did you know that there are slot machines in american military bases all over the world? you will not be finding a full blown casinos in there but these machines offer enough entertainment to their soldiers i believe.
The machines are coordinated by the Army Recreation Machine Program (ARMP) and are located on military bases across the world (the ARMP runs slot machines for the Army, Navy and Marines, while the Air Force has their own program). The exact number of slot machines is unclear. Officially, there are "1,889 slot machines in 79 locations abroad, including Korea, Japan and Germany," Neil Gumbs, the general manager of the ARMP's installation program, told Wired. However, the National Council on Problem Gambling claims there are over 3,100. the profit made using these machines is used by the military for their own programs so the money just goes back to them but it raises a few questions. first of all, how ethical it is to put slot machines in an environment where the tension, risk and stress are high? these soldiers undergo intense mental training trying to fight off traumatic experiences and loneliness away from their families and home. are these machines making them a lot more vulnerable to addiction?
second, if a soldier is a gambling addict does this make him unfit to serve in the military anymore? we know that addiction no matter where can make someone illogical and make him do things that he would otherwise never do. i am aware that these machines can cure their boredom but is it the best hobby to provide for their brave soldiers? what do you think?