A study into the performance of soldiers in the US armed forces has found that soldiers who smoke can have an increased risk of injury and may lack the physical capability of their non-smoking counterparts. Studies by U.S. Army Public Health Command (USAPHC ) found that smoking in soldiers increases the risk of sustaining injuries, particularly overuse injuries and damage to musculoskeletal tissue that accumulates with repetitive activities, such as running. The risks of injury have been found to be up to 90% higher for smokers than non-smoking soldiers.

The data for the study, collected on operational units, also indicates that smoking negatively impacts on muscle endurance, especially as soldiers get older. Soldiers who smoke were unable to perform as many sit-ups and push-ups in the Army Physical Fitness test as non-smoking soldiers. Scientists running the studies identify the body’s reduced ability to heal and repair as a result of smoking as a major contributing factor to their findings.

It is estimated that one third of active-duty service members smoke, with this percentage increasing in combat zones.

In addition to the higher risk of injury and reduced performance on an individual basis, soldiers who smoke carry a greater financial cost to the country as a whole. A recent article in US publication the Army Times stated that tobacco use costs the Pentagon $846 million a year in medical care and lost productivity.

Whilst the overall aim would be for soldiers to stop smoking altogether, chief nurse executive at the USAPHC said “Any reduction in tobacco use is considered a success”.