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Wing Creates New Designated Tobacco Areas

  • Published
  • 379th Expeditionary Medical Group
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  By the end of March, the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing will have new designated tobacco areas. The change is directed by AFI 40-102 and includes all tobacco products (e.g. cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, stem pipes, hookahs, smokeless products that are chewed, dipped or sniffed). The new rules apply to all service members, contractors and GS workers.

The old AFI that was put into action a decade ago required bases to have designated areas, but gave no guidance as to where they should be located. The new AFI is very specific; the distance from a building entry/egress, walkways, and parking lots will be no less than 50 feet from buildings and playgrounds. The 379th AEW does not any "playgrounds," but it does have some common areas and frequently traveled walkways that have been cleared of informal smoke pits that cropped up over time.

The new policy will provide three immediate benefits:

- Quietness and Clean air for non-smokers: Many of the informal smoke pits were erected between billeting trailers. The noise and the smoke would work their way into people's rooms. The new policy puts more distance between billeting rooms and smoking areas ensuring that the noise and smoke does not disturb other Airmen.

- Aesthetics: Some of the informal smoking areas boasted some imaginative lounging furniture; old barbershop chairs, truck seats, stacked tires, coolers, sound systems and even a porch swing. Although some of these pits were admittedly clever, they were cluttered. They did not present a professional or appropriate image.

- Safety: Informal smoking pits had cropped up in locations that could prove to be a danger if an errant cigarette butt or ash had been inappropriately discarded. There were smoke pits near cardboard box (tri-walls) storage areas and flammable liquids. By providing clearly defined designated tobacco areas away from such locations, the base ensures the safety of its people.

The base determined the locations of the DTAs by observing the locations that had the highest concentration of smokers and then placing DTAs as close as possible to the informal smoke pits. Smokers are responsible for keeping the grounds around the DTAs clean of litter and for ensuring the butt cans and garbage cans in the area are emptied when needed.

The new DTA policy will be fully enforced starting in April and is intended to provide smokers a clean and convenient location to enjoy their tobacco and conversation, while ensuring safe and clean work and billeting areas for their fellow Airmen.

For more information about the DTA program, please contact: Lt. Col. Fields, 379th EMDG/CD at 437-4201/379emdg.cd@auab.afcent.af.mil or the Fire Department at 437-2436.