Posted on Nov 8, 2015
Should General Officer/CSM/CW5 reserved parking at Commissaries and Exchanges be repurposed for others?
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We've all seen the parking spots at the Commissary and Exchange that say "Reserved for General Officer/CSM/CW5." I'm writing a paper for class that seeks to change this tradition by repurposing priority parking spots for expectant mothers, families with small children, and/or time-limited parking. I think any of these would be a better use for priority parking spots, especially since there are very few General Officers/CSMs/CW5s shopping at the Commissary. Most of the time, these reserved spots sit empty while the rest of the population has to park further away. There are lots of pregnant spouses (and service members), as well as families with small children that could benefit from having closer parking. Additionally, these spots could be designated "10 Minute Parking Only", for people who only need a few things or just want to grab some lunch to go.
I know this isn't a hot topic by any means, but I had to write about something I saw that needed to be changed. This seemed as good as any.
Please take the time to vote on my survey and leave any constructive comments below. I will use the results in the development of my paper.
*Note: This is in no way intended to be disrespectful to anyone. It is merely an observation that contributed to a college assignment.
I know this isn't a hot topic by any means, but I had to write about something I saw that needed to be changed. This seemed as good as any.
Please take the time to vote on my survey and leave any constructive comments below. I will use the results in the development of my paper.
*Note: This is in no way intended to be disrespectful to anyone. It is merely an observation that contributed to a college assignment.
Posted in these groups: 
CommissaryThe Exchange
CommissaryThe Exchange
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 34
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I am from the school of those senior officers earned that parking spot. While I understand your thinking, I do not agree with it.
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I'm not opposed to the special parking spots, but I think the numbers should be reexamined. At DM we have 1 General Officer, and he has a reserved parking spot at the commissary. But there are 2 more spots reserved for General Officers. It doesn't make sense to have more spots than people allowed to use them.
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A parking spot at the job maybe. One perspective is that having a reserved spot provides anyone out there wanting to do harm to easily identify his/her target. Our VA leadership used to have reserved spots. Then we got a new Director (a retired 0-6) and she did away with them. It became talk of the facility for a minute. But it did demonstrate to subordinate staff that she felt herself to be part of the "team." If the CEO/COO/CFO are using their POVs throughout the day going to various job related functions, then a reserved spot maybe necessary. If they have a company car once they get to the job, then the company car should have an assigned spot.
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I think your suggestion is a great idea. From experience in working/speaking with them, I don't think most high-ranking personnel necessarily care. I would imagine they would prefer there be more spots for physically handicapped and don't really see their rank as something needing privilege or special treatment at a shopping center.
I have a friend who is a JAG enlisted and she likes to joke about hypothetical situations from a legal point of view. She once told me that only the spots requiring handicapped placards are the only ones that can be enforced on paper, and that no MP could fairly issue a ticket for parking in the CW5/COL spots. But I'm quoting the army bible when I say "Do what your rank can handle." and "No, thank you."
I have a friend who is a JAG enlisted and she likes to joke about hypothetical situations from a legal point of view. She once told me that only the spots requiring handicapped placards are the only ones that can be enforced on paper, and that no MP could fairly issue a ticket for parking in the CW5/COL spots. But I'm quoting the army bible when I say "Do what your rank can handle." and "No, thank you."
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