Ellsworth Airmen, civilians discuss AFI 40-102

  • Published
  • By Airman Ashley J. Cass
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  A meeting was held in the 28th Mission Support Group conference room Aug. 2, to discuss the implementation of the updated Air Force Instruction 40-102 "Tobacco Use in the Air Force" and its impact on morale and mission readiness.

Originally published in 2002, AFI 40-102 was revised March 26, 2012. Notable changes include stricter guidelines on areas where tobacco can be used, and the prohibition of Air Force Services establishments selling tobacco.

Col. Susan Pietrykowski, 28th Medical Group commander, said the AFI is intended to promote a healthy, tobacco-free atmosphere on base.

"The Air Force wants to make the transition to tobacco-free living," Pietrykowski said. "We've included legal, civilian and various other personnel in this meeting to help this change go smoothly."

Minda Parsons, 28th Force Support Squadron Health and Wellness Center health promotion manager, said there are myriad affects from tobacco use among Air Force personnel.

"It's a mission-readiness issue," Parsons commented. "Tobacco use costs the Department of Defense almost $2 billion in medical treatment and lost work time every year."

Parsons also touched on the effects of secondhand smoke, and how the updated instruction intends to reduce the number of people on base who are exposed to it, specifically around medical treatment facilities.

"The AFI states that designated tobacco areas must be at least 200 feet from an MTF," Parsons explained.

Under the instruction, DTAs will be maintained by the personnel that use them, and will be the only areas where tobacco use is permitted. Tobacco use is not limited to traditional cigarettes, either - cigars, smokeless tobacco and electronic cigarette use is also governed.

Questions were raised about the possible negative reactions from civilian employees, but Parsons assured those present that unions with national consultation rights had the opportunity to comment on the document before it was published.

"Collective bargaining agreements will be respected while implementing this AFI," Parsons said.

Parsons added that the deadline for implementation is 18 months from the date the instruction was published, but that the base hopes to be done sooner.

"Doing this will set a good example for other units on base and the rest of the DOD," Parsons said. "We can expect to see an increase in physical endurance, productivity and mission readiness."

For more information, call Parsons at (605) 385-2349 or visit www.ucanquit2.org to view a copy of the AFI.