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PX/BX
Commissary
Benefits
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 13
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I don't so much like the pricing and services offered by AAFES which is a total different entity then the Commissary system. The commissary sells most meats, cheeses and other items for much less than Wal-Mart then discussed by the SGM. I personally base my experience as a shopper who looks at $5 plus prices for a pound of cheese and bacon in WallyWorld versus the 3-3.50 per pound in the comsy. Retirees KNOW the benefit of the commissary as they are on a more restrictive fixed income normally, so that is why you see so many drive great distances to utilize the service. I do know that many folks living off post use Wal-Mart and I wish they could actually compare the issue. The one thing the comsy falls wayyyyy short on is produce. I think the Comsy should stay CONUS and I am not a fan of AAFES most of the time due to excessive pricing to support MWR.
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SGM (Join to see)
Agree, the produce is generally not very good. There are some savings on other items.
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SGM (Join to see)
I believe that the current AAFES/NEX systems should be consolidated into one entity and operate under their current model (although, as stated, as one entity) only in overseas locations.
DoD should contract-out CONUS on-post/base retail facilities to WalMart, Target, etc., but keep the tax-exempt status on goods purchased.
I believe that the current AAFES/NEX systems should be consolidated into one entity and operate under their current model (although, as stated, as one entity) only in overseas locations.
DoD should contract-out CONUS on-post/base retail facilities to WalMart, Target, etc., but keep the tax-exempt status on goods purchased.
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SSgt (Join to see)
Wow Colonel Burleson, thats a damn fine idea if I say so myself! If the military "rented" out the facilities currently occupied by AAFES not only would that save money (no subsidies, etc.), that would also make money for the military from renting the facilities.
However, I'd be interested to see where clothing sales would fit into this. Stripes is already more expensive than off base tailors, as are the dry cleaning services, so I don't foresee those being missed too much by most members.
However, I'd be interested to see where clothing sales would fit into this. Stripes is already more expensive than off base tailors, as are the dry cleaning services, so I don't foresee those being missed too much by most members.
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COL Jean (John) F. B.
SSgt (Join to see)
Clothing Sales could be (should be) operated like the Commissary. Partially subsidized and overhead paid for by a 5% surcharge (or whatever it would take).
Clothing Sales could be (should be) operated like the Commissary. Partially subsidized and overhead paid for by a 5% surcharge (or whatever it would take).
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Yes. WalMart has already offered to sell to servicemembers without charging tax. The military needs to concentrate on being military, and let others do what they do best.
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I am an Army retiree and currently visiting Germany, I was applauded to see how retirees are treated at the military facilities in Germany. German authorities are afraid that visiting Americans are not paying their fair share of tax. This tax situation has created a weird situation for retirees who are married to Germans. A retiree cannot even buy a Star and Strips newspaper and coffee without being harassed and threaten to be put off the installation because of not having overseas privileges ID card. Foreign Soldiers and US civilians who never served in the US military can shop on military installation harassment free. In my opinion a US facility should be treated like an American Embassy and should be considered American soil and therefore an American with proper DOD identification should be able to have full use of that facility.
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SGM (Join to see)
SFC Crider, you are correct...however...certain wimps caved in during renegotiation of the SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement) and that is what changed. It also meant the Boy Scout of America main office that had been in Hberg since the 50s, had to move to Italy.
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I for one do not want to lose my BX/Commissary. I use both regularly and it is why I still live here. I would much rather use the commissary then Walmart or WinCo. I can also get some products that are not sold in this area. And by spending at the BX/PX it helps support MWR.
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1LT David Moeglein
I like our AAFES shopette at Ft. Vancouver in SW Washington State. I use vodka for medicinal purposes (not drinking). =) The liquor in the local stores is taxed to high heaven.
I still like my regulation haircut at the barbershop too. It seems that my super ego has the voice of my drill sergeant, SFC Watlington. =)
The operator of the barbershop leases the space from the government, so it actually makes money for the government. It is also a good time to talk to other vets, service members, and law enforcement. I really appreciated the support that I got from the community when I was in the service. It's great to be able to be on the giving end now. It seems like a win/win situation.
I still like my regulation haircut at the barbershop too. It seems that my super ego has the voice of my drill sergeant, SFC Watlington. =)
The operator of the barbershop leases the space from the government, so it actually makes money for the government. It is also a good time to talk to other vets, service members, and law enforcement. I really appreciated the support that I got from the community when I was in the service. It's great to be able to be on the giving end now. It seems like a win/win situation.
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I'd have to agree that we don't need them stateside, to be at all honest. They are priced equal to most places off base, are highly inconvienient at times, that "surcharge" the commissary charges is complete BS when the foods prices equal to the local bakers, and I'd rather support small local businesses at times. Overseas, the BX/Commissary is the only place to get a lot of stuff we want from home...
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SSgt (Join to see)
Probably, and all the other crap they pack in it. But hell, what they feed us at the chow hall isn't much better!
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SGM (Join to see)
SSgt James...well, during the 70s we had a commissary scandal involving sawdust in ground beef...and several time horsemeat....true story
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SSgt (Join to see)
Thats quite disturbing! Though Horsemeat is becoming more viable in todays environment, some places in the SW are even selling it at markets... Still, sawdust? disgusting!
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I do not think that they should get rid of the Commissary/AAFES CONUS. When I was at Bliss, my wife and I did shop off post mostly, however, we did use both of these services quite a bit. In fact my wife does now while she is at Fort Stewart and I am in Korea. There are some things that are a better deal on post and some things that are a better deal off post.
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@SGM Dan Coberly, that's another interesting question that you've posted.
Definitely keep the Exchanges and Commissaries open OCONUS. Clothing, appliances, electronics ,groceries and Class VI can be very expensive overseas Including Alaska and Hawaii); plus you might be "downrange" in BFE.
Whether or not to close down the Exchanges and Commissaries CONUS, there would have to be a couple of factors:
1. Are the Exchanges and Commissaries located on a base that is far from the nearest town, which stocks the same stuff, off post (e.g. Ft Irwin)?
2. Are the Exchanges and Commissaries located in CONUS profitable?
If the answers on both questions are "YES", then my answer would be NO.
Definitely keep the Exchanges and Commissaries open OCONUS. Clothing, appliances, electronics ,groceries and Class VI can be very expensive overseas Including Alaska and Hawaii); plus you might be "downrange" in BFE.
Whether or not to close down the Exchanges and Commissaries CONUS, there would have to be a couple of factors:
1. Are the Exchanges and Commissaries located on a base that is far from the nearest town, which stocks the same stuff, off post (e.g. Ft Irwin)?
2. Are the Exchanges and Commissaries located in CONUS profitable?
If the answers on both questions are "YES", then my answer would be NO.
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