Starting on August 1, 2020 no tobacco products will be sold to persons under the age of 21 on DOD installations.
The change is being implemented to bring DoD policy in line with federal law signed by President Trump in 2019 which raises the legal age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21. The legislation applies to all tobacco products including cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, and "electronic nicotine delivery systems including e-cigarettes and e-liquids," according to a statement published by the Army.
New bill plans to raise minimum age to purchase tobacco — even for military personnel
“Research has shown that raising the legal age of sale to 21 would likely reduce youth tobacco initiation and use,” said Corey Fitzgerald, Army Public Health Center public health social worker. “Nearly all smokers start as children or young adults and these groups are heavily targeted by the tobacco industry. Early onset of tobacco use increases risks of smoking-related illnesses and death.”
While America's service men and women already make tremendous sacrifices for our nation, DoD is asking them to make a little bit more. The law -- and policy shift -- is ostensibly for their own good.
When the legislation was being considered in May of 2019, an exemption for military personnel was considered according to Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. But health implications were serious enough to change his mind.
“We’ve had plenty of evidence ... that this is a public health problem of significant proportions,” McConnell told Herald-Leader.
The Army is asking commanders at all levels to support the new policy.
The Army's "goal is to eliminate tobacco use from the Army by 2025,” said Fitzgerald. “The Soldier of 2025 is in middle school today. We highlight the Tobacco Free Living program on our website to help Soldiers, Family members, Department of the Army Civilians, and military retirees, adopt lifestyles that prevent the initiation of tobacco use, help those who want to quit tobacco succeed, live free from the effects of second and third-hand smoke exposure, and create tobacco free zones where children live, learn and play.”