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.
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
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.