Back in the early 80's, when I had my bike, they required a helmet on base. Off base, it didn't matter. I can't tell you how many times I saw Sailors & Marines pulled over right outside of the gate, taking their helmet off and strapping it onto their rear seat or whatever. After my bike was stolen, I didn't pay that much attention to the rules and how they changed. I was real bad about not wearing my helmet on short trips, like to the gas station for cigs, etc.