Can You Vape in the Military? The Short Answer
Yes, but with many restrictions. Military vaping rules are complex:
- E-cigarettes treated like tobacco under DOD policy
- Prohibited in workplaces - All DOD facilities are smoke-free
- Designated areas only on most installations
- Navy ships/subs - Complete ban (battery fire safety)
- 21+ age requirement - Federal Tobacco 21 applies
- Exchanges stopped selling vapes in 2019
- Rules vary by branch, installation, and commander
Service members can vape, but the where and when is heavily restricted. If you're new to vaping, our beginner's guide to vaping covers the basics.
US Military Vaping Policy Overview
DOD-Wide Policies
Two key DOD Instructions govern vaping:
DOD Instruction 1010.10 (Health Promotion and Disease Prevention):
- Classifies e-cigarettes as tobacco products
- Applies tobacco restrictions to vaping
- Mandates health promotion programs
DOD Instruction 1010.15 (Smoke-Free DOD Facilities):
- All DOD workplaces are smoke-free
- Includes vaping/e-cigarettes
- Requires designated outdoor areas
- Allows commanders to implement stricter policies
Tobacco 21 Law
The Tobacco 21 law is part of broader federal vaping regulations. For a comprehensive overview of state-level restrictions, see our guide on states banning vapes.
As of August 1, 2020, federal law requires you to be 21+ to purchase tobacco products, including vapes:
- Applies to all military exchanges (AAFES, NEX, MCX, CGX)
- No military exemption exists
- Applies to both active duty and dependents
- Enforced at all on-base retailers
What's Universally Prohibited
Across all branches:
- Vaping in DOD workplaces
- Vaping in government vehicles
- Vaping in aircraft
- Vaping on ships (Navy/Coast Guard)
- Vaping in formation
- Vaping during official ceremonies
Vaping Rules by Military Branch
US Army
Governing Regulation: AR 600-63 (Army Health Promotion)
| Area | Policy |
|---|---|
| Workplaces | Prohibited |
| Barracks | Generally prohibited (installation dependent) |
| Designated areas | Required for use |
| In uniform | Cannot vape while walking |
| Government vehicles | Prohibited |
| Formations | Prohibited |
Key Points:
- E-cigarettes classified as tobacco
- Commanders may implement stricter policies
- Some installations are tobacco-free (Fort Eustis pilot program)
- UCMJ Article 92 violations possible for policy breaches
- AR 670-1 prohibits vaping while walking in uniform
US Navy
Governing Regulation: SECNAVINST 5100.13F (Navy Tobacco Policy)
| Area | Policy |
|---|---|
| Ships & Submarines | BANNED completely |
| Shore facilities | Designated areas only |
| Barracks | Generally prohibited |
| Uniform | Designated areas only |
| Navy vehicles | Prohibited |
Critical: The Navy banned all e-cigarettes on ships and submarines in April 2017 due to:
- Lithium battery explosions
- Fire safety in enclosed spaces
- Multiple incidents of battery fires
- No safe storage on vessels
This is a safety ban, not just policy preference. Violations are taken extremely seriously.
US Air Force & Space Force
Governing Regulation: AFI 48-104 (Tobacco Free Living)
| Area | Policy |
|---|---|
| Workplaces | Prohibited |
| Designated areas | May exclude vaping |
| Dormitories | Prohibited |
| Government vehicles | Prohibited |
| Flightline areas | Prohibited |
Key Point: The Air Force is often most restrictive - some designated smoking areas specifically prohibit vaping even where cigarettes are allowed. Check signage at each location.
US Marine Corps
Governing Regulation: Same as Navy (SECNAVINST 5100.13F)
| Area | Policy |
|---|---|
| Ships | Banned (follows Navy policy) |
| Bases | Designated areas only |
| Barracks | Generally prohibited |
| In uniform | Designated areas only |
| Formations | Prohibited |
Additional: Marine Corps Order on Substance Abuse warns against vaping unknown substances. CBD vapes and synthetic nicotine products are particular concerns.
US Coast Guard
Governing Regulation: COMDTINST M6200.1 series (Health Promotion Manual)
| Area | Policy |
|---|---|
| Cutters/boats | Prohibited |
| Stations | Designated areas only |
| In uniform | Prohibited while walking |
| Government vehicles | Prohibited |
| Aircraft | Prohibited |
Coast Guard follows similar policies to Navy regarding shipboard bans.
Can You Vape on Military Bases?
General Rules
- Workplaces - All DOD facilities are smoke-free
- Designated areas - Required for smoking/vaping
- 500+ feet from entrances at many installations
- Commander discretion - Policies can be stricter
Tobacco-Free Installations
Some bases are going completely tobacco-free:
- Fort Eustis - Nicotine-free policy tested
- Various medical facilities - Complete tobacco bans
- Growing trend - More installations considering
Check your specific installation's current policy.
Finding Designated Areas
- Look for smoking area signs (gazebos, benches with ashtrays)
- Ask at the base welcome center
- Check installation website/app
- Ask your sponsor or unit leadership
Can You Vape in Military Housing and Barracks?
Barracks/Dormitories
Generally prohibited due to:
- Fire safety concerns (lithium batteries)
- Smoke detector sensitivity
- Roommate rights
- Installation policies
Typical rules:
- No vaping in barracks rooms
- No charging devices in rooms (some installations)
- Must use outdoor designated areas
- Violations can result in Article 15 or other discipline
Fort Riley example: Complete ban on vaping in barracks, including possession in rooms.
Military Family Housing
Policies vary:
- Privatized housing - Landlord sets rules
- Government housing - Installation policy applies
- Check your lease - Specific terms for smoking/vaping
- Common areas - Usually prohibited
Off-Base Housing
Military vaping policies don't apply off-base, but:
- State/local laws apply
- Landlord policies apply
- You're still subject to good order and discipline
Can You Vape While in Uniform?
General Guidance
| Action | Generally Allowed? |
|---|---|
| In designated areas | Yes |
| While walking | No (most branches) |
| In formations | No |
| At ceremonies | No |
| In official photos | No |
| While on duty | Designated areas only |
Branch-Specific Uniform Rules
Army (AR 670-1):
- Cannot smoke/vape while walking in uniform
- Must be stationary in designated areas
- Applies to all uniform configurations
Navy/Marines:
- Designated areas only
- Not while walking
- Never at attention
Air Force:
- Designated areas only
- Professional appearance standards apply
Coast Guard:
- Not while walking in uniform
- Designated areas only
Common Sense Rules
- Don't vape in front of leadership
- Don't vape near official events
- Use designated areas
- Be discreet and professional
Vaping During Basic Training and Boot Camp
All Branches: No Vaping
Basic training/boot camp is tobacco-free across all services:
- No smoking or vaping throughout training
- Policy since 1986 (smoke-free basic training)
- No exceptions for nicotine withdrawal
- Nicotine replacement may be available (ask medical)
What to Expect
- You will not have access to vapes during basic
- Nicotine withdrawal is common and expected
- Drill instructors won't be sympathetic
- Consider quitting before shipping
- Some recruit medical facilities offer patches
After Basic
Technical training/A-school policies vary:
- Some allow tobacco in designated areas
- Others maintain restrictions
- Check your specific training command
- Phase privileges may include smoking
Where Can You Buy Vapes on Military Bases?
Exchange No Longer Sells Vapes
AAFES, NEXCOM, MCX, and CGX stopped selling e-cigarettes in September/October 2019:
- Policy decision, not federal requirement
- Response to vaping illness concerns
- No plan to resume sales
- Tobacco products still sold (cigarettes, dip)
Buying Vapes
You'll need to purchase off-base:
- Local vape shops
- Gas stations
- Online (shipped to off-base address)
- Must be 21+ (Tobacco 21 applies everywhere)
On-Base Restrictions
- Cannot have vapes delivered to military mailrooms (some installations)
- Cannot sell/trade vapes on base
- Cannot bring large quantities that appear commercial
Military Vaping Statistics
- Approximately 16% of service members use e-cigarettes
- Highest among: Junior enlisted, males, ages 18-25
- DOD concern: Vaping rates increasing as cigarette rates decline
- Cessation resources: YouCanQuit2.mil, TRICARE coverage for cessation
Cessation Resources
If you want to quit vaping:
- YouCanQuit2.mil - DOD tobacco cessation website
- TRICARE - Covers cessation counseling and medications
- Military OneSource - 1-800-342-9647
- Base Health Promotion - Free counseling
- CG SUPRT (Coast Guard) - 1-855-CG-SUPRT
Vaping in the Military: Key Takeaways
- Vaping is allowed but heavily restricted in all branches
- DOD treats vapes as tobacco - Same restrictions apply
- Designated areas only on all installations
- Navy ships/subs - Complete ban (battery fire safety)
- Air Force may be strictest - Some areas ban vaping even where smoking allowed
- 21+ to purchase - Tobacco 21 applies on all military installations
- Exchanges don't sell vapes - Must buy off-base
- Barracks generally prohibited - Fire safety concerns
- Can't vape while walking in uniform (most branches)
- Basic training - No tobacco/vaping throughout
References
- SECNAVINST 5100.13F – Navy and Marine Corps Tobacco Policy (PDF)
- Use of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems Ashore Guidelines – U.S. Navy
- DOD Tobacco-Control Activities – NCBI/National Academies
Have questions about vaping laws in other destinations? Check our vaping laws guides for more locations.