Effect of a Basic Training Nicotine-Free Policy on Soldiers in the United States Army

Abstract

Rates of tobacco use among US active duty service members and veterans are higher than those for the civilian population,1,2 costing the Department of Defense $1.6 billion annually in related health and productivity effects and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) $2.7 billion.3,4 Among service members, the highest prevalence of nicotine use occurs in those 17 to 24 years of age, which is the age range during which most join the military.1 Initial US Army training is separated into two phases, the 10-week US Army Basic Combat Training (BCT) followed by the time-variable Advanced Individual Training (AIT).