Army regulation (AR 600-63) states that Soldiers are to be allowed to smoke in their rooms. Does anyone else agree with my interpretation?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 10:02:30 -0400

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Oct 13 at 2016 10:10 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 10:10:19 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member It allows for that, does not require it unless conditions are met.

d. This policy does not cancel or supersede other instructions that
control smoking because of fire , explosion , or other safety
considerations.

AND

d. Smoking is permitted in individually assigned family and unaccompanied
personnel living quarters as long as the quarters do not share a common heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC)system. Smoking will only be allowed in quarters with common HVAC systems if an air quality survey can establish that the indoor air quality protects nonsmokers from environmental tobacco smoke (ETS).The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has established that 20 cubic feet per minute per person of outside fresh air is required. The carbon dioxide (CO2)level should not exceed 1000 parts per million (PPM). When individual living quarters are not required or are not available, and two or more individuals are assigned to one room, smoking and nonsmoking preferences will be a determinate factor during the assignment of rooms. The installation commander will provide affirmative procedures to reassign nonsmokers to living space not also occupied by a smoker; and, if necessary, reassign smokers to living space where they may smoke

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2016 11:22 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 11:22:32 -0400

I guess that would depend, I worked for the department of defense for a few years and DoD regs state that you may not smoke within 50 ft of any door in a federal building, a barracks is a federal building.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2016 2:19 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 14:19:56 -0400

It may be in the regulations but ultimately you have to follow the Post Guidance. Fort Carson does not allow smoking in the barracks.

Response by MGySgt James Forward made Oct 13 at 2016 2:21 PM

MGySgt James Forward — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 14:21:53 -0400

Smoking should be conducted outside the building. First as a common courtesy to others, and second so you living area does not smell like an ashtray and third, It's a first hazard to me. Para 4.2.s of AR 600-63 states:
d. Smoking is permitted in individually assigned family and unaccompanied personnel living quarters as long as the quarters do not share a common heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC)system.
Smoking will only be allowed in quarters with common HVAC systems if an air quality survey can establish that the indoor air q u a l i t y p r o t e c t s n o n s m o k e r s f r o m e n v i r o n m e n t a l t o b a c c o s m o k e (ETS). When individual living quarters are not required or are not available, and two or more individuals are assigned to one room, smoking and nonsmoking preferences will be a determinate factor during the assignment of rooms. The installation commander will provide affirmative procedures to reassign nonsmokers to living space not also occupied by a smoker; and, if necessary, reassign smokers to living space where they may smoke.

So you are in a ONE MAN ROOM: The Order states you may smoke depending upon the HVAC system: common HVAC equals no Smokey for you. If you share a room with a non-smoker: the non-smoker is gonna win 100% of the time so again no Smokey for you.
Nice job pissing off your First Sgt by the way, nothing like volunteering yourself for special attention and projects. Don't care if smokers have rights, you all are an endangered species. Semper Fi.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2016 5:25 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 17:25:15 -0400

Seroiusly!? The smell that room will have when they leave. Ugh!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2016 10:58 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 10:58:27 -0400

The answer (according to legal and IG) wound up being that smoking is authorized unless the commander enacts policy forbidding it. Since we have no policy (at any level) then it's authorized. I brought my findings to my commander who issued a verbal order against smoking in the barracks pending a further legal review and establishment of an official policy.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2016 12:57 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 12:57:33 -0400

One thing I would like to point out is that the commander is usually signed for the barracks. Below you mentioned that the commander put out a verbal order that no one can smoke in the barracks. Commanders can add to the policy not take away. So if indeed he gave that order and you have a smoke pit outside then that is that. The accommodation is met. As an NCO your job is to take care of your soldiers. But it is your responsibility to also support your command. This honestly sounds like one of those instances where a soldier tries to see how far he can push his luck. You mentioned that your 1SG isn't to happy with you. I can agree with him. You've created drama and a problem that really shouldn't exist in the first place.

Response by SP5 Bobby Thompson made Oct 15 at 2016 12:45 AM

SP5 Bobby Thompson — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 00:45:39 -0400

Yes, they go through enough on a daily basis.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2016 6:09 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 18:09:43 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member, In this thread you say "This honestly sounds like one of those instances where a soldier tries to see how far he can push his luck."

and

"You've created drama and a problem that really shouldn't exist in the first place."

I can absolutely see your point, but regulations are regulations, and they say what they say, and as SGT Private RallyPoint Member mentions, this particular issue has been set to rest. Regulations can be changed, questioned and interpreted, but they should be followed and they should not be ignored or disregarded/dismissed. At some point somebody, with more rank than most of us on this website, felt it was important enough to sit down and write it...if not personally, than at least through providing their signature on the end of it. And, as enlisted personnel, we are sworn to follow the orders of the officers appointed over us. I am confident that whomever signed any published regulation counts in that regard.

I would agree that SGT Pappas introducing the notion to the Soldiers of smoking in the barracks being allowed would be bad if he had been the one to do so, but once introduced, it is a valid issue that should be dealt with. Any level of commander would have an issue with a Soldier in their command if they blatantly selectively followed orders in the manner that some would seem to be condoning with regard to the guidance in this regulation in favor of their personal opinions and/or "how it's always been done".

I mean, the regulation says "The installation commander will provide affirmative procedures to reassign nonsmokers to living space not also occupied by a smoker; and, if necessary, reassign smokers to living space where they may smoke".

That doesn't seem questionable or confusing to me at all. In the absence of other more restrictive guidance a Soldier is allowed to smoke in his/her room.

SGM Erik Marquez, as you point out there is the phrasing "d. This policy does not cancel or supersede other instructions that control smoking because of fire , explosion , or other safety considerations."

Assuming that that wording is in the more restrictive policy guidance, I would assume the matter is over.

But, I would also like to ask you something. In a post elsewhere you say "As an advocate for the smoker, you are reading the reg one way.. my interpretations is another. I read the reg as supporting NON smokers as the required DOD directive".

It is my understanding that NCO business is to protect the Soldiers in their charge from mistreatment from any direction...including higher; to ensure both that they accomplish what is required of them by regulation, as well as receive what is due to them by regulation...even if I personally believe they shouldn't smoke in their room.

Would it not be the job of the NCO, in the interests (both literal and figurative) of the Soldiers in his/her charge, to try to understand the regulation without bias with regard to intent and recommend to the command whatever that leads him/her to believe was meant? Once there is policy in place the focus would then be upon enforcement, but that also assumes that the guidance is not in direct conflict with the meaning of the guidance from higher. (My personal opinion in this case would be enforcement, unless illegal, while trying to change policy.)

Edit to add: SGM Erik Marquez, After re-reading my comment, I would like to clarify two points...

1. That when I say "Would it not be the job of the NCO, in the interests (both literal and figurative) of the Soldiers in his/her charge, to try to understand the regulation without bias with regard to intent and recommend to the command whatever that leads him/her to believe was meant?", I mean to go into the regulations and try to determine what the author meant while leaving what they would personally prefer the result to be at the front door; to not cherry pick through the regulations for things which support what they would like the outcome to be, as well as to not cherry pick through the regulations for things which support what they honestly thought the guidance was. The exception to this would be in defense of an action that someone has already taken while believing it was authorized at the time.

2. That I am not trying to assume or suggest which way you personally look or looked at regulations or policies.

Response by SGT Mathew Husen made Oct 17 at 2016 6:15 PM

SGT Mathew Husen — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 18:15:00 -0400

Yes because it makes your room smell like ass. When i was in as a smoker, i went outside for that reason

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2016 7:04 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 19:04:11 -0400

Does the regulation specify IRT Permenant Duty Station Living Quarters? b/c to my knowledge this doesnt apply to training environments...and certainly not in a barracks bay...

Response by SSG John Jensen made Oct 18 at 2016 1:24 AM

SSG John Jensen — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 01:24:35 -0400

at the base in Kuwait living in tent city, the unit stretched camo netting over and between two of the giant tents and declared no smoking how ever many feet from the tents, so we pulled out a tape measure and found the 3 foot strip between the tents for smoking, the command promptly declared that the measuring tape was wrong and we couldn't smoke in the shade. Later, when we got a bunch of KBR drivers to supplement driving the HETs, they built a plywood gazebo for the company for smoking in the shade.

it's a good thing that I retired when I did

Response by PO3 Marc-Richard Paroline made Dec 19 at 2016 10:55 AM

PO3 Marc-Richard Paroline — Mon, 19 Dec 2016 10:55:09 -0500

I also think the government should supply adult entertainment for none married troops once a month

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2017 3:43 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 15:43:08 -0500

However, since the Army sold them to contractors who now rent them to Soldiers, I imagine that was part of the deal. Though that begs the question, how does a contract supersede an AR?
Aside from the obvious golden rule consideration: the one with the gold gets to make the rules.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2017 3:57 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 15:57:40 -0500

Really good question I think and may be completely off base with this that you are not allowed to smoke within 50 feet of a building owned by the government. Wouldn't that apply in barracks to.

Response by SGT Ray Davies made Jan 23 at 2017 4:24 PM

SGT Ray Davies — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 16:24:13 -0500

Smoke 'en if you got 'en. Bum 'em if you don't. Line from my platoon Sgt in '63.

Response by SPC Tonya Harrington made Jan 23 at 2017 4:30 PM

SPC Tonya Harrington — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 16:30:25 -0500

Military housing is now ran and maintained by a third party. While AR600-63 states that you may this is outdated. The privatized housing makes the rules and standards for the buildings now. Most instalations have gained a new policy of 0 smoking within 50 ft of buildings. Privitized housing can make this for barracks as well if they see fit.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2017 5:42 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 17:42:39 -0500

I smoke... But I am not biased on this topic. The key point is this:
d. Smoking is permitted in individually assigned family and unaccompanied personnel living quarters as long as the quarters do not share a common heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC)system.

In other words: If you live in a shared quarters, such as the barracks, take your happy ass outside to smoke. If you live in On-post housing, smoke the place up if you don't mind your family breathing in second hand smoke. You're going to pay to clean it anyway.

Response by SGT Mark Patrick made Jan 23 at 2017 6:21 PM

SGT Mark Patrick — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 18:21:20 -0500

As I smoker myself no one anywhere should be allowed to smoke inside. However The way this regulation is written in certain situations yes they are allowed to.

Response by SGT Leon Riege made Jan 23 at 2017 8:15 PM

SGT Leon Riege — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 20:15:24 -0500

do what top says holy crap!

Response by SGT Jim Ramge, MBA made Jan 23 at 2017 8:53 PM

SGT Jim Ramge, MBA — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 20:53:53 -0500

I remember when the BOSS program was instituted in Germany in '91-'92... Threw the CMDs for a loop over much of the same crap! You can be a single soldier in the barracks and live just like the married couples. BOSS program kept the command out of the barracks. But, ready for the caveat - except for, the rules for which are signed... And they wondered why the divorce rates were so high, because folks were getting married for all the wrong reasons - benefits!

Response by Sgt Charles Welling made Jan 24 at 2017 8:49 AM

Sgt Charles Welling — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 08:49:23 -0500

Wow! I have read many posts here. It seems the Army simply has far too many complex regulations and they in total seem to just be confusing?

Response by SSG Kirk Benke made Jan 24 at 2017 10:49 AM

SSG Kirk Benke — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 10:49:05 -0500

They should not be aloud

Response by SPC Greg Campbell made Jan 24 at 2017 11:34 AM

SPC Greg Campbell — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 11:34:41 -0500

In the early 80s we just fired up. Well most always.

Response by SGT Andrew Van Donselaar made Jan 24 at 2017 11:36 AM

SGT Andrew Van Donselaar — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 11:36:09 -0500

Heck No, I used to smoke and I couldn't smoke in my room. As an NCO trying to check out my soldiers room and walk into a wall of smoke I hated that.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 12:00 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 12:00:25 -0500

I ran the barracks at Post lvl at Fort Sill andnwe had to post the whole reg, not an editied one to fit the Soldered need. It also states smoking is permitted if there is adequate ventilation and to wear each room is Ben elated by itself, and you have to have consent from your roommate if you have one.

Most barracks are not ventilated for smoking in rooms, this may be a purposefully done in the contract to keep Soldiers from smoking, I don't know. But Soldiers have always pulled just bits and pieces from regs to try and beat the system.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 12:03 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 12:03:05 -0500

This article is paraphrasing, you are allowed to smoke in individual signed living quarters. If you live in the barracks your commander or 1sg is signed for the barracks. If your barracks has a smoking pit (I've never seen a barracks without one) that is your smoking area. If you have ever heard the order that your nor allowed to smoke in the barracks, that supersedes any of that regulation (Add to not taken away.) A barracks common HVAC does not filter smoke from the rooms, it leaks into the hallways and to other rooms, so per the regulation barracks do not meet the filtering requirement, no smoking. The only thing this would apply to is possibly post housing, but I'm sure your contract will tell you no smoking.

Had a guy try to play this regulation in Korea 2008. He spent the next 2 weeks living out of two duffle bags kept at the staff duty desk and sleeping on a cot and mosquito pop-up under the cover in the smoke pit

Response by SPC Rick LaBonte made Jan 24 at 2017 12:13 PM

SPC Rick LaBonte — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 12:13:33 -0500

In my humble opinion, you occupy the room with others, in my day there were more smokers, nowadays it's a courtesy. I did room with a man who couldn't handle the smell so I never smoked in my room

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 2:28 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 14:28:33 -0500

If that is what it states. That is what it states till it is changed

Response by David Abneypatty@bellsouth.net made Jan 24 at 2017 4:45 PM

David Abneypatty@bellsouth.net — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 16:45:31 -0500

I work on army
Base 8f u some it had to be 50 feet from any building. Absolutely no smoking allowed in barracks but thay do . When thay get caught thay get put on restrictions .

Response by SPC Steve Morris made Jan 24 at 2017 8:31 PM

SPC Steve Morris — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 20:31:42 -0500

If you can dip you can smoke

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 9:01 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 21:01:20 -0500

I don't mean to say that this is a dumbass question, but this is a dumbass question.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 9:14 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 21:14:01 -0500

Hr881 outlawed smoking in federal buildings...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 11:19 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 23:19:34 -0500

Actually nowhere in any regulation from any branch (and I have checked) does it state that a Commander or any rank senior to another individual Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine has the capability of adding to a regulation so that it suits his/her personal agenda.

I've actually read court martial cases where defendants have been found not guilty of breaking unit SOP's because the SOP's after adaptation changed the original intent that the Regulation/Order/Directive that it was meant to reinforce. Simply put, the adding to took away from the true meaning of what was printed.

Response by SGT Joseph Miller made Jan 25 at 2017 5:32 AM

SGT Joseph Miller — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 05:32:02 -0500

The thing is now that boss program has come out, commanders are no longer signing for barracks at permanent party stations they are being turned over to the government contractor who handles military housing and the reason they are doing this is so the government contractor is responsible for upkeep of barracks it's suppose to be cost effective, so the beginning of this article is right and wrong but for duty stations that haven't been turned over yet and the commander is signing for he can add to a regulation but not take away from one but also if the barracks is also where the company headquarters is and is not separate there also is a regulation that states smoking is prohibited in a government building so your in a catch 22

Response by SSG Dwayne Soblosky made Jan 25 at 2017 9:04 AM

SSG Dwayne Soblosky — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 09:04:49 -0500

I disagree, you have not interpeted the rule correctly! Go outside ya slouch!

Response by Cpl Dan A. made Jan 25 at 2017 9:24 AM

Cpl Dan A. — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 09:24:13 -0500

In the USMC, we smoked in the barracks rooms especially when we were drinking underage... But come field day if we had been partying, we went to extreme measures to get the smell out. Bad idea.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 9:36 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 09:36:40 -0500

I remember back when my career started... when men were men and no one gave a crap..

Response by MSG Bill Brugge made Jan 25 at 2017 9:53 AM

MSG Bill Brugge — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 09:53:19 -0500

Yes but the barracks manager needs to ensure they don't mix non and smokers together

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 9:56 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 09:56:28 -0500

The AR guidance is question states that soldiers are allowed to smoke in unaccompanied quarters if they do not share an hvac system, which all barracks building do. So therefore you can not smoke in your barracks room.

Response by PFC Jacob Forrest made Jan 25 at 2017 11:01 AM

PFC Jacob Forrest — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 11:01:59 -0500

Sounds great to me!!!

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 12:34 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 12:34:35 -0500

People still smoke, I switched to the vape 4 years a go.

Response by SPC Christopher Boling made Jan 25 at 2017 12:45 PM

SPC Christopher Boling — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 12:45:27 -0500

Eh just do t then get scented candles and fabreeze bam problem solved

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 3:17 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 15:17:10 -0500

No for it is a government BLDG period.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 3:24 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 15:24:19 -0500

If you look at 4-2 section d. Smoking is permitted in individually assigned family and un- accompanied personnel living quarters as long as the quarters do not share a common heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC)system. Smoking will only be allowed in quarters with common HVAC systems if an air quality survey can establish that the indoor air q u a l i t y p r o t e c t s n o n sm o k e r s f r o m e n v i r o n m e n t a l t o b a c c o s m o k e (ETS).The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has established that 20 cubic feet per minute per person of outside fresh air is required. The carbon dioxide (CO2)level should not exceed 1000 parts per million (PPM). When individual living quarters are not required or are not available, and two or more individuals are assigned to one room, smoking and nonsmoking preferences will be a determinate factor during the assignment of rooms. The installation commander will provide affirmative procedures to reassign nonsmokers to living space not also occupied by a smoker; and, if necessary, reassign smokers to living space where they may smoke.

Basically you would need to meet very specific criteria to be allowed to smoke in your room and with smoking in the decline it's more than likely not going to happen

Response by CPL Sterling Kemp made Jan 25 at 2017 4:59 PM

CPL Sterling Kemp — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 16:59:19 -0500

Yea we used to smoke in our rooms until '08 when the policy was augmented by our brigade.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 5:34 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 17:34:54 -0500

I didn't know that this was an issues that joes complained about. If you need a smoke, you can walk your you know what to the smoke pit and smoke your cancer. The smoke pit is quite a sociable atmosphere, almost like a bar at certain times throughout the day. Often times loud and left a mess, then the next NCO walking by catches anyone who is there at the wrong place at the wrong time and then the smoke pit is cleaned up. If this is now allowed in the barracks I see a lot more cleaning detail in the near future. There really is no need to bring the smoke pit into every barrack. Quite absurd really.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 5:41 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 17:41:04 -0500

Is this really an issue you tried to push? I mean really? Is it that hard for private snuffy to walk outside? I mean really all you have done is show your command structure that you are more concerned with trivial bull like this then the million and one other things you should be. Want a cigarette? Walk your lazy bum outside.... now now you're on everyone's radar as "that guy"

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 8:34 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 20:34:34 -0500

It's just like, hey soldiers don't do anything illegal or immoral even if ordered to. I was told to by my commander isn't an excuse... So drop in Maggie law... Or in other states it's usually considered reckless driving. If you are awake for over 18 hours your not suppose to drive.. Nope doesn't matter staff duty is so important.. That phone won't. Call itself.. Pointless duty anyways.. But if I go out and do donuts or burnouts now suddenly I'm all bound to follow laws..

Response by CSM Andrew Perrault made Jan 25 at 2017 9:09 PM

CSM Andrew Perrault — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 21:09:29 -0500

It is my understanding that Soldiers rooms are now controlled by housing......if so then yes.....it's their home....
Soldiers shouldn't be smoking at all........One of the worst things one can do. It will catch up with you later in life. Soldiers need to be encouraged to quit.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 9:10 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 21:10:47 -0500

DOD policy memo 16-001 states all DOD buildings are smoke free. Barracks are DOD buildings.

Response by SSgt Ken Baldwin made Jan 25 at 2017 9:14 PM

SSgt Ken Baldwin — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 21:14:03 -0500

The fact that this is even discussed is another reason I never acclimated to the Army after I left the Marines.
In the Corps, instant obedience to orders with question is the norm.
While in the Army I ran into countless individuals who were barracks lawyers and pushed limits because they could quote (usually excerpts of) regulations. Most of the time they were partially correct, but that is always 100% incorrect if the commanding officer says so. His or her unit to command- his or her rules. So long as basic health and welfare issues are not suffering, you do what the C.O. Says.

And that is why I never assimilated to the Inernational Federated Union of the Brotherhood of the Army. It's not a Union job folks. Just do what you are told and do your job. U Signed the Motherf**king Contract applies to all of the VOLUNTEER services.

Response by MSgt Frank Martin made Jan 25 at 2017 9:31 PM

MSgt Frank Martin — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 21:31:13 -0500

Pushing a regulation... I have seen it done.. but the issue being pushed.. your bound to loose. Anti-smoking has been going on for years now and will continue. When I was at my first duty station.. people were even allowed to smoke in their workplace.. until the DOD policy in 1987 took effect where you could not longer smoke there and had to go outside.

I was in the USAF for 23 years.. for ten of those years I lived in Dorm of one type or another. Personally I don't see the problem of being allowed to smoke in your dorm room.. But if the Commander makes a policy against it.. Then that is the policy and should be observed.

But to those who are saying that the smoke goes through the HVAC system to another room? I don't believe it.. I lived next door to one of my best friends I ever had and my room was at the end of the HVAC line from the AC and ventilation to his. His smoking would put a US Navy Destroyer smokescreen to shame.. but I never smelled his smoke, never had the order waffe into my room. Go into his room, yep.. you could smell it.

Smoking is being discouraged at all levels.. playing barracks lawyer to try to get around it.. I wish you luck.. and I predict.. that in the end.. you WILL loose.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 10:01 PM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 22:01:46 -0500

No. I dont think u should be able to.only for the reason of smell and the fact the ppl u room with may not be smokers. Plus u ill not alway be in that room and stale cigs stink plus hello firealarms to name a few

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 10:49 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 22:49:28 -0500

AR 600-63 was written in 1996, prior to the smoking in or within 50ft of a government building ban.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 11:03 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 23:03:45 -0500

I fought this fight in Germany in the NCO barracks at Grafenwoehr. The long and short of it is, after a several month long fight with the BN CSM, the post commanders policy of a non-smoking barracks was determined to be an unlawful order. See below for details.

AR 600-63 instruction for supplementation states "supplementation of this regulation and establishment of command and local forms are prohibited without prior approval from Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1." Basically this means that without a specific authorization from the Pentagon, no one can write a change to 600-63. Section 7-3 gives an exhaustive list of smoking prohibitions and such, buried in there is part m which discusses something called "unaccompanied personnel housing living quarters" which is army speak for barracks. Specifically, "Smoking is permitted in individually-assigned Family and unaccompanied personnel housing living quarters, as
long as the quarters do not share a common heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system. Smoking will be allowed in quarters with common heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems only if an air quality survey can establish that the indoor air quality protects nonsmokers from environmental tobacco smoke. The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers have established that 20 cubic feet per minute per person of outside fresh air is required. The carbon dioxide level should not exceed 1000 parts per million. When individual living quarters are not required or are not available, and two or more individuals are assigned to one room, smoking preferences will be a determining factor during the assignment of rooms. The installation commander will provide affirmative procedures to reassign nonsmokers to living space that is not occupied by a smoker and, if necessary, reassign smokers to living space where they may smoke without inflicting harm or inconveniencing those who do not smoke." In English, that means if there isn't a shared HVAC system you're good to go. If there is, command has to get an air quality survey done to establish that levels of CO2 exceed 1000 ppm.

As a point of fact, you're better off smoking and getting a can of Ozium to cover the smell of smoke than starting this fight with your command. Doesn't matter if you're right or not, they'll have an epic shit fit.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2017 12:01 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 00:01:11 -0500

Is smoking really this serious? It doesn't require that much effort to step outside. This coming from a former smoker. I get it, but right or wrong is it really worth pissing off your command?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2017 12:47 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 00:47:23 -0500

I'm a smoker, and I reside off post... and smoking happens OUTSIDE. That stuff is terrible for your house.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2017 2:00 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 02:00:57 -0500

Why doesn't each Installation just make a Brigade just for smokers and dippers.

Or each Brigade dedicate a Battalion.

Ask the Soldier upon inprocessing if they are a smoker. Assign them to that unit.

Increase morale and eliminate gripes during police calls.

Response by SPC Darrell Mailes made Jan 26 at 2017 2:09 AM

SPC Darrell Mailes — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 02:09:08 -0500

I was under impression that soldiers couldn't smoke with in 50 ft of a building via co

Response by Sgt Joshua Mardino made Jan 26 at 2017 9:39 AM

Sgt Joshua Mardino — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 09:39:20 -0500

If that's what the regulation says. If your commander has a new policy, it needs to be on paper. Implied policy doesn't work for official SOP change.

Response by TSgt Anthony Clark made Jan 26 at 2017 4:59 PM

TSgt Anthony Clark — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 16:59:09 -0500

DoDI 1010.15 doesn't allow smoking in or within 50 ft of any doors, Windows or venetian system. With would or ride AR 600-63

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2017 5:29 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 17:29:14 -0500

Do as you are told whether it is a superior or billeting.

Response by CPL Joel Leblanc made Jan 26 at 2017 6:50 PM

CPL Joel Leblanc — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 18:50:40 -0500

Smelly rooms are undesirable..

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2017 8:38 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 20:38:40 -0500

Why??? Sometimes I wonder why we must try and be different? Wasn't that the first thing we learn in basic training, to work as a team?! Sack-up and follow the rules and stop trying to create your own out of the regs (which by the way your command knows inside and out usually) you choose to read, incorrectly by the way! This is what happens when you hand out participation trophies, everyone wants to be a winner!

Response by SGT Cary Sledge made Jan 26 at 2017 8:58 PM

SGT Cary Sledge — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 20:58:22 -0500

This is why, after E4, I NEVER lived on Post!

Response by 1SG Larry Taggart made Jan 26 at 2017 9:49 PM

1SG Larry Taggart — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 21:49:19 -0500

I have been retired for 10yrs so things do change. But the Commander really does not have much legal standing on banning smoking in ones barracks room, unless he/she banned smoking in a married soldiers on post housing as well. I had a Commander try and ban drinking in the barracks because one soldier had a alcohol related incident. I told her she could not do this she did not take my advice and was visited by JAG two days later informing her she could not mass punish unless she mass punished the whole Company . The very next month she herself got a DUI.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2017 11:31 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 23:31:25 -0500

As I served only a 4yr enlistment in the Army National Guard as a Quatermaster, I was not privileged enough to need quarters on but a few occasions. But I was trained to follow the regulations set in front me. My interpretation is that it is allowed in a single person room as long as it doesn't share a HVAC unit with another. HOWEVER as a Quartermaster I happen to know that the Commanding Officer has signed for responsibility of all buildings of his post including the barracks. If he puts out a verbal order to not smoke in ANY of his buildings, to smoke only in outdoor designated areas, that order is to be followed.

Response by SGT Ace James made Jan 26 at 2017 11:57 PM

SGT Ace James — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 23:57:01 -0500

If I was still in yes I'd agree let's smoke away. But since I retired nope that's a NoGo.

Response by SGT Drew Clark made Jan 27 at 2017 12:13 AM

SGT Drew Clark — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 00:13:03 -0500

I Highly Disagree. I caught 2 company grade Article 15 14/14 twice for smoking cigarettes in the barracks, and then for disobeying an direct order from every NCO in my Chain of Command for smoking cigarettes in the barracks. Where is all the discipline gone? No more sowing on your patches 1/4 above the breast pockets, no more shining boots, and now allowance of cigarettes in the barracks? Even war should not change that!

Response by MAJ Meliton Arriola made Jan 27 at 2017 12:31 AM

MAJ Meliton Arriola — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 00:31:31 -0500

I served for 20 years. I agree, his room is his home.

Response by PFC Michael Gysin made Jan 27 at 2017 4:42 AM

PFC Michael Gysin — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 04:42:24 -0500

Who care what the AR says, because it is illegal to smoke in a government building, and laws trump regulations....

Response by SGT David T. made Jan 27 at 2017 8:24 AM

SGT David T. — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 08:24:14 -0500

AR 600-63 7-3 states that they can under certain conditions which others have already stated. It is pretty clearly worded so no interpretation is necessary. It even gives instructions on how to handle assigning quarters to non smokers. I have always believed that the barracks is the Soldier's home. As such, they should have the right to decide if they smoke in their room or not just like everyone else. I personally don't smoke inside but that is because I don't want my house smelling like an ashtray and all my stuff being covered in a layer of nicotine. However, that is my choice. I think that Soldiers living in the barracks are already subjected to enough restrictions on behavior that would otherwise be acceptable if they lived off post. So I do not think more should be added.

Response by Sgt Ted Mann made Jan 27 at 2017 8:33 AM

Sgt Ted Mann — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 08:33:37 -0500

As an NCO and small unit leader it is your responsability to lead. Your command issued an order. Written or verbal, it is an order. It is your job to ensure all lawful orders are carried out. Period. Mission first. If any of this is a problem maybe you should be with your peers and it sounds like your peers are a bunch of whining smoking PFC's.

On another note, is this really a battle you want to have?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2017 12:05 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 12:05:15 -0500

The barracks WILL burn to the ground if soldiers smoke in their rooms.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2017 12:05 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 12:05:25 -0500

No only in designated smoking areas

Response by Anna Goings made Jan 27 at 2017 7:11 PM

Anna Goings — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 19:11:27 -0500

The reason for smoking outside the barracks is to be able to maintain themand also possibly save a life due to fire. Noone wants to lose anyone that way.

Response by SPC David Jacobson made Jan 27 at 2017 8:28 PM

SPC David Jacobson — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 20:28:47 -0500

So glad I was a Cold War Soldier and only put up with Garrison Duty for a year. Off to the Western Corridor in the ROK and life was good for the most part.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2017 9:44 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 21:44:54 -0500

When I was stationed at F.Campbell, we were authorized to smoke in our rooms, just not in any common areas. If you had a roommate, it had to be a mutual agreement.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2017 11:55 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 11:55:29 -0500

Last i remember BARRACKS or ROOMS in a military facility are goverment buildings and unless regulation changed thru out the years the is a NO SMOKING POLICY IN ANY GOVERMENT INSTALTION

Response by 1stSgt Troy Seals made Jan 28 at 2017 12:52 PM

1stSgt Troy Seals — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 12:52:51 -0500

If you can be deployed, you can smoke. Bullshit regulation.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2017 3:18 AM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 03:18:53 -0500

No I find that stupid beacuse when he next person movies in the room will smell and it's very hard to get that smell out of a room

Response by LCpl Lance Creel made Jan 29 at 2017 6:42 AM

LCpl Lance Creel — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 06:42:15 -0500

I am a smoker!! But take it outside! Enough said!

Response by 1SG Fred Scharf made Jan 29 at 2017 7:17 AM

1SG Fred Scharf — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 07:17:52 -0500

Smoking is destruction of government property....the soldier.

Response by Amn Pendleton Jones made Jan 29 at 2017 8:38 AM

Amn Pendleton Jones — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 08:38:18 -0500

Ok Sgt you want to push the issue maybe the 1Sgt just need to make the new living guarters tents behind the building and let the rest of the guys fix the problem!! Wait a min I'm sorry that's old school before we started coddling the weak

Response by 1SG David Burchfield made Jan 29 at 2017 9:09 AM

1SG David Burchfield — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 09:09:57 -0500

No. As a reformed smoker this habit needs not be part of military life due to health reasons.

Response by SN P.J. Pj made Jan 29 at 2017 5:47 PM

SN P.J. Pj — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 17:47:42 -0500

If you share a room with a non smoker, I'm thinking you can't smoke in your room. Otherwise, yes. But it just occurred to me that there is a ban on smoking in ALL federal buildings. So, and I am a smoker, we're screwed.

Response by SGT Justin Moore made Jan 29 at 2017 6:55 PM

SGT Justin Moore — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 18:55:55 -0500

Sounds like new age army pussies can't go outside to smoke so let's give them some more fucking undeserved privileges. Are you crazy, common sense should set in at some point if you're a f'N nco. Quit letting little pansy ass fucking pc privates take away what I earned. I looked out for them but I was tough on them and disciplined them accordingly without going above my head. Looks like you might be the one in trouble, plus they need to be smarter. I was in fairbanks had a hand surgery at -40 degrees I'm a smoker, was there smoking in my room as a single e5? Nope, and no one can prove it. I never put any of my bad habits on my leadership to help me out with. So piss off to these young cunts.....

Response by SGT Philip Klein made Jan 29 at 2017 8:09 PM

SGT Philip Klein — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 20:09:11 -0500

No, but I've heard that before.

Response by Sgt Stephen Brown made Jan 29 at 2017 9:14 PM

Sgt Stephen Brown — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 21:14:08 -0500

No because it affects too many people

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2017 11:37 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 23:37:58 -0500

Smoking is stupid. I know of two apartment complexes that were burned because of people smoking in their rooms or throwing a lit cigarette butt outside which somehow cut the side of the building on fire. Condoned addictions real dumb

Response by SPC Tyler Martin made Jan 30 at 2017 8:17 AM

SPC Tyler Martin — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 08:17:28 -0500

There shouldn't be any smoking allowed on Govt property

Response by CN John Hoogendoorn made Jan 30 at 2017 9:14 AM

CN John Hoogendoorn — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 09:14:50 -0500

Do not smoke and prefer not to be around someone else's smoke.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2017 1:29 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 13:29:22 -0500

Army Regulations have very little to actually do with the Barracks. The building is ran by and maintained by private companies. Those private companies can set restrictions on the buildings that they maintain.

Response by HA Ersel Rust made Jan 30 at 2017 3:57 PM

HA Ersel Rust — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 15:57:12 -0500

When I was in the navy you could smoke in your rooms until taps then the smoking lamp was out in all birthing spaces.

Response by PO1 Thomas Conheady made Jan 30 at 2017 6:45 PM

PO1 Thomas Conheady — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 18:45:31 -0500

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2017 8:49 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 20:49:38 -0500

Agreed

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2017 9:25 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 21:25:18 -0500

If you can't use any form of tobacco to include smokeless tobacco (dip) in a federal building...... you can't have candles as it's a fire hazard, how would smoking in your room be okay?

Response by PO3 Todd Spencer made Jan 30 at 2017 9:58 PM

PO3 Todd Spencer — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 21:58:01 -0500

There are certain things that every soldier, sailor, airman and marine are required to adjust to. You took an oath. Part of that oath is "to obey the orders of the President/Governor (depending on if you are federal or state) And the officers appointed over you. Now I understand FULLY the difference between a "Lawful Order" and a "Unlawful Order". An unlawful order is one not supported by regulations that can get people killed. I am a smoker, I have served in the Army as well as the Navy. I have had to step out onto sponsons, and out of barracks and at times not smoke at all. In the field "Smoking" is interchangeable with the words "Sniper Check", just like salute is. This is officers discretion regardless of what the reg says, but I am willing to bet if you read a little further down in that reg you will find it is at your CO/XO's discretion. Just like limited operation of a deadline vehicle, Like one without working headlights during daylight hours. I am all for questioning certain regs that get changed because of questionable reasons. This one is a no-brainer. Grandstanding on your officers on an issue that is their call is bad for everyone. It is a bad call for you, if you were foolish enough to do it in front of subordinates it is bad for them, and for the officers who you just made look bad because A: You set a bad example for your subordinates B: Set a bad example for yourself C: Presented a bad reflection of your officers, And lastly D: Undermined the cohesiveness of your unit. Further.. Having signed for equipment before the rule is to "leave it in better condition than you got it". If I sign for equipment, or billets or anything else, regardless of my rank... Until I get a hand receipt assigning it to someone else it is my responsibility and I am liable. I don't care if it is a Col. and I am a PFC. When he signs for it, he can have it. I don't say General because an "Act of Congress" can spot change any field manual, regulation, technical order, and on and on.. since a General receives that promotion WITH an act of congress ,he can change anything he likes. I hope this is a thorough enough "no" to answer your question.

Response by SGT Brandon Coe made Jan 31 at 2017 3:26 AM

SGT Brandon Coe — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 03:26:34 -0500

Smoking inside is a no go but if your commander never tells u that u cannot smoke then that is what U should do follow orders there shouldn't be a problem with smoking if u are never told u can't

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2017 9:15 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 09:15:03 -0500

I would say hell no. There are soldiers that can be allergic to smoke and you would be invading thier space if not thier air. If they do allow thay, they need to put in one hell of a ventilation system so no other soldiers can smell it. But also keep in mind, staying the the barracks is still a federal building and I'm pretty sure that you have to be 20 feet away from a federal building.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2017 1:07 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 13:07:27 -0500

Smoking should be conducted outside only if the soldier smokes in the room and their roommate has to be in the room and their allergic to the smoke how is this fair

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2017 1:38 PM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 13:38:59 -0500

Every day the army gets more and more soft lol

Response by PV2 James Morrow made Jan 31 at 2017 7:03 PM

PV2 James Morrow — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 19:03:34 -0500

only smokers with smokers is what i think . i quit smoking but use chewing tobacco but smoking does mnot bother me

Response by SPC Evan Anderson made Jan 31 at 2017 11:11 PM

SPC Evan Anderson — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 23:11:40 -0500

I think its sad that smokers are even having this conversation...there are so many better things that you could be doing with your time then complaining about having to walk outside for a cigarette. I smoke btw and for my 3 and a half years at Stewart 3 ID, I was fine with walking outside on the back side of the barracks for a smoke.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2017 5:09 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 05:09:33 -0500

They should not. Safety

Response by MAJ Terry Terhune made Feb 1 at 2017 7:43 AM

MAJ Terry Terhune — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 07:43:40 -0500

Smoking should be banned in barracks like as in all federal buildings

Response by PO3 Fred Boas made Feb 1 at 2017 7:48 AM

PO3 Fred Boas — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 07:48:59 -0500

Smoking is a serious health issue. In time of war, in combat, it can be a safety and security issue as well

Response by SPC Willie Chance made Feb 1 at 2017 12:24 PM

SPC Willie Chance — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 12:24:55 -0500

Yes but, federal law prohibits smoking within 59 ft of any federal building.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2017 1:50 PM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 13:50:44 -0500

As a smoker that lives in the barracks I don't believe you should be able to smoke in your rooms just out of common curtosity to others that will have your room after you are gone. You have smoke pits for a reason. But honestly I pull a dirt bag move and just smoke out of my room on the balcony.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2017 7:27 PM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 19:27:52 -0500

Smoking should be done outside no matter what I'm sorry to any marine, sailor, pilot, or soldier that thinks they should be able to smoke anywhere but I have to agree with both the Sgt and the mgysgt with what the Sgt said. If a Co gave an order for smoking to be conducted outside whenever the order was gave whatever year it don't matter its now part of the sop you have smoke pits and what the mgysgt says I completely agree with I don't want my room to smell like smoke. My room is a reflection of me as yours is a reflection of you.

Response by PFC Virgil Burnett made Feb 2 at 2017 5:01 AM

PFC Virgil Burnett — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 05:01:18 -0500

the way I understand it only an outside designated area. inside smoking areas are prohibited.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2017 9:15 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 09:15:38 -0500

My deployment patch with 101st

Response by PFC Adam Snyder made Feb 2 at 2017 10:11 AM

PFC Adam Snyder — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 10:11:20 -0500

Listen .... it really is not a big deal to walk outside . So your fellow soldiers that do not smoke do not have to have to deal with smoke.
Common curtosity
And . Your battle buddies mean more than any thing . And yall should support each other .
Respect t for your fellow brothers in arms man.

Response by PFC Adam Snyder made Feb 2 at 2017 10:15 AM

PFC Adam Snyder — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 10:15:04 -0500

The problem with the army today ...bunch of sissy girls running around complaining about mistreatment .
I got out in 2010. Want to know why .
Because half my brothers . Wine and cry about pt. Or getting screamed at .
Or having to do to much.

Bunch of maggots made of pussy.
Period . My ncos . Kicked me in the face . Beat my ass ..
Made me tough enough to handle shit .. and now . Can't say fuck off without someone crying .
Mfs want to change uniform code and wear rags in their goddammit heads .
. Listen . Don't be fucking twot .. smoke ur shot outside . U spoiled little cunt.
Drink water and drive on ..
The army is shit any more .

Response by AB Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2017 12:32 AM

AB Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 00:32:45 -0500

Tell him that he swore an oath to obey the orders of the officers appointed over him and could be punished by the UCMJ. Simple enough

Response by CPL Josey Fergel made Feb 4 at 2017 3:21 AM

CPL Josey Fergel — Sat, 04 Feb 2017 03:21:11 -0500

I smoked during my tours. But never in buildings. I knew many people did not like the smell of smoke in the air, or on their clothes. So it was just my opinion that it wasn't courteous. I smoked outside, in the field, or on maneuvers pretty much, but got in the habit of not doing it around personell or civilians who didn't.

Response by PV2 Kate Jimenez made Feb 4 at 2017 11:05 PM

PV2 Kate Jimenez — Sat, 04 Feb 2017 23:05:46 -0500

When I was in the barracks, our commander stated soldiers could not smoke in the halls or comon areas or rooms. I am glad because I am allergic to smoke and I ended up with a ruptured eardrum from my body's reaction to the smoke.

Response by SFC David Stansfield made Feb 5 at 2017 9:30 AM

SFC David Stansfield — Sun, 05 Feb 2017 09:30:17 -0500

Federal law prohibits smoking in all government buildings, including Army barracks. And Army regs cannot over rule federal on that point. As a non-smoker I had to breath the smoke filled air in the barracks when smoking was allowed. I'm always thought that was unfair to all non-smokers, and was glad when smoking was banned from all buildings. The next thing is to move smoking outside of a twenty five foot radius from all doorways and walkways.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2017 11:58 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Feb 2017 23:58:08 -0500

Negative

Response by SGM Mark Sorrentino made Feb 9 at 2017 7:08 AM

SGM Mark Sorrentino — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 07:08:11 -0500

Old school counseling behind the wood shed

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Feb 14 at 2017 1:57 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 13:57:12 -0500

Care to quote the paragraph or line that would allow this? Because from my understanding, Commnaders get to decide what is and what is not a smoking area. And smoking regs are becoming MUCH tighter nowadays. The latest updates states that ALL medical facilities are now smoke free (and that includes medical barracks), and ALL medical personnel on duty are not allowed to smoke.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2017 12:00 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 00:00:59 -0500

Or just smoke outside and premptively stop and controversial discussion.....I dunno....I'm AF so I use fucking logic.

Response by SGT Dean Pacheco made Feb 25 at 2017 6:42 AM

SGT Dean Pacheco — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 06:42:01 -0500

Army regulations also state you must obey the orders of the officers appointed above you. If you were given a lawful order to not smoke inside the barracks, why is there even a question?

Response by SGT Wendy Williams made Feb 28 at 2017 12:35 AM

SGT Wendy Williams — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 00:35:13 -0500

There is an Executive Order prohibiting smoking in or near government buildings.
https://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/100946

H.R. 2118, Prohibit Smoking in Federal Buildings

H.R. 2118, PROHIBIT SMOKING IN FEDERAL BUILDINGS

Response by SGM Eddie Green made Feb 28 at 2017 8:31 AM

SGM Eddie Green — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 08:31:29 -0500

Remember the butt cans in the barracks? One on each post, mostly painted red!

Response by CPT Steve Douglas made Mar 2 at 2017 2:04 PM

CPT Steve Douglas — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 14:04:14 -0500

2015 version of the reg under para. 7-3(m) states: m. Smoking is permitted in individually-assigned Family and unaccompanied personnel housing living quarters, as long as the quarters do not share a common heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system. Smoking will be allowed in quarters with common heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems only if an air quality survey can establish
that the indoor air quality protects nonsmokers from environmental tobacco smoke. The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers have established that 20 cubic feet per minute per person of outside fresh air is required..."

My guess is that a barracks situation will have some sort of common HVAC. I suspect that getting an "air quality survey" might be easier said than done. That is a prerequisite to permit smoking.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2017 5:41 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 17:41:18 -0500

I smoked like a champ in my room in the Corps around 96. Used to see how many butts we could pile into the ashtray in the week between inspections.

Response by PFC Francis Ramseyer made Mar 7 at 2017 7:25 AM

PFC Francis Ramseyer — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 07:25:12 -0500

No, nobody should be smoking inside barracks. No point to argue.

Response by Elaina Snyder made Nov 15 at 2017 8:42 PM

Elaina Snyder — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 20:42:28 -0500

I agree

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Nov 15 at 2017 9:05 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 21:05:30 -0500

DOD and Federal Regulation mandates a minimum 50 foot distance between all smoking areas and DOD/Federal facilities. Barracks are DOD facilities. So no.

41 CFR part 102-74

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Nov 15 at 2017 9:40 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 21:40:04 -0500

If you can smoke in your room the fire watch has to have access to your room

Response by SSG Will Phillips made Nov 21 at 2017 6:49 PM

SSG Will Phillips — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 18:49:24 -0500

Jeezus H Christ!
Ya want to be a "Warfighter" but cigarette smoke "makes you snivel"? Lets get rid of cordite & diesel smoke as well as the smell of death on the battlefield!
Man up ya bunch of wussies!

Response by SGT Larry Cooper made Nov 21 at 2017 7:04 PM

SGT Larry Cooper — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 19:04:18 -0500

With consenting roommate.Hell yes,we get to smoke in combat and other undisclosed arenas.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2017 7:06 PM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 19:06:12 -0500

As a commander I would say follow what your commanders policy is. However as a prior enlisted I will say do what your rank can handle. If you really insist on pushing the limits of your commanders Patience I say good luck. The power of UCMJ falls with him/her and I say good luck.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2017 9:09 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 21:09:45 -0500

Oh, gee. What could possibly go wrong here?!? Don't dose off with a cig in your mouth. Or, what if your roommate doesn't smoke and you're too much of a piece of shit to respect that? Then what happens when that roommate develops some kind of smoking induced illness??

This is a dumb idea. Smoking should be discouraged as much as possible.

Response by CPT Chris Loomis made Nov 21 at 2017 11:31 PM

CPT Chris Loomis — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 23:31:54 -0500

Hey Brother, how about we just forget about the regs and hoopla and just take a walk outside like everyone else....

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Nov 22 at 2017 12:34 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 00:34:15 -0500

Y’all don’t have “Cope” no more?

Response by SGT Rudy Gibson made Nov 22 at 2017 11:25 AM

SGT Rudy Gibson — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 11:25:05 -0500

With the exception of OSUT training while I was in. Soldiers were allowed to smoke in the barracks. When did this change?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2017 3:26 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 15:26:31 -0500

I know that it states that they are allowed to but I also know that all of the barracks I lived in command policy dictated that it was not allowed.

Response by SGT Thomas Bentley made Nov 22 at 2017 4:15 PM

SGT Thomas Bentley — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 16:15:54 -0500

Although I do not smoke. It is their HOME. If you smoke you are allowed to smoke in your HOME, unless you are renting or leasing and it is specific in your agreement. Or you just don't smoke in your home as a personal rule.

Response by PFC Elijah Rose made Nov 23 at 2017 12:06 PM

PFC Elijah Rose — Thu, 23 Nov 2017 12:06:20 -0500

The whole thing is a textbook case of over-regulation! No one cares about the rule except everyone enforces because they don't want anyone to know they don't care about that rule. This includes the commander.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Mar 7 at 2018 8:02 PM

SSG Mark Franzen — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 20:02:32 -0500

it should not be aloud to smoke in there room they have a certain Area where they smoke and have but cans there as well. and Make it to be policed up when they are out picking up trash and other things. SSG MARK FRANZEN USA VET

Response by PFC Lisa McDonald made Mar 18 at 2018 1:12 PM

PFC Lisa McDonald — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 13:12:43 -0400

Thank god I served before all this crap!

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2018 1:37 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 13:37:28 -0400

I’m surprised they allow that.

Response by SFC Francisco Rosario made Mar 18 at 2018 5:32 PM

SFC Francisco Rosario — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 17:32:59 -0400

A Commander can add to the regulation/policy. The Commander can make such a decision based on the saftey and well being of the organization. Have you concidered the posiblity of a Soldier smoking in his/her room and falling asleep while doing so. Not to mention that not everyone smokes, so this could also pose a health risk for those who dont smoke. If you want to smoke in your own place then move out of the barracks (if possible).

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2018 5:46 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 17:46:05 -0400

Federal law also dictates behavior on federal property and since smoking was linked with cancer, heart disease and lung disease etc it has been banned in public spaces so that you can’t poison other people’s bodies. You have a right to smoke but only in a setting that protects other people’s right to not inhale your smoke.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2018 7:48 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 19:48:44 -0400

No you can't smoke in the barracks get over it. Take your let butt and smoke outside like everybody else..

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2018 5:05 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Sep 2018 05:05:35 -0400

So the next question: smoking on the open-air balconies outside the rooms.

Response by Cpl Douglas Loven made Sep 30 at 2018 5:33 AM

Cpl Douglas Loven — Sun, 30 Sep 2018 05:33:00 -0400

Hell no. no smoking in the GOVERNMENT BUILDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Jun 30 at 2020 10:00 AM

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 10:00:02 -0400

Question, some comments here say the barracks are now owned by private enterprise much like the houses on bases. Others say they are DOD owned. Which is correct? Makes a difference on smoking rules.

Response by Debra Maulin made Jul 3 at 2020 11:37 PM

Debra Maulin — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 23:37:43 -0400

yes I do,

Response by Debra Maulin made Jul 3 at 2020 11:38 PM

Debra Maulin — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 23:38:02 -0400

YES

Response by CPL Jay Strickland made Jul 20 at 2020 5:27 PM

CPL Jay Strickland — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 17:27:29 -0400

The full text says "Smoking is permitted in individually-assigned Family and unaccompanied personnel housing living quarters, as long as the quarters do not share a common heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system. Smoking will be allowed in quarters with common heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems only if an air quality survey can establish that the indoor air quality protects nonsmokers from environmental tobacco smoke. The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers have established that 20 cubic feet per minute per person of outside
fresh air is required. The carbon dioxide level should not exceed 1000 parts per million. When individual living quarters are not required or are not available, and two or more individuals are assigned to one room, smoking preferences will be a determining factor during the assignment of rooms. The installation commander will provide affirmative procedures to reassign nonsmokers to living space that is not occupied by a smoker and, if necessary, reassign smokers to living space where they may smoke without inflicting harm or inconveniencing those who do not smoke."
If you are anywhere with central air conditioning or heating you likely will not be able to smoke.

Response by SSG John Jensen made Jul 27 at 2020 3:27 PM

SSG John Jensen — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 15:27:28 -0400

and there's Dad's story from when he was in '58-'62 - that if you smoked you got a smoke break - if you didn't smoke you didn't get a break.

Response by SGT Donna Millar made Aug 18 at 2020 12:40 AM

SGT Donna Millar — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 00:40:30 -0400

Honestly, go outside and smoke. Stop trying to create havoc where it is not needed. Suck it up and drive on...

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Nov 2 at 2020 12:33 AM

SMSgt Bob Wilson — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 00:33:34 -0500

They way I read it, you need to find a smoking area OUTSIDE.

Army Regulation 600–63
7–3. Policy for controlling tobacco use
c. Smoking is not permitted in common spaces of multiple housing areas such as Family housing apartments, unaccompanied personnel housing, unaccompanied personnel housing permanent party, Army lodging, and other Army-operated hotels and recreational lodging. Common space is defined as any space within a building that is common to occupants and visitors. These areas include, but are not limited to, corridors, laundry rooms, lounges, stairways, elevators, lobbies, storage areas, and restrooms.

PS: Unaccompanied Personnel Housing are barracks.

I have no problem finding this answer, you should have enough initiative to have done it instead of asking this question in this forum.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Nov 2 at 2020 9:25 AM

SMSgt Bob Wilson — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 09:25:10 -0500

NO, you can NOT smoke.

AR 600-63
7–3. Policy for controlling tobacco use
c. Smoking is not permitted in common spaces of multiple housing areas such as Family housing apartments, unaccompanied personnel housing, unaccompanied personnel housing permanent party, Army lodging, and other Army-operated hotels and recreational lodging. Common space is defined as any space within a building that is common to occupants and visitors. These areas include, but are not limited to, corridors, laundry rooms, lounges, stairways, elevators, lobbies, storage areas, and restrooms.
I can not believe you could not find this reference. In less than five minutes I found it and read it.
PS: unaccompanied personnel housing means barracks.

Response by PFC Bryon Wilson made Mar 6 at 2021 4:44 AM

PFC Bryon Wilson — Sat, 06 Mar 2021 04:44:34 -0500

Back in the day, you would open a window and have a smoke. I was lucky to always be a room mate that smoked as well.