Do Retirees Really “Deserve” Access to AAFES Stores More Than Non-Retirees?

I understand your issues, but you also need to accept the fact that staying for 20 years incurs more hardships and has the potential for more sacrifice then the time you put it in. Therefore don't complain if you did not invest the time or limb (100% rating).

Under the new system, whats going to happen to those that stay in long enough to get their matching. Do they get a reitee ID card? I assume they still have to stay in long enough to qualify for their reduced fixed retirement pay. (Unless of course they stay in the Reserves) I think one reason they should wait until 20 to get these privilages is that its an incentive to stay in the Reserves or Guard. However, online shopping, I believe is now or soon to be open to all veterans.

Why would aafes say no to money? This it's kind of ridiculous to be honest.

As much as I would like to shop aafes, if they opened it up to pretty much anyone the served, then they would not be able to sustain the deals for those retires or currently enlisted.

Young man, My husband did 10 years as active Navy and 5 years in Iraq and Afgan combined as a supporting civilian worker, (balloon set up and operation on 6 or more bases. You should know what balloon I mean). We don't get exchange privileges either and that was always understood. Changes may be made after 2018 when the new retirement policy goes into effect, but I think you are making way too much of a 6 year hitch.

I did 5 1/2 myself. Never expected base access and exchange privileges after I left. Questioning why you are?

I have no problem with a retiree who dedicated most of their adult life to serving in uniform having access to AAFES. As service members, veterans and retirees, everyone has given a little something beyond the average citizen, and the different "levels" (for lack of a better word) of special benefits each group can enjoy, for the most part, is a fair reflection of the level of service and sacrifice.

I left Active Duty after 3 years; in 16 months I will be out of the Reserves. 8 years total, that's it. Should every benefit I have access to from now until the end of time equal that of every other service member, veteran and/or retiree? I think not.

No you do not. And if you think serving seven months in a compat zone qualifies you for AAFES, then you need to rethink why you joined in the first palce. Oh and thank your parents for making sure you got every thing you ever wanted and making you think you deserve stuff. Well news flash you don't deserve anything.

This is disturbingly ignorant. Nothing else needs to be said.

I see many others have left their point of view on this but I still feel compelled to leave mine. To the OP (original poster), how can you justify that your 7 months in Camp Taji and rolling out of the wire "10 times" allows you access to those priceless reserved for those who retire after 20+ years or are medically retired? Your arguement is absolutely asinine. Then you say you got a 30% rating for hurting your shoulder because you had to wear your kit? You should be grateful that someone at the VA was nice enough to give you that! Everyone who deploys has to wear their kit. Why are you now entitled? We all rolled out of the wire 100's of times. You know what I got. A kick in the ass to hurry up and get ready for the next mission. I know you will probably just toss those opposed to your point of view to the side but you need to really assess where you are in life. To bitch and moan because you hurt your shoulder is just being a cry baby. I hurt my shoulder too. Had two reconstruction surgeries and kept on trucking. I can't hear worth crap, have PTSD and TBI and guess what? The Army will get me on the backend and will only cover me for what is deemed worthy. Hell, my your logic, with all my life altering injuries, I should freakin' own AAFES. In the end, grow up and be happy you served honorably instead of griping that you can't use the PX. Or just have a buddy take you in like everyone else does that doesn't have benefits.

Hahahahaha! Is this a serious question?! I only did 4 years Active, and spent almost three times the amount down range that you did. Do you hear me crying for AAFES access? Or for any other special treatment? No. You are extremely insulting to everyone in uniform, not just the AF. Why don't you go spend some time with those retirees you so cruelly insulted? I think you'd get swift lesson in what it means to "serve a little bit longer."