[Tobacco use by career soldiers of the Polish Armed Forces--the start of a breakthrough?].

Cigarette smoking in the Polish Armed Forces has a long standing tradition. Various organizational processes which operated for many years encouraged the development of cigarette smoking through various means, including allocating supplies of cigarettes or funds for their purchase. Smoking the Polish Army continues at a high rate and depending on the specific unit may total from 40% to 65%. This results from the lack of any anti-smoking campaigns as well as a nearly total disregard for anti-smoking smoking regulations. A recent development in the armed forces is a reduction in the number of smokers among the younger professional corps as well as 'contract' soldiers. Surveys conducted among these groups have indicated a greater concern for health related issues and sports activity. As has become apparent, the examples viewed in other armies of NATO have had a significant impact, as the number of smokers in those forces amounts to no more than 10-30%. It is clear from the surveys that among factors which have contributed to the decision to cease smoking are the fact that physical conditioning has increased in importance as a prerequisite for candidates for professional service. Despite the promising changes among younger professional soldiers, the problem of a high percentage of smokers among the older (age-wise) and conscripted soldiers remains as an issue of concern.