Posted on Jun 10, 2020
When you're issued gear for deployment, does that mean you got it "free"?
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So, a little background. I was medically retired after over 20 years about 5 years ago. During that time I deployed and was issued the standard gear, so by the end I had several TuffBoxes full of gear, which I am now cleaning out. I posted a pair of brand new Revision Sawfly glasses (I prefer Oakleys). The pic shows the offer I got from someone. Not sure if I'm overreacting, but when I saw the comment about "when your issues then (sic) free" it really pissed me off. I mean, yes they were issued, but free? I earned them by joining the Army, deploying, giving up time with my family, etc. To me, that's hardly "free". I think the price I paid was pretty high, and this just dismisses the sacrifices that military members make, and the price they pay for the "perks" they get. Or maybe I'm reading too much into it. What do y'all think?
Civilians
Gear
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 6
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Yes I do believe you are over reacting. This is all part of the haggling process. Price things how you feel they should be priced but don’t get offended because they are trying to walk down the price. That’s not an insult to your service, it’s just part of the game.
Also, scoring consumables from supply is just a cool perk and they are free. Nobody joins the military for it and I wouldn’t consider them being bought in blood, sweat and tears.
Also, scoring consumables from supply is just a cool perk and they are free. Nobody joins the military for it and I wouldn’t consider them being bought in blood, sweat and tears.
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Reading too much into it, assuming that you did not post these for sale online along with your backstory in the military and the precipitating events that led to a medical retirement.
Truth be told, when you are issued something that you do not have to turn in to clear, it does start off as "free". Some folks end up paying a high price, some get out after three years with nothing more than an increased propensity to intersperse profanity and a superhuman tolerance to alcohol and/or Rip-Its.
Most civilians who only know one or two vets are more likely to know the latter rather than the former.
Truth be told, when you are issued something that you do not have to turn in to clear, it does start off as "free". Some folks end up paying a high price, some get out after three years with nothing more than an increased propensity to intersperse profanity and a superhuman tolerance to alcohol and/or Rip-Its.
Most civilians who only know one or two vets are more likely to know the latter rather than the former.
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SFC Bryan Stetzer
SGM, point taken. I guess I wasn't so much thinking of my individual story, but more a general perception on the part of civilians. It seems like they really have no understanding whatsoever about what military service, in general, entails for the servicemember. This just struck me as symptomatic of that.
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Its issued to you and goes on your clothing record. 90% of it you return following the completion of said tour. so no, its not technically free
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SFC Bryan Stetzer
This is true, but we all know there is gear that is not recoverable, or that falls off your CIF record, was purchased with GWOT money and never on a hand receipt, etc.
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SFC Michael D.
When we got to Desert Storm all Helicopter crews were issued glassed the were supposed to protect your eye from laser and what ever they used to target you. Never signed for them and I still have them. Agree, not totally free.
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