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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Just because they are higher ranking, I do not feel that they should have special privileges. They are Soldiers like everyone else and all should be treated fairly and with the same respect. Save the special parking spots for those who truly need them. If they don't want to walk that far to the door, have their driver drop them off in front.....lol
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The reason I've always been given for these reserved spots is that they make it possible for these senior individuals to get in and out of the facilities quickly. Made sense when I was on active duty and still makes sense to me. Yes I know we are all busy but we don't all have the responsibilities of the individuals who warrant the reserved spots.
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MCPO Roger Collins
Even as a MCPO, we don’t get reserved spots, I agree with your statement and believe in RHIP. Many benefits come with rank, why shouldn’t they? Part of what comes with success.
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MAJ Ronnie Reams
As a driver, long ago, I liked the spaces because you could see when your O came out and get to the door promptly. Best was the OOM with a driver room, soda and pretzels, but no beer.
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Here at Ft. Hood the PX has like 30 spots reserved, I think that is a little much maybe like 10-15 should be kept and re purpose the others.
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SPC (Join to see)
That's ridiculous, I could understand at the battalion. But at a store!? It's overkill.
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It's the Military and rank does and should have its privileges. FYI: It does in the Civilian world as well. Go to any business or government office complex and you'll find executive parking lots or reserved parking spaces.
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SPC Benjamin Smith
Thanks for commenting. I hear what you are saying, but, as I have offered to others, you only see reserved parking at the office, not at the local grocery store.
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I think it should be base specific. If they are used, keep them. If they are being NOT used, then re-purpose them. I have heard some bases go way overboard though.
It's really not that big of a deal to me. I rarely shopped at the exchange, and the commissary I did a lot. In fact, I always try and park away from the entrance if possible. If it is easy to park closer, sure I will park as close as I can. If it is not going to happen, no loss even though it may suck in the rain or other weather.
On the of parking spots: I do think that volunteer parking spots at clinic or hospitals on base should be re-purposed at some places possibly if they exist. My last base, there where at least ten or more for this purpose and they were seldom to never used. Plus I don't think there were THAT many volunteers were helping out at one time. Even though I think it should be changed, it really never bothered me that much to say something. If you were to change them, re-purpose them to either regular parking or for spots for award winners. My first base, I don't think they had any volunteer parking spots at all at the clinic!
It's really not that big of a deal to me. I rarely shopped at the exchange, and the commissary I did a lot. In fact, I always try and park away from the entrance if possible. If it is easy to park closer, sure I will park as close as I can. If it is not going to happen, no loss even though it may suck in the rain or other weather.
On the of parking spots: I do think that volunteer parking spots at clinic or hospitals on base should be re-purposed at some places possibly if they exist. My last base, there where at least ten or more for this purpose and they were seldom to never used. Plus I don't think there were THAT many volunteers were helping out at one time. Even though I think it should be changed, it really never bothered me that much to say something. If you were to change them, re-purpose them to either regular parking or for spots for award winners. My first base, I don't think they had any volunteer parking spots at all at the clinic!
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SPC Benjamin Smith
Thanks for commenting and bringing up the idea of volunteer parking. I hadn't thought of that but may incorporate the concept into my paper.
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SrA David Steyer
I've only seen it at clinics. Not saying it is a BAD idea but I have seen it where they were way overused/done and not used at all.
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Hey, SPC Benjamin Smith, don't take away my (one and only) CW5 parking spot at the Fort Meade commissary! Many CW5s use it. I see it as a perk. I would actually be okay with the spot going away, but I do see it as a kind of reward for someone who has reached the top of the warrant officer, enlisted, and officer ranks.
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SPC Benjamin Smith
CW5 Scott Montgomery - Don't worry, I don't think its going away anytime soon. Thanks for your input!
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I would limit it to Post Commander and CSM. The rest for handicapped and expectant moms.
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I found this relevant discussion, if anyone is interested.
How many parking spots should the commissary allocate to higher ranking Officers? | RallyPoint
I have a question that has being burning on my head for a while. While walking in to the commissary at JBAB there is six parking spots for Colonels (06), six for Generals, two for E9, one for Gold star family member but a whooping zero for expecting mothers or mothers with small children.My question being the following. Is there ever a time in where twelve higher ranking officers are doing their grocery shopping at the same time? Is this an...
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I've looked through the comments and can tell that most people don't see a problem with keeping the tradition. As you mentioned, the military is hierarchical. There does seem to be some negative reactions to the suggestion of changing it. Perhaps that could be a talking point in your paper? My teachers have always stressed providing content on the opposite side of the argument. Especially when writing persuasively or analytically.
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SPC Benjamin Smith
One of the requirements for the paper is to address any opposition to the recommended change. That's the primary reason I posted the question here. Thanks for your input!
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