Bosnia Leadership Challenge: Enforcing the No Smoking Policy. Howard Coombs
WARNING: Due to the nature of the conflict and operations in the Balkans, some of these veterans' stories may contain graphic or disturbing content. Please use your discretion. If a story adversely affects your mental health, consider seeking help by consulting the agencies listed in the Resources section of this website.
Colonel Howard Coombs describes the "greatest command dilemma" he faced as a rifle company commander during his 1998 deployment to Bosnia: implementing and enforcing Canada's new and more restrictive smoking policy! Despite everything else that was going on at the time, he says this was his biggest leadership challenge. This interview was recorded for the Balkans 35th Commemoration, a volunteer, veteran-led initiative. Our mission is to commemorate the 35th Anniversary of Canada’s contribution to peacekeeping and stability operations in the Balkans.
For more interviews, photos, videos, and oral histories documenting the experiences of Canadians deployed to the Balkans, please visit our website: https://balkans35.ca/
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