No smoking II

From Stars and Stripes

Air Force officials said Thursday that a widespread ban on tobacco products is possible, but not imminent.

Specialists are working on such policies and they appear to be a likely option in the not-so-distant future, according to Lt. Col. Steven Pflanz, chairman of the Air Force’s Integrated Delivery System, an arm of the service’s Community Action Information Board. The board, which meets quarterly, is designed to identify and resolve concerns from a variety of sources throughout the Air Force.

“There was general support for moving forward with a restrictive policy and evaluating carefully what that policy should be,” Pflanz said of the CAIB meeting held two weeks ago.

“There is recognition that to get anywhere near our goal, we have to try something new.”

I dislike smoking intensely but always have reservations when the government or anyone else tries to prohibit the use of certain products. Remember Prohibition? How about all the money poured into the War on Drugs? If people want to smoke, its their money to waste. The Air Force can put this ban in to effect, probably grandfathering in those already in the service. My questions are- What will the AF do if someone takes up tobacco after enlisting? What will be the punishment for violating the ban?

Hat tip- ROK Drop who says such a ban by the Army could result in a mutiny. A mutiny by the Army? Wouldn't that be ironic.

Linked to- Big Dog, Right Wing Nation, Yankee Sailor,