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 didnt ask for my separation and wanted to stay in. I had to accept that I would never be able to walk normal again and live with pain (going on 24 years now).It took me 19 years to finally get disability, docs all say they are surprised I can even walk with my injuries, I have had my Retired Id now since 2010 and have yet to go on any base to shop. I will have to say No to your Question.
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There's plenty of opinions as to who is and should be entitled to the spectrum of benefits enjoyed by Servicemembers,retirees, and (combat) veterans. Bottom line, "fair" is not in the calculus. It's a business decision and they are incentives just like the ones offered at reenlistment time. One of the incentives for staying in until retirement is PX and Commissary privileges. It's their toys (incentives) they have the prerogative to decide who and when gets to play with them.
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I think is one of the benefits from retiring from the military. Just common sense.
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I think there could be room for discussion on disabled veterans being granted access who are disabled 30% or more. I believe currently, 100% disabled veterans have access without regard to retired status. Some of the other statements made have been appropriately addressed by other members.
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I would have to say that, based on your story, yes. I did not vote as I do not feel that all non retirees deserve this privilege. I believe that if you were medically or administratively (depending on why) separated or retired, then, on a case by case basis, since there are no guidelines for this, privileges should/could be granted. For those who do a tour or two and get out for "something better", and they don't fit the "reasons", then no. This privilege should not be extended to them as it really is clear that it is a benefit for those who actually retire. I voted "Yes" in your survey, only because my answer, as described above, was not a selection.
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SSgt Alex Robinson
If you retired, then yes... It is a right and a benefit of military retirement in my opinion.
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Remember that "retirement pay" isn't a pension; it's a retainer against possible future service.
And I know some high-speed low-drag AFSOC types who had more time on the MC-130 Combat Talon's Porta-John with people shooting at them than you did at FOB Taji.
And I know some high-speed low-drag AFSOC types who had more time on the MC-130 Combat Talon's Porta-John with people shooting at them than you did at FOB Taji.
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