Implementing a Nicotine-Free Policy in the United States Military.

Abstract: In December of 2019, the command of a United States Army Advanced Individual Training battalion on Fort Eustis in Virginia was briefed on the results of tobacco and nicotine use surveys distributed to trainee soldiers and subsequently decided to ban tobacco and nicotine products in this population. The policy implementation process was thoroughly planned in a joint effort between battalion leadership and the installation military health facility. Data was collected throughout the process, which evaluated nicotine product use among trainee soldiers, instructors and leaders. Preferences on assistance with quitting and views on policy implementation processes were also collected. Comprehensive and multimodal resources and therapy to assist with treatment of dependence of tobacco and nicotine were offered. While more data is needed on outcomes of this type of intervention, addressing tobacco and nicotine use in the military is long overdue and our intervention offers a reproducible model to do so. It incorporates education, behavioral resources and medication therapy with the aim to improve long-term quit rates and improve the health of soldiers throughout and after their careers.