AFMC releases new dorm smoking policy

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Julius Delos Reyes
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Air Force Materiel Command recently released a policy prohibiting dormitory residents from smoking in and around the dormitory areas. 

"The purpose of this policy is more about safety and fire hazard initiative," said Kevin Jones, Unaccompanied Housing manager. "For those individuals who continue to smoke, we provided designated areas." 

With the new policy, Airmen and Marine dorm dwellers are restricted from smoking in their rooms, the common areas and outside their dorms. The residents were notified in February about the changes through e-mails, posters, flyers and an enlisted call. 

"We want to provide an environment and culture that discourages smoking initiation and supports all of our personnel in their efforts to quit," said Senior Master Sgt. Eric Light, 412th Maintenance Group first sergeant. "Most of the Air Force has already converted to smoke-free dorms." 

Sergeant Light said the policy is necessary due to the close proximity of rooms and because individuals are entitled to a smoke-free environment. 

"It is difficult to provide a healthy environment for our Airmen when smoke is seeping through their doorways," he said. "Just as an individual has a right not to be exposed to second-hand smoke, other individuals have the right of free choice. If they choose to smoke, that is their choice, and as such, we provided them with designated tobacco use areas." 

To ensure the dorm residents are following the new policy, first sergeants made random visits throughout April along with a monthly dorm inspection. 

"If we discover violation of the policy, we will take appropriate action in an effort to deter the individual from smoking in areas not designated for tobacco use," Sergeant Light said. "Using air freshener will only make the room smell like flowers and smoke. It will still be possible for us to detect individuals smoking in their rooms. The goal is a smooth implementation where individuals understand the importance of preventing smoking initiation, fire hazards and the health and readiness of our force."