Just about everywhere you go in the Navy there is a small place where people gather. Maybe in a random gazeebo on shore or in a RAS station or on a fantail at sea. It’s a place to get away for a few minutes. A place where it is not uncommon for khaki and enlisted to rub elbows. In this place, the conversations range from mindless bitching deep thoughts about life itself. This place is where one finds some of the best gouge and a shit-ton of gossip and rumor. There is no place else like it at most commands. This place is called the smoke pit.
Yes, some of this occurs in other places like the Mess Decks. However, in my opinion, the smoke pit is a unique place. It is often mused that smokers are the best-informed sailors on the ship. Here you can hear all the rumors of possible port calls, and sometimes they are even true. You can find out which Sailors hate what (or maybe everything), the scoop on who’s doing what (and with who), and who’s getting fat. All jokes aside, you can get some very real and good information in the smoke pit.
The conversations here can be a little less…filtered, than you might expect in other venues. I have had very candid conversations with people much higher and lower ranking. Obviously, some level of military bearing is still in effect, but the conversations feel more relaxed and more open. Sometimes, you might even go out, grab a smoke, and have a mini meeting. I admit the fact that I have sometimes had more planning meetings in the smoke pit than in our office. For the regular smokers it can almost feel like being a regular at a bar. Everyone has their favorite spot, you can almost predict who’s going to ask to bum or need a light and you always spot the new smokers straight away.
You can also do another important thing here, smoke a cigarette (or other tobacco product). Surprisingly, smokers are actually a minority of Sailors. However, for those that do smoke, the smoke pit is often our favorite place. I am one of those Sailors. An unhealthy habit for sure, and while smoking may be bad for my physical health, it’s good for my mental health. It’s probably beneficial to those who work with me as well. When I’m having a rough time, often just taking a step back and smoking a cig (or 2) is enough to reset. The distraction of the crazy conversations helps too. Also, when underway and a glass of wine isn’t an option, nothing hits quite as well as a Black and Mild while watching a beautiful sunset after a rough day.
I know smoking is “bad”, and the Navy really wants people to quit. However, with the constant stress of the job, it helps. In addition to its primary function, the social function of the smoke pit is undeniable. Underway it’s even more vital, as it’s the only place where you can smoke. If there’s any doubt about its importance, just look at the line of borderline homicidal nicotine fiends lined up when the pit is closed for an extended period (ie: for RAS, GQ, BMs pissed off), that says something.
And yes I just a post about the smoke pit, I never said this blog would be any good.
PSA: If you or someone you know wants to quit smoking, see your Corpsman. Just leave your no longer needed cigarettes in the angle iron in the smoke pit, they will find a good home.
