Does anyone think that Veterans (ones that served 4-15 years) that did not retire should have access to the PX Commissary and have support?

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 01:04:16 -0400

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2014 1:15 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 01:15:22 -0400

My response, at the end of the day, is "No". Retirees serve 20 years (usually) to earn those lifetime benefits. If we start giving them out to everyone, it would have a drastically negative impact on overall retention. Keep the benefits for retirees only, you gotta get all the tickets to earn this ride!

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2014 8:35 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 08:35:27 -0400

I would say yes with a caveat that one must have honorably served for over 10 years. I believe that if you put at least 10 years of your life into something that you should be able to get something in perpetuity for it.

With that said SFC Smith makes a valid point. The subsidy provided by the px and commissary is designed to help current Soldiers and Retirees. The influx of former Soldiers could significantly impact this subsidy. My suggestion would be a pay for privileges system where the former Soldiers that want the privileges can pay a set fee every year for them. I'm thinking like a Sam's Club or Costco style system.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2014 12:04 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 12:04:26 -0400

To do that would also mean that every former Soldier is out there with an ID card and access to Post in order to use the PX and Commissary. Think about that angle.

Response by 1SG Jeffrey Bergeron made Jun 6 at 2014 12:36 PM

1SG Jeffrey Bergeron — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 12:36:44 -0400

As long as their serve was honorable , I would say it should match the amount of years that individual served. ie four years of serves would yeild four more years of PX / Commissary use. This could be considered a "Thank You" for serving your country.

Response by SGT Sean Whitenton made Jun 28 at 2014 3:28 PM

SGT Sean Whitenton — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 15:28:26 -0400

For me, the answer depends on a few variables like whether or not PX and Commissaries are economically self-sustaining (My understanding is that they are with profits going to MWR programs), and whether or not it would cause shortages among those that they have historically served- ie: currently serving and retirees.

If it can pass those two tests, I don't really see a reason not to do it. If it can't, there really isn't an argument to do it.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2014 12:39 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 12:39:33 -0400

The prices never seem that great as the quality and selection has diminished. Perhaps, it isn't that great of a benefit overall. I would be interested in anyone with real numbers on cost savings compared to the general economy.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2014 1:54 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 13:54:43 -0400

With the exception of cheaper liquor and possibly cigarettes, I do not see having PX / Commissary as a benefit. I mean price wise, it is cheaper for me to shop locally or through online stores even with the sales tax. I am retire now and the closest base with such facilities is about 170 miles away.

To answer your question though, I have to say no. I mean they are convenient to actively serving service members and they ought to remain that way.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2014 2:10 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 14:10:35 -0400

Nope, if you want those benefits, put in the time and retire at 20.

Response by SrA Eric Olsen made Jul 8 at 2014 7:19 PM

SrA Eric Olsen — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 19:19:35 -0400

While it may sound like a good idea, I would have to say no. It's for the military and retirees.

Response by Sgt Lawrence Juster made Jul 9 at 2014 12:21 PM

Sgt Lawrence Juster — Wed, 09 Jul 2014 12:21:10 -0400

I think any veteran that served their country during a wartime conflict deserves full benefits. Nothing against a 20 year vet who served without seeing any conflict. Don't get me wrong, I have much respect for all vets. BUT, a 20 year vet with no conflict time vs. a vet with any conflict time and the latter not being able to get those benefits to me is wrong. Think about that way and let me know if you think differently.

Response by PO3 Donald Welty made Jul 13 at 2014 10:43 AM

PO3 Donald Welty — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 10:43:11 -0400

I think all veterans should have access.

Response by PO2 Christopher Morehouse made Jul 13 at 2014 1:57 PM

PO2 Christopher Morehouse — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 13:57:23 -0400

I would support a limited implementation of this idea. I would suggest veteran access to foreign installations in non-combat areas (ie Japan, Germany, etc). I don't really have anything to justify this other than it was the strangest feeling to be in a foreign country and not be able to enter a US installation on my own after having served there. Seems to me that it would not take much to allow this, and it would mean a lot to American vets traveling/living abroad to get easier access to US products.

As far as the ID card issue, many states offer a veteran ID card after the vet has proven good service. I'd say that plus a passport with a proper entry stamp ought to be sufficient.

Response by SPC Dennis Mullins made Jul 15 at 2014 7:16 AM

SPC Dennis Mullins — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 07:16:54 -0400

Yes

Response by SGT Bobby Adams made Jul 15 at 2014 12:54 PM

SGT Bobby Adams — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 12:54:28 -0400

Why not if you were honorable discharged. Why should you not be allowed too

Response by SSgt Robert Clark made Jul 16 at 2014 12:13 AM

SSgt Robert Clark — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 00:13:26 -0400

I have always thought, even when I was still active duty, that as long as you have an honourable discharge then LIMITED base privileges should be granted. Anything that generates income without taking essential goods or services from active duty first, then retired to me is and always has been a good idea. I don't think commissary access should be granted, I don't thing ANY base service like legal etc. should be available. I'm not sure about MWR, maybe on a case by case basis. Basically, anything that generates income without causing hardship to active duty should be a good thing. And, for me it most likely wouldn't matter if limited access was given. I live to far from any base to be worth the drive so even if I could I wouldn't use the benefit. And to a previous point, I doubt very seriously there would be a sudden flood of vets on any base, like me most live to far from a base to be worth it. It would just be nice that if near a base I knew I had the option to make a purchase.

Response by SSG Matt Murphy made Jul 16 at 2014 6:45 PM

SSG Matt Murphy — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 18:45:43 -0400

Hmmmm....what about me? 17 years - 4 active 13 reserves.

EX wife told me to get out or get divorced....made the mistake of getting out

:-(

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2014 6:56 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 18:56:05 -0400

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member _ I find it said that we can spend money on foreign nationals and illegal immigrants and not for low income military personnel. Really? I believe they do deserve it, without a doubt.

Response by CW2 Jonathan Kantor made Jul 17 at 2014 7:23 AM

CW2 Jonathan Kantor — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 07:23:58 -0400

Yes.

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Jul 17 at 2014 6:47 PM

SSG Ed Mikus — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 18:47:43 -0400

no, that is for active duty and retirees, that was never promised and is part of the benefits for those that served until retirement, if they were dismissed early for medical reasons wanting benefits they receive a medical retirement.
I understand that few people will agree with everyone's medical discharges, some may deserve more, some less, never the less, we have a system and we need to fix the parts that are broken not complicate them.

Response by TSgt Brian Herman made Jul 17 at 2014 6:51 PM

TSgt Brian Herman — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 18:51:36 -0400

I am not in favor of folks that didn't put in all time, getting those benefits.
I am on Long Island, NY., and we shop at the commissary and PX on a regular basis. Almost everything I have price compared is cheaper at Mitchel Field.
In addition, I find it comforting, to see a few members wearing the uniform, and some continuity from my active duty, and guard time.
I don't think I want any more "unnecessary" folks wandering around the base, either. Logistically, a headache.

Response by PO2 Derek Russell made Jul 23 at 2014 3:57 PM

PO2 Derek Russell — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 15:57:53 -0400

I'm not sure I want to stick my oar in, but... As a prior service member with the Navy ( and later Nat. Guard) I have only ever used a Commissary or PX when I was in Boot, and in school. For the Navy, many service members never spend much time on a base where this is an option. We spend the majority of our time afloat. And speaking to my service, I would have loved to continue for 20, but I was caught in the Clinton RIF, and found the Bush N.G. far to relaxed regarding discipline for me to continue (I know, that's my problem, I'm just using "me" as an example). Regarding whether prior service should have access to the base facilities now, I don't see that it would be detrimental, most of us would never use the benefit due to distance, but the few that would be injecting money into the system, could only serve to boost the budget on base. As mentioned previously cuts to their budget are being considered and expanding the role of the PX/BX system could enhance their prestige with congress. Besides, just because the system is non-profit (attached to the MWR) doesn't mean that it must stay that way.

The US Military has always functioned best when it was flexible and fast, by ossifying parts of the military system we reduce its effectiveness overall.

Response by SSgt Richard Kepple made Jul 24 at 2014 11:02 AM

SSgt Richard Kepple — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 11:02:19 -0400

As a veteran who did not retire, but did put in about 11 years, I agree that it is a benefit saved for active and retirees; one of the "perks" of being on active service and "putting in your time."

Response by SSgt David Norcutt made Jul 29 at 2014 2:22 PM

SSgt David Norcutt — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 14:22:22 -0400

Several responses state that it should be an exclusive benefit for those who are active and for those that retired. I can agree with that. However I think that allowing those that served 4-15 to use the commissary or BX/PX would be a benefit to those that are retired or currently serving. Right now near almost every installation I would venture to say there is a super Walmart or like business within driving distance of the commissary or BX/PX. These super stores are sometimes cheaper and more convenient to those with families and the lower ranks forced to live off post. If 4-15 veterans were allowed to shop at the commissary and BX/PX, would it benefit all by lowering prices and better selection for retires and active duty personnel? The force is being drawn down, buying in bulk for lower prices will be harder to come by, prices will rise. Bring those prices down by allowing more to shop to help offset the cost of doing business. My two cents.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2014 2:47 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 14:47:14 -0400

I would have to do more research to see where this idea would lead. The idea has merit, especially when you consider the numbers. Less than 1% of our nation serves in the military, so, saying our numbers would skew a large metropolis and it's shopping options - I'm not so sure. Providing unlimited access for those who have not committed 20+ years to service in our country would be prohibitively expensive for commands where that command is the only military organization available - and no command has the budget to deal with the potential influx of shoppers, etc, especially when it comes to security.

I do know that there is a limited access to some of the products offered by the military exchanges through what is called the VA Canteen Program. If you have access to the VA Healthcare then I'm assuming you might have access to that program. While it doesn't give you access to the Commissary / PX / BX, etc - it's something to look at. Additionally, every VA Hospital I've been to has offered a canteen, a shopette, a barbershop, flowershop and some have specialty shops; again all offered through the VA Canteen Service.

It may be an odd idea - but, if we can't get our Veterans access to the bases - why not get more offered at the VA Hospitals or Clinics or the VA Canteen? Afterall, the VA is there for us, right? Maybe we should ask our Congress types to pony up the money to improve what's offered in the VA Canteen?

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Jul 29 at 2014 7:29 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 19:29:32 -0400

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member First, you should change your profile to read Veteran rather than currently serving (if what I looked at was accurate)

On to the point of benefits. There are a great many benefits that are available to those willing to sacrifice major portions of their life. If Service Members choose to leave the service prior to retirement, they are not entitled to those benefits.

Let me be clear-they are still Veterans and privy to Those associated benefits. There are also numerous types of retirements not all of which require 20 years to earn, often times they are earned at great personal expense.

Staying in through retirement is not an easy task and there needs to be a percentage of troops in each service who choose to travel that road. Continuity is important. There have to be benefits for those decisions.

Response by SFC Gemma Lopez made Jul 29 at 2014 11:22 PM

SFC Gemma Lopez — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 23:22:31 -0400

I served 15 years and was medically seperated. I have privileges for a few years because of my service but am also entitled now because I'm also married to a Soldier. If everyone is allowed to have this privilege after serving honorably without retirement, how many vets would be honestly willing to get a post pass just to go shopping on post? I know I rarely go on post now.

Response by SP5 Joel O'Brien made Dec 13 at 2014 9:04 PM

SP5 Joel O'Brien — Sat, 13 Dec 2014 21:04:57 -0500

In other forums I have floated the notion of disabled vets(10% and up) being allowed to use commissary and/or PX/BX facilities.