You can prevent the Soldier from smoking during duty hours if you can prove it interferes with the performance of his duties. However, you must then also look at other individuals on your team with habits that could also interfere with their duties (e.g. excessive phone calls, or frequent visitors).
You could approach this several ways but first and most importantly you need the support of the chain of command if you intend to prevent or limit his smoking through an order or policy.
You could recommend:
- that he only be authorized 2 15-minute breaks during his shift for the purpose of smoking.
- that he not be allowed to smoke during the tour of duty.
- a no-smoking policy
- a policy that prevents individuals from leaving the immediate area during shift.
How does his smoking adversely impact his ability to perform? Are you treating all members of your team with same level of scrutiny?
Regardless of the recommendation, you need to make sure you support your argument with the facts. How does his smoking adversely impact his ability to perform? Are you treating all members of your team with same level of scrutiny? The last thing you want is the Soldier to be able to show you are singling him/her out because of a personal reason (like a personal distaste for smoking).
Once you have your facts together you can contact the IG and bounce your ideas off of them to make sure you have their support as well. Approach the chain of command with your recommendations once you have taken these steps.
You may also want to consider discussing the issue with the Soldier one-on-one. You may be able to achieve your goal without ever resorting to an order. The best possible solution is to get the Soldier to voluntarily stop smoking during duty hours. If you present this in the right light and with the right tone you may be surprised with the results.
If you want to play hardball and can support your arguments I believe you have ability to stop the Soldier from smoking. Just make sure you do your homework first.
Comments
Robert Eccles, SGT
As a Medical NCO that also works within an Army Medical Center I can understand how it is to be concerned about patient care and how it affects the ability to take breaks/meals.
I mostly work off shift when there are frequently only three techs on shift. It is on these days that I make sure I am very aware of the workload throughout the lab. I know all the civilian employees are required to take two 15 minute breaks and one 30 minute meal. Since I know I have to be fair to everyone I make sure that everyone working on my shift is able to take a couple of breaks and/or a meal. First, I do this to remain fair and impartial (one of the things which is required of all NCO’s). Second, if I don’t take care of my soldiers and techs I can’t expect them to complete the mission to the best of their abilities.
One more thing to consider, would you ever consider restrict your soldiers from using the bathroom? No matter what as a good leader it is very important to remember if you don’t take care of your soldiers they will not have the desire and drive to complete the mission.
Last, if you are ever questioning how you should deal with a difficult or questionable situation look to the NCO creed, it was created to guide us in everything we do.