When you're issued gear for deployment, does that mean you got it "free"?

SFC Bryan Stetzer — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 21:32:43 -0400

So, a little background. I was medically retired after over 20 years about 5 years ago. During that time I deployed and was issued the standard gear, so by the end I had several TuffBoxes full of gear, which I am now cleaning out. I posted a pair of brand new Revision Sawfly glasses (I prefer Oakleys). The pic shows the offer I got from someone. Not sure if I'm overreacting, but when I saw the comment about "when your issues then (sic) free" it really pissed me off. I mean, yes they were issued, but free? I earned them by joining the Army, deploying, giving up time with my family, etc. To me, that's hardly "free". I think the price I paid was pretty high, and this just dismisses the sacrifices that military members make, and the price they pay for the "perks" they get. Or maybe I'm reading too much into it. What do y'all think?

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2020 9:42 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 21:42:33 -0400

Reading too much into it, assuming that you did not post these for sale online along with your backstory in the military and the precipitating events that led to a medical retirement.

Truth be told, when you are issued something that you do not have to turn in to clear, it does start off as "free". Some folks end up paying a high price, some get out after three years with nothing more than an increased propensity to intersperse profanity and a superhuman tolerance to alcohol and/or Rip-Its.
Most civilians who only know one or two vets are more likely to know the latter rather than the former.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2020 10:09 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 22:09:26 -0400

Its issued to you and goes on your clothing record. 90% of it you return following the completion of said tour. so no, its not technically free

Response by SFC Bryan Stetzer made Jun 10 at 2020 10:09 PM

SFC Bryan Stetzer — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 22:09:59 -0400

SGM, point taken. I guess I wasn't so much thinking of my individual story, but more a general perception on the part of civilians. It seems like they really have no understanding whatsoever about what military service, in general, entails for the servicemember. This just struck me as symptomatic of that.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jun 11 at 2020 6:11 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 06:11:25 -0400

SFC Bryan Stetzer So in my mind, the bigger question is... are those large Sawflys or the standards ones?
If the large frame, I'll buy them from you...lol I use large Sayflyws at work and can always use another set. and hey your even local..... well by Tx standards local.

To your question..... Free in the sense you did not purchase them with money yes, free in that you paid for them with your service and action, well no.

But it is a monetary transaction your looking for and asking someone to "pay" for your service is well, I can see why some may buck at that.
You have a item you no longer want, yours legally, morally, ethically yours to do what you want with.
Set a price you’re comfortable with and sell them...what others think is not important.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jun 11 at 2020 7:18 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 07:18:11 -0400

Yes I do believe you are over reacting. This is all part of the haggling process. Price things how you feel they should be priced but don’t get offended because they are trying to walk down the price. That’s not an insult to your service, it’s just part of the game.

Also, scoring consumables from supply is just a cool perk and they are free. Nobody joins the military for it and I wouldn’t consider them being bought in blood, sweat and tears.

Response by SFC Michael D. made Jun 11 at 2020 9:37 AM

SFC Michael D. — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 09:37:00 -0400

Even a Skillcraft pen was military property. We all took them home. They would probably never ask for them back. So they are basically yours to do with as you want. I prefer Oakleys also. Pay them no mine. Just trying to talk you down on the price. Hell, put them on EBay.