Tobacco Documents Online

F DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMiYWA5'HMGTOW. D.C. 20310-0200 17' Ap ri l 1: 9'8 6' pROCLAMAT IDIV' The!read'i'ness and well being of Total Army members and their families challenge us to deal with,the problem of tobacco use. Medical evidence shows overwhelmingly thatthe!use!of tobacco products adversely impacts Onthe health andireadiness ofour force. Tobacco usage impairs such critical military skilLs as, night vision, hand-eye coordination, and! resistance to cold weather injuries. Moreover, it, increases susceptibility to disease. It h.as become a substantial threat to the well-being of our Army, and' we must take immediate steps to eliminate its usage. Every Army member is charged to make this goal a reality. All of us have a clear responsibility in~ making this h.appen,. As part, of the Army Tobacco 'Cessation Action F1'an, we will encourage smokers to quit through a program of' education, information, and'assistance: We will also safeguard the health of smokers. and nonsmoker~s alike by limiting theareas in which, smoking willbepermitte'd. Finally, we will check on all forms of tobacco usage from time to:time to determine progress. in,meeting our goal.We believe thiis campaign is~ absolutely essential to maintain, the health anri.readiness of our Army. Ours is aprofession unique in many respects,, requiring physical fitness and.stamina to get the job done. Each of us must be ready physically to endure the strains of'a crisis. Additionally, caring leader- ship dictates. that we demonstrate a sincere., unambig- uous concermfor the health and safety of those entrusted to our, care. 0 A. WICKHAM, JR. on 0. Marsh, J'r~. 6~~ra1, United S'ta~tes~ Army ~cre~~t~ary~ of the~~ A~~rmy~ ef of Staff