Should Government Contractors be allowed to use the PX?

Sgt Anthony White — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 13:30:37 -0500

Why do you feel govt contractors should or should not be allowed to use the PX or purchase tobacco products? If they are a govt contractor who is supporting a unit's mission and deploys with them why can they not use the facilities on base, this includes gyms. I know here no Ft. Meade contractors cannot use the facilities and I am sure it is the same everywhere. I personally feel they should be able to especially since the govt is paying for their service and their companies contract.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2014 1:57 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 13:57:40 -0500

Have you seen how much the government is paying them? We get these services tax-free because we are given crumbs and it helps keep us afloat. These guys are compensated quite nicely and do not require the extra assistance to stretch their nice dollar.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Feb 28 at 2014 2:45 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 14:45:08 -0500

Should contractors in Afghanistan have to leave the FOB for shopping?

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Feb 28 at 2014 3:12 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 15:12:44 -0500

My own personal opinion on this is such: The military has too much invested in contracting. Look back historically.... How many contractors were there in WW1 and WW2? How about some of the other conflicts? Now, fast forward to Iraq and Afghanistan..... Can anyone say "Blackwater"? They say the military is too big, so they are going to do cuts.....but what about all those fat and sassy GS and Contract positions? Take them out, fill with troops. Seems to have worked in the past. Also, back in the days of WW2, there was 1 General/Flag officer for every 15-17k troops....we are now at an all time high of 1 General/Flag officer for every 9-10k troops.... NO. Contractors should not be authorized to use base shopping unless they are retirees (who have earned that privalage). Government/DoD Bloat....

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2015 12:47 AM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 00:47:26 -0500

Yes. The PX really doesn't offer anymore more than a civilian retailer wouldn't anyway. It's easier for them to stay on base when they can get quick items they need. For example before I enlisted I worked with an Ambulance Department that was contracted to serve Fort Indiantown Gap (PA), the National Guard Base, and their gas station wouldn't even allow us to shop even though we we're stationed on the base for the base. We had to leave our call district (the base) just to get supplies for a long shift, meals, and even to get gas in the rig. I don't see anything special about the PX and the satillite stores and shops that really warrants restricting them.

Response by MSG D Cebo made Jun 8 at 2015 3:21 PM

MSG D Cebo — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 15:21:27 -0400

They Get secret clearance and Top Secret I think they All should. Because NATO Soldier in Europe get to use it !

Response by MSG D Cebo made Jun 8 at 2015 3:27 PM

MSG D Cebo — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 15:27:56 -0400

YESS!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2015 3:30 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 15:30:47 -0400

NO thier contractors , the gov pays al lot of people and agencies. do we give it to all goverment employees?

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jun 8 at 2015 3:31 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 15:31:10 -0400

For me anyone who has access to base with a valid card should be able to use privileges such as the PX, BX, Commissary, gym, etc.

Response by SGT Lawrence Corser made Jun 8 at 2015 4:18 PM

SGT Lawrence Corser — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 16:18:58 -0400

not in the states

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2015 4:34 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 16:34:25 -0400

I am a dual CAC holder, I work with contractors and with Meades. The benefits belong to the troops, its a way to compensate them for the lower pay. It would be over run with contractors if they were allowed to use these facilities.

Response by MSG John Melville made Mar 1 at 2016 8:23 PM

MSG John Melville — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 20:23:21 -0500

I say no!

Response by PO2 Alicia Boyce made Sep 22 at 2017 12:58 PM

PO2 Alicia Boyce — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 12:58:35 -0400

I think they should. I'm a disabled vet... rated at 80% and I am now a government contractor and I don't get access to the PX and other facilities. I can't see how that's actually fair. A large portion of contractors are vets... so why not? Also, this idea that all contractors are making a lot of money is b.s. I made a whole lot more as Active Duty at the end of my career.

Response by PO1 Bill Garner made Oct 9 at 2019 2:09 PM

PO1 Bill Garner — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 14:09:57 -0400

Only active duty, retired and reserves on active status should be allowed.

Response by SPC Jacob Verble made Oct 22 at 2019 5:54 PM

SPC Jacob Verble — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 17:54:00 -0400

Most contractors on meade can use the facilities. They just announced they can even establish residency there as well...