Smoking

[betrayed]

I entered the service in 1976. I didnt smoke. The only thing that we as recruits had to look forward to was called a "smoke and coke" If the company of recruits was good that day we would get a smoke and coke, or anytime something went well we would get a smoke and coke as a reward. Everyone piled into the lounge where there was buckets of sand for butt kits and three soda machines. If you didnt smoke like me you could stay in the barracks practically alone. So I started smoking. I would like to know how many of you started like me? I know that at some point in time my smoking will be the blaim for the denial of some SC issue. I think we should get a electronic depository of statements in support from people like me who were encouraged to smoke in the service. Then if you want print them and use them as evidence. :P

[Cavman]

Good for you Benj. I know how hard it is. I think about it everyday. If it gets to bad I hold an unlit one like Baretta use to do. If you get close to starting back take a walk down a cancer wing and see what you will be going thru one day.

Cavman

[Testvet]

It has also been proven that CS gas contributes to COPD, the VA Health Manual on CBR experiments explains the 13 known medical problems related to chemical weapons, one of them is COPD, I spent two years as a Battalion Ammo SGT, once a week I got to clear my sinuses out by going into the gas bunker to draw canisters of it or other pyro they stored in the bunker.

I will give you that smoking is hazardous to your health, then again so was the Army, I might beleive the smoking caused ym COPD if it had started in my 50's like most people but it didn't mine started in my mid 30's, so there is more than one cause for COPD, is smoking a contributing aggravating factor, yes, but so is the PTSD, a giant vicious circle which one is the blame the doctors don't even know at this point.....

[Scott83]

Hey guys

I was in boot camp in the fall of 2002, and I'll tell you there is NO SMOKING WHATSOEVER by recruits. The only hint of nicotene you could get would be private contractors working on the base infastructure, just a whif of second hand smoke will marching around. Talk at the time was that the navy was trying to completely smoke free by 2007. That was five years ago. When I was in, they were constantly promoting smoking cessation programs. There is also only certain places on bases where smoking is permitted. You can't just smoke wherever you want when youre outside.

I will say that in some cases, smoking is the only way to get a break on a work day. I was on a submarine, and when we were in port you couldnt smoke in the sub, it was only permitted on the pier. so smokers could go up there and relax for 15 minutes. but if you WERENT a smoker, you shouldnt have been seen on the pier, because you look like youre just ducking out of work. I know thats when I started to smoke heavy.

Edited January 28, 2007 by CrimsonKudu

[Jazona]

I still have a three-pack-a-day habit. Even just thinking about stopping makes me smoke more. Most the guys on the flight crews didn't smoke, so they would give me the little four packs out of the c-rats. The Pall Malls would knock a buzzard off a manure wagon, but I just sucked them down. The VA says I have COPD but that doesn't stop me and I know I'll die from it. I'm ready to die. I lost my wife of thirty three years last year and have chronic PTSD so there ain't much to live for anyway.

CAVMAN...so funny! I'm still giggling from the cold ash tray on your back!

jaz

[Testvet]

I have tried all the methods to quit, patches, pills my wife wants me to go to a hypnotizing session next week end rofl, I gave up drinking, the VA meds gave me ED, what in the hell else I have pro golf to watch on TV and other than smoking thats about all I enjoy and those 4 pack C Rat cigs came in handy many times regardless of what brand they were Lucky Strikes, Pall Malls, the marlboro's were the rare ones, I hated the Salems

[c398x2]

http://www1.va.gov/ogc/docs/Prc19-97.doc