Prior studies have documented the ill effects of cigarette smoking on soldier athletic performance. We examined the effects, if any, of cigarette smoking and alcohol use on troop readiness. A group of 510 soldiers was examined. They answered an initial questionnaire and then were followed in sick call for a 2-month period. The results of the study confirmed that cigarette smoking impacted adversely on athletic performance. However, we were unable to quantitate increased time off or away from duty as a result of cigarette smoking and alcohol use.