Service in strict Islamic nation removes alcohol, other drugs from major problem list

Article Abstract:

Drinking alcoholic beverages is not allowed in Saudi Arabia, and even the importation of liquor or abused drugs is strictly forbidden. Largely because of this, the substance abuse problems that plagued the troops in Viet Nam have not appeared so far among the troops in Saudi Arabia. Crime, and driving while intoxicated, have not been problems. The penalties for possession or importation of illegal drugs carries a stiff prison sentence, and death is the penalty for smuggling or selling illegal drugs, including alcohol. The American troops are stationed far from most Saudi communities, reducing the chance of questions of jurisdiction between the Americans and the Saudis. The already hazardous highways are even more dangerous because of heavy military traffic, and the absence of driving while under the influence is a relief to military authorities. However, the more liberal country of Bahrain is situated across a 25-mile causeway, and alcohol and sophisticated hotels and discos contrast starkly with many Saudi cities, which lack theaters, concert halls, and even movie theaters. Now GIs have begun to frequent Bahrain for ''R and R,'' although Manama, the capital, has not yet become another Saigon. The only aftermath of drinking seems to be fights, which are handled by ''international courtesy patrols.'' The only other addiction problem is cigarette smoking, resulting from the donation of cigarettes by Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds tobacco companies, in defiance of the Department of Defense policy forbidding distribution of free tobacco and alcohol. This practice was stopped, and the assistant secretary of defense for health affairs and the surgeon general of the US Army both spoke out against it, with the former stating, ''our troops deployed on Operation Desert Shield deserve better than to be exposed to greater risk of disease and death that free cigarettes would promote.'' (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Laws, regulations and rules, Marketing, Saudi Arabia, Soldiers, Smokers, Drinking of alcoholic beverages, Drinking (Alcoholic beverages), Tobacco industry, Alcohol use

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Medical efforts in Desert Storm's fourth week

Article Abstract:

Among the hazards the military faces in Operation Desert Storm are not only the usual battlefield wounds, but injuries from fuel-air explosives, chemical weapons, and toxic fumes spewed forth from burning oil fields. The military medical system consists of three levels: first aid on the battlefield; treatment at a nearby advanced trauma life support (ATLS) station where patients are stabilized, emergency surgery can be performed, and minor wounds are treated; the wounded may then be sent to hospitals farther from the battlefield where specialized care is available. A major concern is the threat of serious burns, and the Department of Defense's only burn center, the US Army Institute of Surgical Research at Fort Sam Houston in Texas, is being expanded. Civilian burn centers are available if needed. In addition, for general care of the wounded, the facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs has facilities around the country, and the 1,650 hospitals in the National Disaster Medical System could be used if needed. Every effort will be made to treat the wounded as close to their homes as possible. The medical buildup for Operation Desert Shield now exceeds the peak of US military operations during the Vietnam war. After some early difficulties with transport, medical equipment and supplies are now at acceptable levels. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Management, Battle casualties

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