In addition to common stressors, members of the U.S. Armed Forces experience a high level of stress unique to their status as service members. In an effort to combat stress, many military personnel report high levels of nicotine use. This study investigated the relationship between tobacco use and perceived stress among military members in all four armed services. Results indicate that those who use tobacco products specifically to reduce stress report significantly higher stress levels than those who do not use tobacco. Moreover, current users and those who both smoked and used smokeless tobacco were far more likely to report experiencing "a lot" of stress from a variety of sources than former or never users. Tobacco users also engaged more frequently in negative coping behaviors and relied less on the positive coping strategies used more often by former or never smokers. These findings are consistent with the larger body of literature suggesting that tobacco is not only an ineffective stress-reducing strategy, it also likely perpetuates a stress response in users. It is, therefore, critical that the military improve effective means of coping among nicotine-using troops.

IntroductionChanges of environment brought about by deployments are often attributed to an increase in smoking of service personnel. Electronic cigarettes are recognised as being a viable aid to quitting smoking but are currently banned from sale in Oman and were therefore banned during exercise SAIF SAREEA 3 (SS3). This paper sought to establish whether smoking increased on this exercise and for what reasons. Also, if deployed smoking cessation services are likely to be used, if available.MethodsQuestionnaires were distributed to deployed troops at various locations in theatre for data collection.ResultsSmoking prevalence increased by 5.2% (29) in the deployed population by the end of the exercise. The largest increase was seen in those smoking 20 cigarettes a day or more, rising by 269.8% (73) with a mean increase of 9 cigarettes per day. During the exercise the number of personnel using electronic cigarettes decreased and individuals’ rate of electronic cigarette use also decreased. Those who smoked less during the exercise did mainly through choice (56.8%). 50% (280) of all individuals who increased smoking habits during the exercise did so out of boredom.ConclusionsDuring exercise SS3 the number of individuals who smoked and the quantity they smoked increased. The ban on electronic cigarettes in Oman and while on exercise potentially had an effect on the increased smoking habits. There is an argument to include smoking cessation material in medical modules to prevent ex-smokers from restarting, continue to aid those quitting and potentially lessen severity of increasing smoking habits while deployed.