Vaping in the Military....

[rc10mike]

I am active duty Navy. My command has about 250 people of all ranks, from E1 to 05. As some of you may or may not know, the Military rules and regulations are pretty strict. I do use my Reo in my workspace, but only when the higher-ups arent around. However, I still do a good majority of vaping in the smoke pit, with the rest of the smokers, just to avoid conflict. While in the smoke pit I get a ton of weird looks. I have had to explain what "it" is countless times to various people of all ranks, even to our highest ranking Enlisted person. Military people are generally like robots, they are programmed to only understand and obey certain orders. vaping in the Military is not really understood, nor regulated at this point, so people are generally confused about what Im doing. There simply isnt enough people doing it for them to do something about it. (At least for the navy)

So far though, there have been two people who willingly bought Reo Grands in my command. I never try to force vaping on anyone. I simply answer their questions honestly and truthfully. I try to teach them about smoking/vaping, cartos/attys, squonking, batteries, chargers, PG vs VG, good websites. Ill give them the tools, but leave it up to them to decide what they like. So far they're happy

 

[MiamiMom63]

First I want to thank you for serving our country, rc10mike. Second, you are not alone in that smoking pit far off wherever you are at now. I have stepped outside my office to vape with several smokers and they think I am weird. I actually tend to stand off by myself so I don't "offend" them. LOL. It's like I'm an enigma to them. I really don't understand why smokers tend to view us vapers as someone that thinks we are better than they are? I dunno. That's the feeling I get when I vape around smokes sometimes, especially if they are in a group. They get sort of defensive. LOL. But anyone with any decent brain wave will always remember there is an alternative out there and hopefully they will be brave enough to ask us what we are vaping on!

 

[Rhapsodies Fire]

it's nice to see you again, Mike
That's an interesting perspective. I wished I lived closer to a NS or NAS. It would be cool if when vape meets are held, that an invitation could be sent to various military installations letting them know about the option. That way, they could make the choice to check it out, no need to huddle and stare. We've got military all over the place here in our state...but nothing up in our area near Canada. I suppose if we ever put together a meet up here in Bellingham, we could put the word out through the VA. Good folks in there. I know they would support us. thanks for putting the thought in my head.

 

[Mudflap]

I answer questions too, but for folks that express an interest but want to gather info on their own, here are some good online resources to point them towards:

Taste Your Juice | GETTING STARTED

Basic Information | Guide To Vaping

What is the Best E-Cig (Electronic Cigarette)? - YouTube

 

[macgyverfc]

I'm also active duty Navy. I vape in the smoke pit because I still like to take breaks from time to time. People are pretty used to me using a Provari, box mod, whatever the device of the day is going to be for me. I get all kinds of questions. Many folks ask if they can try it (I carry a few spare drip tips for this reason). I've run into a few issues. One that sticks out is that someone got all spun up because I was vaping in my workspace. This person yells and screams at me while they had a big dip in their bottom lip (gross, can't even stand the smell of it). Simple fix...Regulations state that tobacco products (smoke and smokeless) are to be only used in the designated tobacco use area. I am not using a tobacco product. Plain and simple. You are getting hell bent and in my face with a clump of tobacco in your lip. You are in the wrong, not me. I haven't had an issue since. Mind you, I'm not vaping walking around the hallways, in the mess decks (cafeteria for those non-Navy), in someone else's workspace, etc. I only use this thing in my workspace and on the smoke pit.

The trick here is to not be blowing out massive fog clouds when you are inside. If you own a Reo, then you probably have enough education on how to monitor and adjust your vapor production on exhale. Most people will usually look the other way. Use some common sense and there shouldn't be many, if any, problems. There are a few people at work I've converted and it's becoming more and more accepted. We are generally left alone now or just have some snide remark made. No real confrontation. It's the military, man. These folks have a hard time accepting something that they don't know about or that there isn't a rule or regulation on. Until a regulation gets put in place, you will be questioned. Remember, at least you aren't smoking. You don't smell like cigarettes. You don't have a disgusting wad of Skoal in your lip. You can spend more time working and less time taking breaks. There are more positives if you feel like coming up with some. Haha.

 

[AmnNate]

Must be nice Mac. I'm active Air Force myself and they HAVE released a reg that specifically includes ecigs in the "tobacco based product" category. I was literally offended when we got a briefing on it and heard ecigs mentioned specifically on multiple occasions. Either way, I always go to the smoke pit anyways, just because it's not worth the hassle of explaining it to somebody that doesn't understand. It's one thing to explain ecigs to someone that it curious, it's another thing altogether to have to be defensive about it. Anyways, AF has decided that all "designated tobacco areas" will have to be at least 50 feet from everything, including sidewalks, parking areas, pretty much anywhere a person could be. Also, they have to be enclosed on the sides so that smokers can't even be seen. You can imagine on a somewhat crowded base how difficult it will be to find locations for these new "DTAs". Really pisses me off. Ecigs got lumped into the tobacco products though. Oh yeah, they mentioned this could actually prevent you from even smoking in your car while driving on base, similar to the current system for tickets for using cell phone while driving. Aarrgggh, sorry for the rant, just wanted to vent a little. This is too big for me to effectively fight from my level, so all I can do is grumble about how unfair it is. Thanks for sharing you guys.

 

[Rhapsodies Fire]

Wow...I don't even know what to say

 

[Mariwashere]

Heya, I retired last year (USAF) but about two years ago I was really offended by a message that came down to the 1st Sgts warning them to be on the lookout for troops using ecigs because of the potential dangers of this unknown trend... the message used very old info from a "study" done years before that on ecig juice and the chemicals in it. Fortunately I had read the study and was familiar with the misinformation in the message. I sat down with leadership and gave a thorough explanation about ecigs... apparently it was good enough that some of them passed the info on to their spouses!

I am not surprised they have managed to categorize ecigs/PVs as they have... some people simply cannot wrap their minds around the fact that it is not smoking. I used mine in the bathroom to avoid the hysteria.

 

[macgyverfc]

AmnNate,

Do they let people walk around or sit in their workspace with a dip in their mouth? That's the biggest part that chaps my rear. Folks here are allowed to do it but it's the same ones who complain when I come in smelling like cigarettes because I chose to vape with the smokers. Hahaha.

Last Friday I actually had to sit down with on of my "leadership" types to explain how much better I've felt since quitting the tobacco products. Also, the fact that I'm down to 6mg of nicotine from 24. The only difference than the patch/gum/etc. Is that vaping actually works.

Anyway, if it's bad weather or you just don't feel like being herded like cattle that particular day, hit up the bathroom or broom closet. Just don't blow out a big cloud. Other than someone commenting on how good the bathroom smells today, nobody is any the wiser.

Edit: Can't smoke in your car? Really? Prove I was smoking! Did you SEE me? Nope. Oh, you smell it? Yea...I was chain smoking with the windows up before I got on post. Since I can't smoke in my car in the parking lot. Ha!

 

[AmnNate]

Well, they don't "let them" dip in the building, but everyone knows it happens all day everyday. And yes, the new regulations also lump smokeless tobacco products into the "designated tobacco area" nonsense (hence the name). It's really unfortunate, but what ya gonna do, right?

I'd like to point out that leadership is aware of how big a change this is and has not actually began much in the way of enforcing or setting up "DTAs" just yet. The initial briefing was more of a heads up as to what was coming. Either way, I was not pleased when I heard them call out ecigs more than 3 times while reading the relevant material straight from the reg. Sad day for me at least.

 

[AmnNate]

Heya, I retired last year (USAF) but about two years ago I was really offended by a message that came down to the 1st Sgts warning them to be on the lookout for troops using ecigs because of the potential dangers of this unknown trend... the message used very old info from a "study" done years before that on ecig juice and the chemicals in it. Fortunately I had read the study and was familiar with the misinformation in the message. I sat down with leadership and gave a thorough explanation about ecigs... apparently it was good enough that some of them passed the info on to their spouses!

I am not surprised they have managed to categorize ecigs/PVs as they have... some people simply cannot wrap their minds around the fact that it is not smoking. I used mine in the bathroom to avoid the hysteria.

Congrats on retiring and thank you for your service!

I remember seeing that message too. I've got almost 7 years in now. It really ...... me off too and I didn't even vape at the time. I also saw the study they were referring to and knew they were full of it. Too bad that's what the mass media grabbed and what everyone seems to remember about ecigs. Thanks for trying to sway the BS though. Unfortunately for me, I work in the "head shed" of our squadron and would most likely get busted in the bathroom. Too many people know I vape now and still like to give me crap about "my new pipe" when I bring a new toy to work.

 

[macgyverfc]

I can't complain about the smoking area outside and away from an entrance. I totally understand that. As for dip or chew, well, tobacco is tobacco and those folks need to go outside as well. Rules are rules. I still say that my PV and juice is Nicotine Replacement Therapy. Same as the gum. Anywho, until the FDA approves anything, the military as a whole will consider these things tobacco products even though my military dentist and my medical personnel applaud me for using "my pipe" instead of smoking.

My Provari is not the easiest thing to hide, especially with a big polished SS tank sitting on top. My Gripper is way easier but it's a pain to try to drip all day. The new Reo should be here in 2 more days!! This will make it much easier. I still call BS on not being able to smoke in the car. No matter what any ani-anything that look likes a cigarette person says at work, I still continue to praise my toys. The increased health benefits alone have spoken more for me than anything else. Also that I don't stink everytime I walk back inside. The funny part is that when I am at people's houses that don't smoke, they encourage the use of my PV. Everyone says that it smells amazing and are happy that I'm off the stinkies. Unless I'm tooting on some Bounty Hunter. I get told that one smells like burning pine wood. Ha!

 

[FAAmecanic]

While Im not in the military, I do work as a contractor at a site that has a lot of active duty and reserve Army coming through. On more than one occasion I have had a service memeber out in the "smoke pit" ask me what I am smoking. After the jokes subside I definately have thier interest. Lets just say the guys that Im with need to be physically fit and in very good shape due to thier missions.

Just recently I saw one of my friends with a KGo instead of a cancer stick...he just smiled and said he LOVES it and hasnt had a smoke in 2 months!

I love vaping...and I love seeing our service members (and non-service memebers being as I have a coworker vaping now) being happy and smoke free

 

[FAAmecanic]

Anyways, AF has decided that all "designated tobacco areas" will have to be at least 50 feet from everything, including sidewalks, parking areas, pretty much anywhere a person could be. Also, they have to be enclosed on the sides so that smokers can't even be seen. You can imagine on a somewhat crowded base how difficult it will be to find locations for these new "DTAs".

The Army base Im at has the same rules..... it really does suck. I understand the smoking...as who wants to smell stinky cig smoke wafting into your work area. But I think they purposely put DTAs in the worst areas (by dumpsters is where ours is).

My coworker and I have gotten really good at stealth vaping (a large coffe mug does wonders to exhale into...lol... honest its just REALLY hot coffee...)