Military Pipe Smoking

[vokaa]

Howdy,
Been quite some time since I've last posted, but I've been busy busy.
I was wondering if anyone here either is or was in the Navy and could inform me about the pipe smoking scene within? I leave January for basic, but I'm not too sure if I'll be able to continue our amazing vice. Thanks for all of the help.

 

[mikethompson]

I remember your screen name, and you did some photography I believe as well right?
Can't help you with your question specifically, but welcome back!

 

[haparnold]

Air Force here. Smoking is prohibited on most/all military bases, except in designated smoking areas (AKA 'smoke pits'). The US military consumes tobacco in much higher proportion than the civilian population, but the vast majority of it is chaw and cigarettes, with cigars being common on special occasions (dining-out, dining-in, etc.).
In your work day, you probably will never get time to have a pipe. But there won't be nearly the anti-tobacco stigma of the civilian world. You may run into a pipe smoker here or there, but it's probably not much more common than in the outside world.

 

[pappymac]

I retired in 1993 so can't tell you much about what smoking regulations exists at the unit or base level anymore. Smoking a pipe on your own time off the base or unit is still allowed. Smoking a pipe in designated smoking areas should also be fine as long as you have the time to smoke your pipe.
Thank you for enlisting. Serving in the military is not for everyone but if you go in, do your job and stay out of trouble it can be a rewarding career.

Sorry you couldn't get in the Coast Guard :lol: but being in the junior seagoing service is almost as good.

 

[tbradsim1]

From what I’ve gleaned, no smoking in basic, Past Sec of the Navy Mabus, prick, tried to stop sales of tobacco on ships and bases, Spencer new Sec, a Marine vet may be more friendly to tobbaco. On ships you have certain area that you can smoke. Get small pipes as your time at the smoking lamp won’t be long. Congrats to your service.! :clap:

 

[mso489]

I was in the Navy during the Spanish American War ... well, a long time ago. I think brad has it correct. Like most other institutions from college campuses to corporate headquarters, the Navy and military at large has likely clamped down on smoking. Don't take smoking gear to boot camp. The idea there is to get with their program and show you can devote yourself to the organization and the group. My life in boot got better when I became the "educational petty officer," and i had some satisfaction helping the group learn the written test material at hand. The whole deal lasts only a number of weeks, so don't get downhearted about all the restrictions and harassment that is part of the regime. Life after that could well be some of the more interesting years of your life, and I say that having lived what to me is a fairly interesting life so far. When you are at your first duty station, if it is aboard ship, you may be lighting your pipe on the weather decks (outside). A good pipe lighter will do the trick, but you can also work with matches if you have patience and determination. Pipes are good because mostly you will not have other sailors bumming your pipe tobacco. The pipe may get you a nickname, but that's par.

 

[mso489]

Great Lakes Naval Training Center in January, brrrr. I opted for San Diego, no longer an option, but that also tended to get me to the South China Sea in a hurry.

 

[pappymac]

mso489 is correct. Don't take smoking gear to boot camp. IN FACT, Don't take anything more than your shave kit and a change of skivvies. Everything you need after the first day or two will be issued to you and you'll have to pack everything to send back home. I fondly remember this one guy who must of given his recruiter a hard time showing up for basic training with a tennis racket and set of golf clubs. Boy! Did the company commanders have fun with him.
Also, remember to be respectful of the people yelling at you. Say, "Sir Yes Sir!" "Sir No Sir!" "Sir Aye Aye Sir!" Of course, I went to basic in January 1972, I don't know if they are allowed to yell at recruits now.

 

[crashthegrey]

If you are on Facebook, check out Briar Nation. Many, if not most, of the members are current or past military, and it is a pipe and cigar group. They can give you the current situation pretty straight. Considering we run a pipes for troops donation program, I'd say smoking is alive and kicking in the military. Heh.