Posted on Apr 2, 2015
Do Retirees Really “Deserve” Access to AAFES Stores More Than Non-Retirees?
363K
5.45K
1.25K
64
-44
108
* 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 >1 y ago
Responses: 625
0
0
0
The non retirees should be able to utilize aafes and other base amenities for a short period, just like the VA now I only have 5 years of medical services to non related to my rating. Long enough for me to establish myself and have a secure job as well as having health care insurance by then.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
Hmmm. Retired grunts huh?
I've been in the Army for almost 14years. Deployed 4 times. Will probably deploy again. I left the wire over 10 times in a week my first deployment, wore my IOTV more times than I can count.
There's soldiers and marines out there that have done more than me.. You honestly think you did as much as us? I don't think so. I think you need to get over yourself and accept that a retiree has done a minimum of 13 more years than you.
I've been in the Army for almost 14years. Deployed 4 times. Will probably deploy again. I left the wire over 10 times in a week my first deployment, wore my IOTV more times than I can count.
There's soldiers and marines out there that have done more than me.. You honestly think you did as much as us? I don't think so. I think you need to get over yourself and accept that a retiree has done a minimum of 13 more years than you.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
Well, lets look at the sad state of affairs with the trend of this posting. With more urgent issues on what is going on in the world today and this non important topic is on top. We should be more situational aware, in the end any of us can and will be send to quell all these issues. We should all move on, and talk about how to keep US safe, and defend our constitution who seems to be trampled a lot lately.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
Personally I don't shop at AAFES unless I have to, DeCA I am there every day. Now as much as I think AAFES and DeCA would get more $$$ if we allowed veterans to shop there that are non-retired however the initial way this member comes off is wrong, and greedy IMO. SMSgt Stephanie McGirr said it best.
This response may get me down voted: But I want to get it off my chest. If you to shop at AAFES that badly, how about you get a job there? Or you can join the AFR. Believe it or not in the AF Reserves there are people who are 30-50% rated but it all depends on your AFSC and if your unit is accepting, however you won't get any compensation for the days you drill.
This response may get me down voted: But I want to get it off my chest. If you to shop at AAFES that badly, how about you get a job there? Or you can join the AFR. Believe it or not in the AF Reserves there are people who are 30-50% rated but it all depends on your AFSC and if your unit is accepting, however you won't get any compensation for the days you drill.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
The fact is for aafes to continue operating it needs to open its doors too non-retires. Walmart has comparable prices and at times is flat out cheaper. The reason walmart is cheaper is due to their broad market base which allows them to purchase their goods at a cheaper rate. For aafes to be competative they need to broaden their consumer base and lower their prices to encourage shoppers. Otherwise it will be one more benefit that will be lost for all.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
There is a post right below yours titled "What is the funniest thing you've heard a civilian say about the Military". I think that this is where your post should have been placed.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
I understand your point but truth be told you are way off with you comments in the 4th paragraph. I too am a non-retired veteran and I work on post (stateside) and yes there are times it would be nice to be able to run into a shopette or exchange to get something quick but the rules are the rules.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
I think that it's absurd to try to justify one persons service over someone else's. To say that wearing a kit injured you should gives me pause to wonder. However of all the things offered veterans and retirees I find it hard to believe that AAFES access is even being discussed. Especially when we consider that at various overseas installations retirees cannot use AAFES or DECA.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
For whatever reason I couldn't post a response after I down-voted 1LT Rachel Bryant. LT, according to every instruction that I've found you are misinformed about who can shop in AAFES and the Navy/Marine Corps Exchange. Here is just a small example of what my research revealed; http://www.aafes.com/Images/Community/AREA/tg1003.pdf
Yes some veterans are entitled to shop at AAFES on-line but that is through a program with the VA Canteen, and those veterans need to have a certain disability rating (30% I believe but I could be wrong) before they are eligible to use it.
Please note that I'm not down voting you to be a jerk.
Yes some veterans are entitled to shop at AAFES on-line but that is through a program with the VA Canteen, and those veterans need to have a certain disability rating (30% I believe but I could be wrong) before they are eligible to use it.
Please note that I'm not down voting you to be a jerk.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
You knew the deal before you got out. Unless you served 20 years or more or got medically retired you know full well what your "entitlements" are.
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google