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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I can't agree with everything you are saying, but the ultimate point that is being made I do. If you served and separated under good terms, I absolutely think you should have access to AAFES.
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I am a retiree, but I think that if you have served your country honorably (no matter how long) - you should at least have that little benefit of serving.
The government should give every man and woman who served honorably an ID indicating they are a veteran upon departure from service - it shouldn't be a reward just for staying in for 20 or more years.
The little benefit of the exchanges and commissaries - should be a benefit to all who have served in the military. WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, etc.. - those men and woman who made it through alive but didn't stay in to retire should have been given the benefit.
To me this feels like what the senate and congress do to the military benefits after conflicts fade in memory. They have made veterans who got out before retirement look like lower class individuals and have treated them like society treats our homeless citizens and homeless veterans.
Anyone in my eyes who served in the military deserves the respect and honor of this nation - and a little benefit like access to exchanges and commissaries is a very small thing to ask.
The government should give every man and woman who served honorably an ID indicating they are a veteran upon departure from service - it shouldn't be a reward just for staying in for 20 or more years.
The little benefit of the exchanges and commissaries - should be a benefit to all who have served in the military. WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, etc.. - those men and woman who made it through alive but didn't stay in to retire should have been given the benefit.
To me this feels like what the senate and congress do to the military benefits after conflicts fade in memory. They have made veterans who got out before retirement look like lower class individuals and have treated them like society treats our homeless citizens and homeless veterans.
Anyone in my eyes who served in the military deserves the respect and honor of this nation - and a little benefit like access to exchanges and commissaries is a very small thing to ask.
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If I were in charge I'd close every commissary and exchange.
Right now they are nothing but malls for retirees. Shoe polish, rank insignia and field uniform accessories should be the the only things sold.
Well, maybe beer :-)
We just don't need them today.
Right now they are nothing but malls for retirees. Shoe polish, rank insignia and field uniform accessories should be the the only things sold.
Well, maybe beer :-)
We just don't need them today.
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SFC Rollie Hubbard
I earned the right to use these facilities for honorable service for 21 yrs and they should not be closed just to sell military uniforms and other items that go with that OH hell I forgot you want it to sell only beer to.
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About the only I found the PX to be competitive on was health & beauty aids. Otherwise shopping for sales off-post seemed to work best for me. My experience may be different, I served 1988-1996 and was single the entire time, perhaps if I were married or had children it might have been more of a benefit.
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So think once you sign that line and serve honorably. I was medically discharged. I served 8 years or I'd still be in.
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Not sure how to vote on this. When I was active duty I had the opinion that anyone who served honorably should at least have exchange privileges, especially since a portion of the money raised by AAFES is turned back into MWR. However, I knew full well when I separated before I retired I would lose that privilege.
That being said, even 22 years ago it was getting to where the exchange didn't really offer anything savings wise that a little shopping around wouldn't also return. The only real advantage I saw my last few months in was the delayed payment plan (DPP). Not sure if that still exist, but so what. Most retail outlets are offering the same thing now, so long story short there doesn't seem to be that much advantage to the exchange for those state side.
Would I like to have exchange/limited base privileges? Yes, but it's more for an excuse to go back on a military installation and to a world that I loved than it is to shop at the exchange.
That being said, even 22 years ago it was getting to where the exchange didn't really offer anything savings wise that a little shopping around wouldn't also return. The only real advantage I saw my last few months in was the delayed payment plan (DPP). Not sure if that still exist, but so what. Most retail outlets are offering the same thing now, so long story short there doesn't seem to be that much advantage to the exchange for those state side.
Would I like to have exchange/limited base privileges? Yes, but it's more for an excuse to go back on a military installation and to a world that I loved than it is to shop at the exchange.
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SSgt Robert Clark
After reading the question, and several of the post's I would like to make it clear that I in no shape, form or fashion thing I did more than anyone else or that I deserve anything by the mere fact that I am a vet. I just think it would be nice if the benefit is offered, but it's not something I am loosing sleep over wondering why I am not being treated the same as AD or retired. I know, understand and agree with the rules as they are written.
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I did my 8 years with 2 deployments that added up to a total of 90 days. When I left Military service, I had limited access to AFFES. I now have 2 sons active duty and visit base more often, so yes I think I deserve access to AFFES facilities. I left the 101st Abn Div with a 50% disability rating, which has been reduced to 30%. I do use my benefits regularly.
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