar smokers. It is very common to see guys hanging outside of the squadron or club smoking a cigar.
 
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If I remember correctly there were talks a few months ago about banning tobacco entirely in the Dod

That says it all to me regarding the rarity, because I thought it was already banned and had been for yrs!
 
DOD - Smoking

Talking of a smoking ban: yep, it gets mentioned every few years; however, it will probably never happen until there is some movement on a national level outside of the military as well. Heck they won't even start to ban smoking on submarines until December this year. Can't think of a much worse place to smoke than there.

Until DoD realizes how much money it spends every year on the care of smokers and related illnesses including retirees and dependants they won't get a true impact of smoking.

Reality: From where I am sitting there is an outdoor smoke-pit within 30 feet of me. The smoke-pits are a popular place, you will find all sorts of people there ranging from the E1 to the O4 and above. (usually the higher ranks find "hiding spots" so they aren't seen smoking). Smoking is, unfortunately, part of the military and seems to be ingrained during the service members first school after boot camp. (if they didn't already use). Once started it is nearly impossible to get someone to quit, heck we even have free patches/gum, etc etc.
 
From my limited experience I've seen it as a big problem aboard ships. It seems a lot of non-smokers start smoking to have a reason to take a break from working and to break in socially with crew members
 
From my limited experience I've seen it as a big problem aboard ships. It seems a lot of non-smokers start smoking to have a reason to take a break from working and to break in socially with crew members

Double-bump that comment....and the true non-smokers do not appreciate the smoker breaks, although a good command can manage it. Some ships have a problem with people dropping their paint brushes to go get a smoke.

I seems to be more pronounced in the cutter fleet than other communities, I assume the Navy's the same way.
 
Submarine smoking ban goes into effect at year’s end


Submarine commanders have until December 31st to have their crews go through smoking cessation programs,” said Lt. Cmdr. Mark Jones, a spokesman for Submarine Forces. “If a commanding officer on a sub feels they can go smoke-free before December 31st, that’s encouraged, but December 31 is the deadline.

LINK
 
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