The effects of alcohol and tobacco use on troop readiness.

Prior studies have documented the ill effects of cigarette smoking on soldier athletic performance. We examined the effects, if any, of cigarette smoking and alcohol use on troop readiness. A group of 510 soldiers was examined. They answered an initial questionnaire and then were followed in sick call for a 2-month period. The results of the study confirmed that cigarette smoking impacted adversely on athletic performance. However, we were unable to quantitate increased time off or away from duty as a result of cigarette smoking and alcohol use.