Troops react to possible smoking ban

Some pentagon health officials would like to see smoking banned in the military.  However, that possibility is not very popular with some of the troops.

"I don't agree with it. I think it's a waste of taxpayer's money to get involved with this," 1st Sgt. Michael Taylor of the U.S. Marines said.

Under the proposition, new recruits would have to kick the habit before they enlisted. There would also be no smoking allowed on any military vehicle including aircrafts or ships. Also, picking up a carton of cigarettes at the base would be a thing of the past, because it would prohibit the sale.

Officials say it could help cut down the $6 billion spent on health issues with military smoking each year.

However, Taylor said you can't put price on what he calls a necessity for many soldiers.

"I mean you got people that are in combat and they need that cigarette when they come out of that situation, so I don't see it becoming an issue where we're going to actually stop it," Taylor said.

With that said, he and the troops still plan to serve their country through obedience.

"I've always said that we don't write orders as enlisted. We follow them. So if the commandant says you're not gonna smoke, then aye, aye sir," Taylor said.

Military officials recently noted they will not ban smoking in battle zones.