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"Everywhere the soldier will be": Wartime tobacco promotion in the us military

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  • Smith, E.A.
  • Malone, R.E.

Abstract

Deployment of young Americans in military engagements places them at increased risk for not only war hazards but also tobacco addiction and disease. Tobacco use diminishes troop health and readiness, and increases medical and training costs. Military tobacco control efforts began in 1986, yet tobacco use remains high. To determine whether and how the tobacco industry targets military personnel in wartime, we analyzed internal industry documents about the Gulf War (1990-1991) and constructed a historical case study. During this conflict, tobacco companies targeted troops with free cigarettes, direct advertising, branded items, ways to communicate with family, and "welcome home" events. Military authorities sometimes restricted this activity, but frequently enabled it; tobacco companies were regarded as benefactors. Considering tobacco use a benefit undermines military health priorities. Stronger policy is needed to reframe tobacco use as incompatible with military ideals.

Suggested Citation

  • Smith, E.A. & Malone, R.E., 2009. ""Everywhere the soldier will be": Wartime tobacco promotion in the us military," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 99(9), pages 1595-1602.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2008.152983_7
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2008.152983
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    Cited by:

    1. Mario Kasović & Lovro Štefan & Zvonimir Kalčik, 2021. "The Importance of Cardiorespiratory vs. Muscular Fitness in Reducing the Odds of Hypertension in War Veterans: A Population-Based Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-10, October.
    2. Page D. Dobbs & Jason B. Colditz & Shelby Shields & Anna Meadows & Brian A. Primack, 2022. "Policy and Behavior: Comparisons between Twitter Discussions about the US Tobacco 21 Law and Other Age-Related Behaviors," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-10, February.
    3. Kim Korinek & Peter Loebach & Ha Ngoc Trinh, 2017. "Military service and smoking in a cohort of northern Vietnamese older adults," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 62(1), pages 43-51, January.

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