Should all veterans have access to the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) and Navy Exchange?

2014-10-31T07:35:09-04:00

There has been much discussion in recent years of allowing all veterans to have access to AAFES and NEX. Many oppose it because of "benefit creep", where they think that will just lead to veterans getting more benefits later. Some think that erosion of benefits for active duty service members (and reserve component members when on active duty), as compared to the public at large, would result.

The proposal now is to allow all veterans on-line access to AAFES (not shopping in the actual stores), as the attached article discusses.

What do you think?

http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20141030/BENEFITS07/310300062/Online-shopping-privileges-all-vets-likely-official-says

Response by MAJ Dallas D. made Oct 31 at 2014 8:02 AM

2014-10-31T08:02:54-04:00

Someone else posted this today as well -

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/should-all-vets-be-able-to-shop-at-px-or-commissary?page=1&urlhash=302801#302801

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Response by MAJ Dallas D. made Oct 31 at 2014 8:03 AM

2014-10-31T08:03:35-04:00

and here was my response:

Not so sure I agree with this. Even though I never go to the PX (It's 45 min away) since I do not see the savings -vs- the time and gas it costs me to travel there.

I think for those older Veterans back in the late 80's (89/90) Walmart sued AAFES saying they had unfair pricing and a court ruled that AAFES prices had to be competitive locally. That was the beginning of the end. The only benefit any longer is no tax but most of the time you can find everything cheaper some where else.

Back to the original question - How would you control that? Give every Veteran an ID card?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2014 8:14 AM

2014-10-31T08:14:54-04:00

If it's going to cost the military $ in developing some new type of ID/verification system or issuing millions more CAC cards, then I would say NO. As far as I know, the only acceptable ID for shopping in one of the Exchange systems is a CAC card or a Blue or Brown ID card for retirees and dependents, respectively. Currently all Active, Reserve, Dependents, and Retirees can shop at the Exchange. Some exceptions may apply to military contractors, like myself, who posses a CAC card and deploy overseas. I'm also an 8 year veteran of the Army, therefore I never retired and received a Blue ID card. There seems to be more veterans who didn't retire vs. retired veterans.

The military is in a budget crunch- there's no need to make it worse.

That's my 2/100 of a Dollar worth.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Oct 31 at 2014 9:01 AM

2014-10-31T09:01:38-04:00

I went in to AAFES recently with my nephew, when I was visiting for his Air Force BMT graduation. Honestly, if it was offered to Vets, I don't think I would bother. I looked at several its that I was familiar with, and pretty much came to the conclusion that I could do better online, price-wise. AAFES definitely isn't the great deal it used to be.

Also, I'm on the local Navy base and a few surrounding other bases fairly regularly, as my company is a DOD contractor. Last time I was on, I had just filled up with gas that morning, and I noticed that the gas price on post was actually $.02 higher than I had paid 2 miles down the road.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2014 9:28 AM

2014-10-31T09:28:56-04:00

I think veterans need to take a hard look at accepting any further benefits. The resources available for awarding of benefits of any kind to any class, are dwindling. It's not hard to imagine a time not too distant when there will be a choice to make if this group or that group gets to keep those benefits; which are cut, by how much, equally or not, eliminated or not....

When that happens the stock of goodwill and good feeling the general public has for veterans and the military generally could dry up very quickly and all of us could become the equivalent in the public's eyes of just another interest group with out hands out.

I think a policy amongst us of declining further benefits, and perhaps even volunteering for reductions of certain of them, could be prudent, especially while it is in our power to do so of full free will and not at the threat of a reduction or elimination that we don't want.

Response by SN Jennifer M. made Oct 31 at 2014 9:49 AM

2014-10-31T09:49:59-04:00

No I don't think ALL veterans should have those privileges. Yes I am a veteran. But I am also a spouse so I can still shop. Just marry someone AD... just kidding.

Response by SGT Terry Whittington made Oct 31 at 2014 3:16 PM

2014-10-31T15:16:04-04:00

I think that I you were hororabily discharged from service you should get a card to allow ps access. is am retired and have a retired card and a vet card. Also In VA hospitals they have vcs there to use

Response by SGT Frank Leonardo made Oct 31 at 2014 3:19 PM

2014-10-31T15:19:29-04:00

I think it would be great to allow vets to online access but not in aafes and nex stores in person. I think it would not allow to much of what they call the benefit creep but I could be wrong in this case because there are those who take there status to a new level.

Response by SGT Christopher Davis made Nov 1 at 2014 1:35 PM

2014-11-01T13:35:57-04:00

I say yes all vets should be allowed access. If the proceedings are benefiting the MWR and other military functions , then why not allow vets. The extra money that will be generated from allowing vets to shop there will benefit everyone. But that's just my opinion!

Response by PO2 Jonathan Scharff made Nov 1 at 2014 6:05 PM

2014-11-01T18:05:45-04:00

I also don't live close enough to a base to use one, but I do think Vet's should have access. Let them purchase an ID card so that there is no cost to the government. Selling more items can only make the PX or Commissary's more profitable and expand their items. I see no down side...therefore it won't happen. ;)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2014 7:20 PM

2014-11-01T19:20:07-04:00

I will preface my response that I'm a bit biased since I am a retired Soldier. To give access to the PX/BX, Commissary, etc to those who exited service is a slap in the face to active-duty personnel as well as retirees. While active-duty personnel have many things as a current benefit, retirees including medical retirees, put in the necessary time to have after service access. Retirees don't warrant, with due reason, access to some things as they pertain to active duty only but in that same manner non-retiree veterans don't warrant the same benefits as retirees. Regular civilians don't warrant the benefits non-retiree veterans get after serving (I.e. VA Loan, GI Bill).

Response by MAJ Michael Scharff made Nov 2 at 2014 12:10 PM

2014-11-02T12:10:51-05:00

This may actually make things cheaper for soldiers/sailors as you would open AAFES up to a lot more people allowing the exchange system to purchase at even lower prices. I'm really not sure where the downside is... other than possible security issues on some posts.

Response by SFC Gary Fox made Nov 2 at 2014 12:31 PM

2014-11-02T12:31:33-05:00

From the Army times article COL Burelson provided in his original post is the reason why this is being considered.

"Shull, who has worked in the commercial retail industry for 25 years, said he looks at ways to increase the customer base from a retailer’s perspective. “That’s a very commercial way of looking at this,” he said of the proposal to let veterans shop AAFES online.

He noted that the current customer base is made up of a finite number of active-duty, Guard and reserve members and retirees that has been shrinking with the drawdown of the military."

The reason this is being considered is to boost sales. Sales for the system has been declining over the years. Although you do not have to pay sales tax for items purchased at the PX, many are finding they save even more money making purchases at large box stores like Walmart and Best Buy. You can generally pay less on many goods when purchasing online at Amazon.

One of my concerns if they allow Veterans to make PX purchases online is how will they verify they are a Veteran?

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Nov 2 at 2014 2:28 PM

2014-11-02T14:28:47-05:00

Part of the profits from AAFES goes back to the service members so I am all for it.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2014 9:29 PM

2014-11-02T21:29:39-05:00

As long as you retired or seperated honorably, then yes, they earned this benefit with their service to the nation. Other than honorable or dishonorable, no, not at all.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2014 5:15 AM

2014-11-03T05:15:19-05:00

Every Veteran who has served their country honorably should have the benefit, which they've earned, of using the Exchange program. This benefit should not be extended to veterans who have been discharged under other than honorable conditions.

Response by SGT(P) Harry Clyde Jr. made Nov 3 at 2014 10:24 PM

2014-11-03T22:24:51-05:00

My view is this. They are not talking about opening the exchanges or commissaries up to all veterans that are not retired etc. Just the online portion. That may happen in the future. I have noticed that contractors, some of which are veterans and others that are not use the PX. They cannot by alcohol or cigs, though some slip through the cracks and some purchase gas. Those dollars still go to help fund MWR. To my understanding they are not supposed to use AAFES at all. So if the contractors are allowed to use the brick and mortars then why cant honorably discharged or disabled vets be able to use it online. Many of these vets have been to combat doing, seeing, feeling and smelling things that a non vet could ever fathom. For the most part I believe they earned it. It would be better than the thanks for being in the service for 4 years have a nice life that they currently get. This is wrong. We retirees get in benifits more than they do so to complain about a vet using AAFES online really shouldnt be an argument. Its minor. In this draw down period MWR can use the funds. Single Soldiers use MWR for activites as does the BOSS program. MWR loses money then single soldiers and BOSS lose out. On another note Personally I think the online version is better and gives you better options for every thing. The brick stores have terrible selections and tend to rarrange store shelves too often.
My 2 Bits

Response by PO3 Shaun Taylor made Nov 4 at 2014 4:17 AM

2014-11-04T04:17:42-05:00

Yes, I do believe all veterans should be allowed to utilize those sites.

Response by LTC Paul Heinlein made Nov 5 at 2014 9:44 PM

2014-11-05T21:44:22-05:00

Yes. But, I for one see no benefit in shopping at the PX/ BX unless it is for a Military Specific type item...bumper stickers, etc... I have even found items cheaper/or the same price (considering tax) at Walmart than on base.

Response by SPC Richard White made Nov 6 at 2014 4:09 AM

2014-11-06T04:09:35-05:00

I would say yes.The vet has earned it

Response by SPC Rick Parker made Nov 6 at 2014 4:30 PM

2014-11-06T16:30:22-05:00

My first thought was yes they should, but now I'm not sure. I think that maybe on a limited basis. Perhaps once a month they could go to a PX or Commissary. I probably wouldn't go since there are none close to me. I do believe that a veteran who served honorably should get a discount on things. A senior citizen can get a 10% discount at restaurants and stores, I see no reason a veteran shouldn't get at least 15-20%.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2014 12:49 AM

2014-11-07T00:49:55-05:00

Anyone who has served and left the service with an honorable discharge after completing their contractual obligation should have privledges. If someone does 4 years and then gets out at the end of their contract, during the 6 years that they spend on IRR they should have the privledge. If someone serves 10+ years, they should have it for life. If someone is medically discharged due to a service related injury, they should also keep the privledge.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2015 11:21 AM

2015-02-28T11:21:51-05:00

On-line? Why not. AAFES prices are not as competitive as they used to, however the MWR programs will benefit greatly from the increased revenues.

On post? Definitely not.

Response by COL Randy Alicea made Oct 9 at 2015 12:09 AM

2015-10-09T00:09:48-04:00

Yes. All veterans no matter if they served in the guard or reserves. We all made the same contract, sacrifice and time to our country.

Response by PO2 Roy Williams made Oct 14 at 2015 3:14 PM

2015-10-14T15:14:54-04:00

I believe that if they ran my credit for me to have my military star card then it is not a benefit, I have been entitled to it because you are telling me that I am a responsible adult, let me use my military star card that I have had for 10 years, online.

Response by CPT Brent Ferguson made Oct 15 at 2015 7:10 PM

2015-10-15T19:10:20-04:00

To be honest the prices at Walmart tend to be better than in AAFES. The benefit would not be of much use to me but when I do have to go to medical appointments on a military base it would be nice to be able to stop in and get a coke.

Response by SA Jim Arnold made Sep 9 at 2016 10:37 PM

2016-09-09T22:37:16-04:00

Absolutely

Response by SFC George Smith made Sep 10 at 2016 12:05 AM

2016-09-10T00:05:44-04:00

Point Blank... Damn Right...

Response by SSgt Troy Allen made Oct 6 at 2016 3:08 PM

2016-10-06T15:08:24-04:00

UPDATE: Signoff on honorably discharged veterans shopping at shopmyexchange.com is imminent. The ability for veterans to shop online is scheduled for May 2017 to test and tweak, with the full rollout announcement scheduled for Veteran's Day 2017. As more veterans shop, Exchange buying teams will have more leverage to buy goods at lower prices for online and stores. Everyone authorized to use the Exchange will benefit. Those using MWR programs will also benefit. :)

Response by PO3 Aaron Hassay made Nov 5 at 2016 8:20 PM

2016-11-05T20:20:35-04:00

Will someone with Exchange Access tell me the prices of GOPRO 5 models and packages. I am considering getting my dad 100% Vietnam Veteran Disability an account for exchange privledges for the GOPRO 5 but only if the discount compared Target is worth all the running around.

Thank You in Advance.

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made Nov 17 at 2016 1:47 PM

2016-11-17T13:47:38-05:00

I feel it's a good idea, however as others have said, you can often find competitive prices at stores in the civilian sector. One thing I will say for AFEES is that when they have sales they are usually very good!!