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Military Service Members and Veterans

If you are currently serving in the military or are a veteran, you’re more likely to smoke cigarettes than civilians. Smoking is even more common if you have been deployed overseas. Smoking increases your risk for lung cancer, heart disease, chronic bronchitis, and many other diseases.

Get Help Quitting

Quitting smoking at any age has benefits. Visit our How to Quit Smoking page that features a Quit Guide and other Quitting Resources to get started today.

You can also call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) to be routed to your state quitline. Quitline coaches can answer questions, help you develop a quit plan, and provide support.

Resources for Active Duty or Retired Service Members

If you are active duty or a retired service member, you and your family can access cessation counseling, cessation medicines, quitlines, and other services through your TRICARE coverage and Department of Defense programs.

Navy servicewoman with her family.
  • Visit UCanQuit2 a Department of Defense program to help people in the US military quit tobacco. The site includes a live chat feature and provides personalized online support from coaches to TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries, Veterans Health Administration-enrolled Veterans, and those who are assisting them in quitting tobacco use.
  • Join SmokeFreeMIL, a text message support program to help military service members quit tobacco use. You will receive encouragement 24/7 for up to 8 weeks, get advice and tips on how to quit and stay quit, or text a keyword about your mood to get appropriate advice. Text MIL to 47848 or visit the site for more information.
    • Sign up for the Freedom Quitline, a research study that enrolls TRICARE beneficiaries who are motivated to quit smoking. Participants will receive free telephone-based counseling, as well as nicotine replacement therapy. Call 1-844-I-AM-FREE (1-844-426-3733) or visit the Freedom Quitline website for more information.
Thinking About Quitting? Tobacco Cessation Resources - screenshot of PDF

Visit Tricare.mil/UCanQuit2 to get resources to help motivate you and increase your confidence so you can quit tobacco for good.

  • Understand the tobacco cessation services that are available to you through TRICARE, including counseling and prescription and over-the-counter medications to support and help you quit tobacco use.
  • Find more information and resources about how to quit smoking on the Tobacco-Free Living page of the Operation Live Well website.

Service-specific Resources and Programs:

Are you in the Air Force?

Are you in the Army?

Are you in the Navy?

  • Find resources and tools to help you quit tobacco through Tobacco Free Living Program at the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center for more resources and tools to help you quit tobacco.
  • You can also visit your local health promotion office or talk with your medical or dental provider at your military treatment facility.

Are you in the Marine Corps?

  • Learn more about the Operation Tobacco-Free Marine (OTFM) Tobacco Cessation Program.
  • Talk with your medical staff or visit your battalion aid station.

Are you in the US Coast Guard?

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Resources for Veterans Enrolled in the Veterans Affairs Health Care System

If you are a veteran and are enrolled in the Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system, the VA has resources and services to help you quit smoking. Smoking cessation counseling is available at all VA medical centers, and FDA-approved smoking cessation medications are available through all VA pharmacy programs. Use the Veterans Health Administration Facility Locator to find a VA health care facility near you.

Older adult man at doctor’s office.

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