what are your views. considering medics are part of the medical
team, they should have a certain image right...
I don't see why medics shouldn't smoke. If they do it to unwind
or destress (different motivations), then carry on. If they do it
out of addiction or habit, I'll avidly adivse a cheaper mode of
"kao shan".
Fact is smoking's not outlawed yet. Yes, it's discouraged but
that's not cuz tobacco is destructive (like opium or heroin), but
rather overdulgent consumption of it is (whether it's smoking or
chewing). I'm ambivalent about enforcement of image-conscious,
chickensh!t orders back in base, but let's not forbid medics from
going to properly-designated smoking areas for a puff, even if it's
a long walk to the admin block, for example.
That said, hiding in secret, back corners to light up fags are for
civilians, not the military.
Also, I really think the hoopla over being exposed to 2nd-hand
cigarette smoke is quite irrational; only people in
overly-sanitized environs would neurotically harp over this.
2nd-hand smoke is the last thing you think about when out in the
field, where it's already sweaty & dirty. Tactical discipline
is maintained - meaning, no smoking at OPs & LPs - but
otherwise I've seen soldiers, inc. medics & officers,
congregate together for a quick smoking session. No big deal;
non-smokers have the option of whether to join them or not.
