Many people associate guns and bombs with the military effort in Afghanistan, but another crucial tool is coffee.

Because the soldiers need to maintain an unyielding high state of alert, caffeine may be the perfect solution, according to a report from the Institute of Medicine, part of the National Academy of Sciences. The recently released report says that caffeine might help to increase soldiers' reaction time, which would ultimately improve their performance.

"Military personnel in combat situations endure highly unpredictable timing and types of stressors as well as situations that require continuing vigilance for long periods of time," the report said. "The potential use of dietary supplements and selected pharmaceuticals is an appropriate consideration."

The report goes into great detail about the positive aspects of the drug.

"Caffeine use has been associated with increased alertness, enhanced physical performance, and a countermeasure to the effects of sleep deprivation," it said.

There has been worry about the possible negative side effects of the drug, such as its addictive nature. But some researchers say this might not be a problem for the average caffeine consumer.

"The research I know of has really not pinned down any negative side effects for people who drink only a few cups (of coffee or soda) a day," said Barbara Rolls, professor of nutrition.

"However, if you are a habitual caffeine drinker, you get pretty heavy withdrawal."

Many college students said they drink large amounts of caffeinated drinks and can relate to Rolls' words.

"I definitely think it affects me," said Bailey Klinestiver (graduate-entomology). "I consume inordinate amounts of caffeine, and I can definitely tell when I haven't had my coffee. I go through a sort of withdrawal."

Anya Olsavicky (senior-psychology) noted another possible side effect.

"I think you can definitely tell when you haven't had caffeine when you're used to drinking it," Olsavicky said.

"Plus, you have to consume more and more to get the same effect," Olsavicky added.

This is a concern of many people, but the National Academy of Sciences report said that a normal dose of caffeine, 200 to 600 milligrams, will enhance performance without much risk of such side effects.

Rolls said that the positive effects of the drug might outweigh the negative. "Obviously it increases vigilance (which is what the military is going for)," she said.

The military also is looking into other drugs to help its men and women stay attentive, but none have been prescribed to the soldiers yet.

Some people still say, though, perhaps the best solution is to not take any risks by not giving soldiers any sort of drug, including caffeine.

"I'm not sure (caffeine) is the most healthy for the soldiers," Klinestiver said. "I don't really think it's a good idea. After a while, the effects start to lessen."

As many Americans remain divided on this issue, the soldiers will continue to defend the nation with the tools they have already been using, and drugs might be prescribed in the future.

"The intent is to provide a pharmacological/dietary supplement strategy to significantly counter performance deficits in special circumstances," the report said.

The Institute of Medicine is still researching and working on other possible solutions as well as the caffeine solution.