MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- After a long patrol or a mission, it is often common for troops to alleviate combat stress with the use of tobacco products. However, tobacco use can pose harmful effects on their combat readiness and on other comrades.

November is Great American Smokeout Month, which is designed to raise awareness of tobacco use and prevention, culminating in challenging tobacco users to go tobacco free on the third Thursday of the month. Marine Corps Community Services, Camp Pendleton is using this month to highlight their existing programs to help service members quit tobacco. According to MCCS, nearly half of male Marines, and 26.2 percent of female Marines are tobacco users; the highest in the armed forces.

“Tobacco use is accepted in the war culture,” said Michelle R. Gifford, health promotion educator, Semper Fit Division, MCCS. “Our goal this month is to reduce the acceptance rate of tobacco products among troops.”

To help Marines with this cessation, classes are available year-round through Semper Fit Health Promotions. The sessions use behavior modification, medication, and focuses on the root reasons for tobacco use.

“A lot of service members use tobacco out of boredom, stress management, or simply for something to do on deployment,” said Gifford. “We encourage users to supplement tobacco with something else, such as gum, licorice or carrots.”

While quitting may be difficult, service members should know that the Corps is supportive when it comes to giving up their usage. Tobacco cessation kits are available at all fitness centers throughout base. The kits feature chewing gum, a stress ball and promotional resource items.

The fitness centers are also providing pledge sheets to help motivate fellow troops to give up tobacco for the Great American Smokeout day, Nov. 18.

For more information on tobacco cessation classes or GASOM, contact Michelle Gifford at 760-763-8731.