For the duration of Operation Epic Fury, servicemembers in the Space Force’s Space Warning Squadron are prohibited from drinking—perhaps understandably, given the nature of their job.

For some service members in the United States Space Force, the sixth and newest branch of the United States Armed Forces, the bar is closed, and all alcohol consumption is “strictly prohibited.”

This order does not extend to all Space Force “guardians,” the official name for its servicemembers. It only applies to those who operate the branch’s missile warning system.

What Does the Space Force Have to Do with the Iran War?

The ban on alcohol consumption began after the launch of Operation Epic Fury, which the United States began with Israel on Saturday, February 28, targeting missile and air defense sites in Iran.

The new rule was outlined in a memorandum signed on the same day by the commander of the 5th Space Warning Squadron (SWS), Lt. Col. Robert M. Smith, confirming that the move was made to ensure the safety and security of all of the service members.

The unit, which was activated in early 2024 and is tasked with operating the military’s Joint Tactical Ground Station missile-warning system, disseminates key data to Pentagon officials.

“The data we send out is extremely important,” US Space Force Capt. Steven Torres, 5th SWS Detachment 2 commander, explained in January 2024. “Joint Tactical Grounds Station is the first line of defense. We’re providing early missile warning and battlespace awareness by using Overhead Persistent Infrared satellites in space. From the moment a missile launches, we’re able to immediately detect and determine potential threatened areas and disseminate the information to critical operations centers.”

A Space Force spokesperson told the Military Times that the prohibition on alcohol is part of standard operating procedure for 5 SWS. The ban will continue, with the squadron commander deciding when it could be lifted, “or until the entry into Phase 3 of the Mission Delta 4 plan, according to the memo.”

Failure to obey the rule will constitute a violation of Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which covers “Failure to Obey an Order or Regulation.” It is a punishable offense for service members and can include dishonorable discharge, forfeitures, and up to two years’ imprisonment.

“The memo lists possible disciplinary or administrative actions to include trial by military court-martial, administrative demotion, security clearance revocation and others,” the Military Times added.

Lots of Servicemembers Can’t Drink

Temporary alcohol bans in the US military are fairly common, particularly during sensitive or otherwise important deployments. This notably includes during Basic Training and Initial Entry, which has a strict eight-week or longer prohibition on alcohol consumption.

Many commanders also implement “dry” rules in forward-deployed areas. Most US Navy vessels are alcohol-free, with rare exceptions.

About the Author: Peter Suciu

Peter Suciu has contributed to dozens of newspapers, magazines, and websites over a 30-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a contributing writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He is based in Michigan. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: Editor@nationalinterest.org.

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