Why do these people have to maximize everything. Tobacco is a mild tranquilizer, not too good for the health over the long run but perhaps not as bad as advertised, that gives instant relief, and has the advantage of in no way impairing the user. Why would the army want to take that away from the fighting men?
It has occurred to me that it would be sad if a bunch of young men went overseas and came home with the habit that didn't have it before. It is damned hard to give up for good.
I am fed up with this attitude of "Be willing to die for your every country in the UN, but don't expect anything for your service to the people."
If I was a youngster again, I would tell the recruiter, "Call me when the shooting starts on OUR beaches."