Posted on Feb 15, 2015
Are there any real benefits to using PXs and BXs in today's military? If so, what? If not, why?
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I remember back in the 60s and 70s that there were real savings when using a PX or BX on military Posts/Bases. I don't see that any more when I visit them, is this just me or are there others who feel the way? Why is this happening?
Posted in these groups: 
PX/BX
Military Discounts
PX/BX Military Discounts
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 24
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MAJ David Vermillion.... I remember it was great shopping in the PX or BX because the savings and quality of the merchandise along without tax, but it is still good shopping at the PX or BX because saving on taxes. If you see the exact same item in the private sector which is lower than the PX or BX price, you can match prices as long as you have a flyer to back it up the PX or BX is good for bringing down the price to out sell their competition. My wife and I shop at the Post Exchange (PX), Base Exchange (BX), and Navy Exchange (NEX) in our area, we know some of the monies supports the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) which is a worthy cause for the Military Community.
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MAJ David Vermillion
A great comment, I had forgotten about the return money for morale purposes. Thank you.
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MSG Floyd Williams
We bring relatives and friends with us as guest to shop on base, it is a privilege others wish they can have.
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I stopped shopping at the PX and commissary about 10 years ago.
SSgt Alexander Ingram hit the problems with the PX/BX/NEX AAFES whatever. The tax break isn't worth the price of the product. The only advantage I see is possibly to personnel stationed overseas (Hawaii is expensive as is Europe).
The commissary is another "resource" that takes a big chunk of our budget. In the long run I guess a married PFC/E-3 with two kids that lived on post would benefit from the commissary but, the quality of food not to mention service is pathetic. You can get better cuts of steak from Walmart.
As far as I am concerned the military could scrap both those programs and take the money to use for a real increase in service members pay.
SSgt Alexander Ingram hit the problems with the PX/BX/NEX AAFES whatever. The tax break isn't worth the price of the product. The only advantage I see is possibly to personnel stationed overseas (Hawaii is expensive as is Europe).
The commissary is another "resource" that takes a big chunk of our budget. In the long run I guess a married PFC/E-3 with two kids that lived on post would benefit from the commissary but, the quality of food not to mention service is pathetic. You can get better cuts of steak from Walmart.
As far as I am concerned the military could scrap both those programs and take the money to use for a real increase in service members pay.
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CSM (Join to see)
SPC(P) Lisa Carlisle
Good point! It also benefits the single Soldiers that live in the barracks that do not have a car, or families that only have one car.
If the military put effort into AAFES it can be very rewarding for service members and families. I just left Fort Bliss a couple months ago and that post has the best exchange in the entire military hands down.
There is a Buffalo Wild Wings, a Smashburger, an Irish Pub, a Texas Roadhouse, a Dairy Queen, an Under Armour store, all the usual food court fast food and a 12 screen movie theater with an awesome concession stand. Now that is what service members and families deserve on every installation.
Good point! It also benefits the single Soldiers that live in the barracks that do not have a car, or families that only have one car.
If the military put effort into AAFES it can be very rewarding for service members and families. I just left Fort Bliss a couple months ago and that post has the best exchange in the entire military hands down.
There is a Buffalo Wild Wings, a Smashburger, an Irish Pub, a Texas Roadhouse, a Dairy Queen, an Under Armour store, all the usual food court fast food and a 12 screen movie theater with an awesome concession stand. Now that is what service members and families deserve on every installation.
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SFC (Join to see)
CSM (Join to see), if we allow restaurants on post like Buffalo Wild Wings and Burger King then there’s no reason why we couldn’t allow a super market chain to open on post. In my area Market Basket has the best prices. They should do away with the commissaries and privatize. The civilian sector seems to get it right.
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I don't see much savings on price. The savings on tax is more than offset by the cost to get to the PX with fuel costs. Even without fuel cost as a consideration and no tax, it is hard to beat some stores like Walmart or BestBuy on large electronics.
Now Class 6 is another story. Worth the drive!
Now Class 6 is another story. Worth the drive!
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