Should General Officer/CSM/CW5 reserved parking at Commissaries and Exchanges be repurposed for others?

SPC Benjamin Smith — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 18:59:51 -0500

We've all seen the parking spots at the Commissary and Exchange that say "Reserved for General Officer/CSM/CW5." I'm writing a paper for class that seeks to change this tradition by repurposing priority parking spots for expectant mothers, families with small children, and/or time-limited parking. I think any of these would be a better use for priority parking spots, especially since there are very few General Officers/CSMs/CW5s shopping at the Commissary. Most of the time, these reserved spots sit empty while the rest of the population has to park further away. There are lots of pregnant spouses (and service members), as well as families with small children that could benefit from having closer parking. Additionally, these spots could be designated "10 Minute Parking Only", for people who only need a few things or just want to grab some lunch to go.

I know this isn't a hot topic by any means, but I had to write about something I saw that needed to be changed. This seemed as good as any.

Please take the time to vote on my survey and leave any constructive comments below. I will use the results in the development of my paper.

*Note: This is in no way intended to be disrespectful to anyone. It is merely an observation that contributed to a college assignment.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2015 7:33 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 19:33:53 -0500

I have seen all these parking spots except the 10 minute one and the small children one. Ft Stewarts PX has the mother's expecting and all the other ones you mentioned. But here on FT Gordon they just 're did the parking lot and I have not looked for the GO/commanding general, CSM, CW5 ect ect but we not have low emmisions parking now. I am voting to keep tradition because in have already seen the other stuff I have already mentioned. I hope this helps out.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Nov 8 at 2015 8:05 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 20:05:51 -0500

I think parking should be equal. First come first serve. There are not dedicated checkout lines for general officers or senior listed so why should they have special parking?

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Nov 8 at 2015 9:03 PM

LTC Kevin B. — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 21:03:36 -0500

I agree that those spots could be put to better use. They are almost always unused anyways. The old "rank has its privileges" mindset has mostly been shelved, and I think that's a good thing. Other people deserve them more (expectant mothers, families with small children, elderly retirees, etc.).

Response by LTC Chad Uhl made Nov 8 at 2015 9:34 PM

LTC Chad Uhl — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 21:34:20 -0500

Your initial title should be changed to reflect less of your personal bias. It is not officer parking when it's reserved for CSMs or SGMs

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2015 9:42 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 21:42:06 -0500

Are we really begrudging our most senior military members a parking spot? We serve in the military where a hierarchical structure exists. We honor and defer to those who have served with distinction. This is one of the most basic tenets that separates those of us who serve in the military from the rest of the population. If anyone does not like this, they can feel free to depart the military and seek employment elsewhere where all are considered equal. However, I doubt you will find it. I'm pretty sure the CEO of Microsoft probably has an assigned parking space after all…..

Response by CSM Carl Cunningham made Nov 9 at 2015 12:09 AM

CSM Carl Cunningham — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 00:09:10 -0500

SPC Benjamin Smith , I do not usually down vote but I always ensure I comment when I do. I see your point of view but I totally disagree with it. I am not sure how many duty stations you have had, but I have been stationed at Fort Huachuca more times then I would like. I hope you are not basing this argument off one of the smallest installations in the Army with one of the smallest PX's and Commissaries as well.

I think the "repurposing" of parking spots is not a necessary thing. Most installations in the Army already have parking spots for expectant mothers and families with small children. I have not seen the time-limited parking, but you and I both know that it would be abused and is un-enforcable. Now, back to the other spots. So, expectant mother and small children spots have only been around in the past 8-10 years maybe. I did not (nor did my wife) have these luxuries when we were your rank in the Army. We also did not expect it. We understood that you do receive some privileges as your progress in rank. We respected those ranks because we knew how valuable their time was because of their role on the installation. Now that I have one of those ranks, I do not have the luxury of time that I thought I would. That parking spot allows me to zip in to the PX or Commissary for something I may need on short notice. And since you know how busy that area gets during lunch time on Fort Huachuca, I would not have the time to search for a parking spot that is not there in the middle of the lunch rush.

To address the "families with small children" parking spot. This one always makes me laugh. I do not see the point in this one honestly. This almost makes it sound like having small children is a disability. People had raised children for years in the Army without these parking spot and I do not think getting spot four spots closer to the door would make a big difference.

If you wanted to make a big change, I recommend that they change the parking lot back to the old format. You actually could park closer until September 11th. Now that Huachuca is a closed post (it used to be an open post), I think you can go back to parking close to it.

*I did not take your post as disrepect either. I look forward to your response.

Response by LCpl Steven Fiore made Nov 9 at 2015 4:26 AM

LCpl Steven Fiore — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 04:26:57 -0500

Small perk for a lifetime of work. I really think they should be kept.

Response by CSM David Heidke made Nov 9 at 2015 10:09 AM

CSM David Heidke — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 10:09:57 -0500

If I had a dollar for every E4 who complained that I got a parking spot close to the door, I'd be rich. When I was a young enlisted lad, I just dreamed of the time I could work my way up to get certain perks instead of trying to remove them from those who have earned them.

Response by SSG Todd Halverson made Nov 9 at 2015 12:10 PM

SSG Todd Halverson — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 12:10:05 -0500

Just because they are higher ranking, I do not feel that they should have special privileges. They are Soldiers like everyone else and all should be treated fairly and with the same respect. Save the special parking spots for those who truly need them. If they don't want to walk that far to the door, have their driver drop them off in front.....lol

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2015 12:12 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 12:12:03 -0500

On the civilian side, I returned to my car and someone called to me. He said before you go look your car over. The lady parked next to you hit it as she parked. There was significant damage so I waited for the lady to return. She was in an expectant mother's parking place.

She denied hitting my car until I told her I had a witness.

BUT, the real irony, she had to have been at least 85 years old and certainly NOT pregnant nor a new mother.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2015 12:23 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 12:23:06 -0500

I think PX and commissary lots should have spaces only for disabled, and expectant mothers. I would go along with having parking for the CO, XO command sergeant major and general officers at unit facilities where disabled don't frequent, (although keep a couple spaces for them, of course, for disabled civilians who work or need to visit)

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2015 7:35 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 19:35:37 -0500

I've looked through the comments and can tell that most people don't see a problem with keeping the tradition. As you mentioned, the military is hierarchical. There does seem to be some negative reactions to the suggestion of changing it. Perhaps that could be a talking point in your paper? My teachers have always stressed providing content on the opposite side of the argument. Especially when writing persuasively or analytically.

Response by SPC Benjamin Smith made Nov 10 at 2015 9:09 PM

SPC Benjamin Smith — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 21:09:35 -0500

I found this relevant discussion, if anyone is interested.

How many parking spots should the commissary allocate to higher ranking Officers? | RallyPoint

I have a question that has being burning on my head for a while. While walking in to the commissary at JBAB there is six parking spots for Colonels (06), six for Generals, two for E9, one for Gold star family member but a whooping zero for expecting mothers or mothers with small children.My question being the following. Is there ever a time in where twelve higher ranking officers are doing their grocery shopping at the same time? Is this an...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2015 10:09 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 22:09:55 -0500

I would limit it to Post Commander and CSM. The rest for handicapped and expectant moms.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2015 10:13 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 22:13:31 -0500

Hey, SPC Benjamin Smith, don't take away my (one and only) CW5 parking spot at the Fort Meade commissary! Many CW5s use it. I see it as a perk. I would actually be okay with the spot going away, but I do see it as a kind of reward for someone who has reached the top of the warrant officer, enlisted, and officer ranks.

Response by SrA David Steyer made Nov 10 at 2015 10:17 PM

SrA David Steyer — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 22:17:31 -0500

I think it should be base specific. If they are used, keep them. If they are being NOT used, then re-purpose them. I have heard some bases go way overboard though.

It's really not that big of a deal to me. I rarely shopped at the exchange, and the commissary I did a lot. In fact, I always try and park away from the entrance if possible. If it is easy to park closer, sure I will park as close as I can. If it is not going to happen, no loss even though it may suck in the rain or other weather.

On the of parking spots: I do think that volunteer parking spots at clinic or hospitals on base should be re-purposed at some places possibly if they exist. My last base, there where at least ten or more for this purpose and they were seldom to never used. Plus I don't think there were THAT many volunteers were helping out at one time. Even though I think it should be changed, it really never bothered me that much to say something. If you were to change them, re-purpose them to either regular parking or for spots for award winners. My first base, I don't think they had any volunteer parking spots at all at the clinic!

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Nov 10 at 2015 10:42 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 22:42:52 -0500

Yes, but I would not personally use a BX spot. Designating it as a 10 minute spot would not work, too many potential disputes....
At units, yes there should be some designated spots, the Commander could make those calls, especially at a large base, where "bosses" are in and out to go deal with issues....becomes a matter of efficiency.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2015 3:09 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 03:09:02 -0500

I think your suggestion is a great idea. From experience in working/speaking with them, I don't think most high-ranking personnel necessarily care. I would imagine they would prefer there be more spots for physically handicapped and don't really see their rank as something needing privilege or special treatment at a shopping center.

I have a friend who is a JAG enlisted and she likes to joke about hypothetical situations from a legal point of view. She once told me that only the spots requiring handicapped placards are the only ones that can be enforced on paper, and that no MP could fairly issue a ticket for parking in the CW5/COL spots. But I'm quoting the army bible when I say "Do what your rank can handle." and "No, thank you."

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2015 8:28 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 08:28:00 -0500

Agreed. It is entirely absurd that they block off 25% percent of the parking lot for a select few. Folks are then left driving around trying to find a spot while several spots are left wide open for these VIP's. I am sure SgtMaj will be ok walking an extra 50 yards to the PX.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Nov 12 at 2015 6:29 PM

MSgt James Mullis — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 18:29:42 -0500

It's the Military and rank does and should have its privileges. FYI: It does in the Civilian world as well. Go to any business or government office complex and you'll find executive parking lots or reserved parking spaces.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 12 at 2015 6:52 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 18:52:46 -0500

They are military royalty.

Response by Sgt Spencer Sikder made Nov 13 at 2015 2:59 AM

Sgt Spencer Sikder — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 02:59:26 -0500

A parking spot at the job maybe. One perspective is that having a reserved spot provides anyone out there wanting to do harm to easily identify his/her target. Our VA leadership used to have reserved spots. Then we got a new Director (a retired 0-6) and she did away with them. It became talk of the facility for a minute. But it did demonstrate to subordinate staff that she felt herself to be part of the "team." If the CEO/COO/CFO are using their POVs throughout the day going to various job related functions, then a reserved spot maybe necessary. If they have a company car once they get to the job, then the company car should have an assigned spot.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2015 11:53 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 11:53:20 -0500

I'm not opposed to the special parking spots, but I think the numbers should be reexamined. At DM we have 1 General Officer, and he has a reserved parking spot at the commissary. But there are 2 more spots reserved for General Officers. It doesn't make sense to have more spots than people allowed to use them.

Response by Col Kyle Taylor made Nov 27 at 2015 5:58 PM

Col Kyle Taylor — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 17:58:40 -0500

I think your survey would be better served by giving a list to chose from that would replace the reserved spots. I would suggest Purple Heart recipients have a spot as well as gold star families.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Dec 31 at 2017 5:46 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Sun, 31 Dec 2017 17:46:45 -0500

I am from the school of those senior officers earned that parking spot. While I understand your thinking, I do not agree with it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2018 5:44 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 05:44:15 -0500

I agree with you 100%.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Feb 15 at 2018 10:38 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 10:38:53 -0500

You do know that many Post's and civilian locations have "expectant mothers", "purple heart" recipients as well as the normal handicapped parking spaces.

Response by MSG Charles Turner made Feb 15 at 2018 11:00 AM

MSG Charles Turner — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 11:00:54 -0500

I guess I am wondering what the motivation is behind this question. I am not one of the Persons affected so... I think any response to take them away is potentially for other than the reason the parking was reserved. RESPECT .. they have earned it. On the other hand, why would / should we TAKE AWAY THAT ' R E S P E C T" to give it to someone else... Do they DESERVE IT MORE? Not Many Answers That would motivate me to DISRESPECT THOSE THAT HAVE GIVEN SO MUCH AND EARNED EVERY BIT OF THEIR RECOGNITION!

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2018 11:40 AM

Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 11:40:32 -0500

Here at Ft. Hood the PX has like 30 spots reserved, I think that is a little much maybe like 10-15 should be kept and re purpose the others.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2018 3:29 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:29:47 -0400

My BN Commanders always asked my why I got a parking spot at different locations on post and they only got one at the BN Headquarters. Fast forward to theater and the LTC is plus one to a CSM traveling on MIl air.
Most of the time it’s the Soldiers that don’t have a reserved spot that complain about it. Personally I haven’t parked in one for over 5 years. Most of the time they are filled by retired SGM/CSMs. There is a 3 stars spouse on the base that parks in her husbands spot at the PX but that is a totally different thread.

Response by SN Jay Perry made Sep 12 at 2018 8:37 AM

SN Jay Perry — Wed, 12 Sep 2018 08:37:18 -0400

Having been on more than a few bases in nearly 40 years as a dependent and active-duty I can tell you that those spaces are useful for the people who have them so they don't have to wait ninety-nine times out of a hundred if the CSM ends up in the PX he's there on a 2-second fly by on his way from another 15 hour day

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2019 8:18 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Jan 2019 08:18:15 -0500

Just a small comment - I have never seen a spot reserved for CW5's. However, all the CW5's I've worked with could probably care less.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Apr 29 at 2020 2:26 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 14:26:52 -0400

The reason I've always been given for these reserved spots is that they make it possible for these senior individuals to get in and out of the facilities quickly. Made sense when I was on active duty and still makes sense to me. Yes I know we are all busy but we don't all have the responsibilities of the individuals who warrant the reserved spots.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2020 2:54 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 14:54:57 -0400

Could those spots be repurposed? Absolutely....but let’s let our senior men and women have something. Rank has it’s privileges but rank also has its problems.

Response by CSM Mario Stadler made Jan 10 at 2022 4:17 AM

CSM Mario Stadler — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 04:17:04 -0500