Posted on Apr 2, 2015
Do Retirees Really “Deserve” Access to AAFES Stores More Than Non-Retirees?
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* Please vote in the survey here *
Note: I am a RallyPoint member (served in USAF for 5 years) and wish to remain anonymous, because I need to be 100% honest that I feel the DoD is discriminating against non-retirees like me. Please tell if I am right or wrong here.
While I was serving in the USAF (5 years active), I enjoyed shopping at AAFES locations and online as well. It saved me a lot of money and the deals always seemed good. Now that I am a civilian, and did not hit retirement before I got out, and am not rated 100%, I can’t shop at AAFES anymore. I think that’s flat out wrong. I put in my time as much as anyone.
I know there are going to be RallyPoint members who respond with, “You only did 6 years, and you knew AAFES rules full well.” Well, here is what I say to that.
I did a 7-month tour in Iraq at FOB Taji. Easily left the wire more than 10 times. I hurt my shoulder due to wearing my kit a lot (30% rated). I did as much as most retirees, including retired grunts. I deserve AAFES access as much as any retiree. I respect that retirees served a little bit longer, but I did 7 months in Iraq.
Am I justified in thinking I should get full AAFES access?
Please vote in the survey below. Thank you.
Note: I am a RallyPoint member (served in USAF for 5 years) and wish to remain anonymous, because I need to be 100% honest that I feel the DoD is discriminating against non-retirees like me. Please tell if I am right or wrong here.
While I was serving in the USAF (5 years active), I enjoyed shopping at AAFES locations and online as well. It saved me a lot of money and the deals always seemed good. Now that I am a civilian, and did not hit retirement before I got out, and am not rated 100%, I can’t shop at AAFES anymore. I think that’s flat out wrong. I put in my time as much as anyone.
I know there are going to be RallyPoint members who respond with, “You only did 6 years, and you knew AAFES rules full well.” Well, here is what I say to that.
I did a 7-month tour in Iraq at FOB Taji. Easily left the wire more than 10 times. I hurt my shoulder due to wearing my kit a lot (30% rated). I did as much as most retirees, including retired grunts. I deserve AAFES access as much as any retiree. I respect that retirees served a little bit longer, but I did 7 months in Iraq.
Am I justified in thinking I should get full AAFES access?
Please vote in the survey below. Thank you.
Posted in these groups: 
Benefits
Benefits
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 625
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Access requirements have always been a person with valid military identification card.
I respect and honor your service. But, I know of people who have served 17 years and then been discharged to to medical reasons. And they do not have access.
You simply did not fulfill the requirements to uses AAFES after separation. I am not even sure how you would get onto the military facility.
I respect and honor your service. But, I know of people who have served 17 years and then been discharged to to medical reasons. And they do not have access.
You simply did not fulfill the requirements to uses AAFES after separation. I am not even sure how you would get onto the military facility.
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It seems to me that AAFES needs all the customers it can get. I was not aware of these restrictions. This seems self-defeating to AAFES and to all military veterans.
Have you pursued any congressional support?
Have you pursued any congressional support?
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SSgt Troy Allen
MSgt Steve Miller - You couldn't be more wrong. Each Exchange remains open because each year it contributes positive earnings which fund MWR programs. An Exchange that could not generate positive earnngs over a couple of years would close. If the entire Exchange program failed to maintain positive earrnings, the program would end.
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Bubba, I have more time in the Latrine than you've listed for time in Iraq. You deployed. ONCE! For seven months. OK. How about the thousands of Veterans who have deployed 2, 3, 5, 8+ times? Do you honestly expect me to believe you have done "just as much as those other guys"? Lookie here, you served. That's more than 97% of today's population can say. Be proud of your service but stop whining about insignificant matters. Besides, from my observations, Wal-Mart and Kmart have better prices anyway.
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MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P
Valid point. However, since the OP is not in an "authorized use" category, I'm not sure that is a factor. Maybe it is. Maybe the intent was to have the whole base opened up to him just like he was still on active duty.
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Seriously? Please tell me this is a joke. Berghdal spent more time outside the wire than this joker lol.
I'm more interested in how he got 30% for the time he actually wore his gear
I'm more interested in how he got 30% for the time he actually wore his gear
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Ok so first mad props to those that stayed in and retired (even if they never served in war). With 6 years in and my time over the pond I sometimes feel a little disappointed on the fact that I can't stop by the local AAFES. Even those that never left the FOB (fobbits) did more than most of those afraid to ever enlist in any branch. Do I think everyone that has joined up should deserve all the military benefits, nope. But to get things at a cheaper price as a war vet would be nice.
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I would like to see any veteran status should have access, AAFES needs all the customers it can get and the strong sales will mean more money for soldier programs.
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As much as I appreciate your service, any time is better than most of the people in the United states, but the rules are what they are and there for a reason. The BX/PX or Commissary is a privilege, not a right. An earned privilege after a lifelong commitment to the military...although it is not why we serve but it is nice. I do find it a little insulting that you compare your one deployment to those who have had a career of deploying and maybe were injured. One deployment does not a career Airman make. Yes you are a veteran in the sense you served and honorably I assume. The retirees or 100% disabled veterans etc have earned that privilege as they have given their entire adult life to the cause. If we allowed every privilege for those who just served an initial enlistment, there wouldn't be any "bennies" for those who stayed the course. I encourage you to read the Army reg for AAFES operations at http://www.apd.army.mil/jw2/xmldemo/r215_8/main.asp. it explains the entire operations of AAFES.
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I'm a Marine that didn't retire and the son of an Army SFC, who did retire. The original concept of retirement was a reward for those suffering through 20 years. I don't feel the policy should require changing simply due to the younger generation feeling "owed".
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SSgt Troy Allen
The issue is more practical than feeling "owed". As drawdowns continue and the customer base dwindles, there's a real threat your precious AAFES 'benefit' will go away. That's why there is an effort to authorize access to shopmyexchange.com for honorably discharged veterans.
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