Action Line #150802 Smoking outside the Commissary

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Editor's note: The Action Line program allows members of Team Incirlik to voice concerns and receive a response relating to the concern while remaining anonymous. You can submit an action line by emailing it to: incirlik.actionline@us.af.mil.

Question: With the introduction of Designated Tobacco Areas Air Force-wide, it seems like every base has a handle on it, except Incirlik AB. Why are some people (ie. Turkish employees) allowed to smoke wherever they want? Specifically, this is in regards to smoke that comes from right around the bicycle stand outside the Commissary exit. Tobacco smoke does not discriminate based on who you are, it impacts everyone.

Answer: Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

In following with the policies of the Air Force and 39th Air Base Wing smoking is not permitted in or around the Commissary or other facilities on Incirlik Air Base. All employees assigned to the 39 Air Base Wing, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or rank, should abide by this policy and only smoke in the designated smoking areas. I sent your concern to our Commissary Manager and he is working to better highlight and reinforce our smoking policy by posting more signage in an attempt to remind individuals and point them to designated smoking areas. We will continue to monitor this type of behavior and enforce the rules.  We will also continue to work closely with our host nation and NATO partners on our policies while still respecting and honoring theirs. Thank you again for your feedback, and please continue to let us know how we can improve.