Looking for former military input

[fmrUSMC_0844]

I was thinking about ID cards. Mainly, I think that veterans that have served the country in times of peace and war should be able to keep their ID cards for use in the Comissary and exchange etc. Granted, of course, they received a discharge under honorable conditions. Im thinking of starting a petition for this. I dont think it will go through but it doesnt hurt to try. Does anyone think Im crazy for trying this? Dont sugar coat it, give it to me straight!

Semper Fi

[MSgtUSAF]

Well I can understand what your saying, but as a retired USAF member, I earned the right to the few privileges that come with retiring, commissary, BX and such. Someone who just served for 4 years had the opportunity to continue serving (and sacrificing, 6 short tours away from wife and kids for me), so I personally don't think they deserve it.


MSgt

[fmrUSMC_0844]

Well I can understand what your saying, but as a retired USAF member, I earned the right to the few privileges that come with retiring, commissary, BX and such. Someone who just served for 4 years had the opportunity to continue serving (and sacrificing, 6 short tours away from wife and kids for me), so I personally don't think they deserve it.


MSgt

I see where youre coming from. Thanks for the input. I know about leaving the wife and kids too. In my 8 years I did a couple tours all over the place myself.

[Arizona Bob]

...I think that veterans that have served the country in times of peace and war should be able to keep their ID cards for use in the Comissary and exchange etc...

Do you really want an ID card? Or are you wanting a distinctive item (such as a "ruptured duck" pin) so that in the civilian world, your service to our country is more easily recognized?

The reason I ask this is because I'm pretty sure you can get better shopping bargains at various civilian stores than you can at the Commissary/BX/PX/whatever.

[fmrUSMC_0844]

The only way my service would be recognized with a military ID card is if i had it enlarged and wore it around my neck. The bargains in the comissary, at least in Port Hueneme, are a huge difference from the grocery stores. Not to mention the MCX or NEX Price matches and does not charge the sales tax. I think that is a good bargain.

So, to answer you rquestion, its to use the base facilities.

[allen_idaho]

In the long run, it's not really worth it. The risk is just too great.

First, you would have a group of people given access to the base who no longer fall under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Who no longer have to follow orders. This means the amount of theft, drugs, assault and vandalism on base would dramatically increase.

Just think about all those men and women who get out of the military holding a grudge. Just think about all those people who get drunk and take joyrides in stolen tanks and humvees.

Second, this would be an open invitation for the more entrepreneurial veterans out there to go into arms dealing. How many of us have gotten out and still have friends with access to a large inventory of military hardware? Want a grenade? It only costs $10 bucks. Don't worry, I'll just order some more.

[fmrUSMC_0844]

In the long run, it's not really worth it. The risk is just too great.

First, you would have a group of people given access to the base who no longer fall under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Who no longer have to follow orders. This means the amount of theft, drugs, assault and vandalism on base would dramatically increase.

Just think about all those men and women who get out of the military holding a grudge. Just think about all those people who get drunk and take joyrides in stolen tanks and humvees.

Second, this would be an open invitation for the more entrepreneurial veterans out there to go into arms dealing. How many of us have gotten out and still have friends with access to a large inventory of military hardware? Want a grenade? It only costs $10 bucks. Don't worry, I'll just order some more.

I never thought of that. None of the people I knew ever got away with anything in the Corps. Of course if ID cards were restored they would have to comply with the UCMJ. There would be regulations to follow. As for taking jpyrides drunk in tanks and humvees. I only know of 1 in my 8 years at least.

[allen_idaho]

It happened a lot during my time in Japan. Tanks, Humvees, and small boats, and even a commercial fishing boat.

[Montana Jim]

The UCMJ point is well made - an ID card comes with long list of responsibilities. Even as a retiree I fill out annual paperwork acknowledging I still live at my address, just in case they want to call me back to service.

I feel that the time you put in earns you "so much" in return... every "four year veteren" has earned the GI bill (if they participated), they earned the job points for most companies, the free college depending on what state you're in, some experience, and some bragging rights, ability to join professional veteran organizations and clubs, and an extreamly awesome VA home and business loan to exploit.

I did over 24 years and am glad to have my commissary priviledges - I also try to use the BX/PX but am less than impressed with what's available to me. My medical coverage come with my time I chose to do.

While I think ANY length of service is more than commendable, I'm not too sure that everyone who pulled one tour should have every advantage it took me a career to earn.

Maybe I'm a jerk... I dunno.

[fmrUSMC_0844]

Thanks for the comment gentleman. I understand where you are all coming from and it makes sense to me. Semper Fi

[fmrUSMC_0844]

It happened a lot during my time in Japan. Tanks, Humvees, and small boats, and even a commercial fishing boat.

Well I have heard that in Japan you either work out a lot or drink a lot. Where in Japan were you?

[allen_idaho]

Sasebo, on Kyushu. I usually spent a lot of time between there and Okinawa those rare times when we were actually inport.

But from what I heard, Okinawa was much worse. Too many Marines I suppose.

[wreckdiver1715]

The current regulations are fine, Commissary and BX privileges are just that, a privilege earned by making a career in the military. If you did your 20 or more years you earned it.
If you want to fight for something, how about fighting for the rights of Reservist who have served 20 or more years, and don't get any retirement benefits (other than BX and Commissary), until they are 60 years old. No retirement check, no TriCare, no nothing.
In my case I served 33 years mostly as an active full time technician, and I am now 51 years old and have to stand by another 9 years to get my retirement pay and qualify for TriCare benefits.

[fmrUSMC_0844]

The current regulations are fine, Commissary and BX privileges are just that, a privilege earned by making a career in the military. If you did your 20 or more years you earned it.
If you want to fight for something, how about fighting for the rights of Reservist who have served 20 or more years, and don't get any retirement benefits (other than BX and Commissary), until they are 60 years old. No retirement check, no TriCare, no nothing.
In my case I served 33 years mostly as an active full time technician, and I am now 51 years old and have to stand by another 9 years to get my retirement pay and qualify for TriCare benefits.

I agree with you there.


Asd for too may Marines on an island, Is that a bad thing?

[ghostdog]

The way I see it, if you served honorably, dureing a time of war,for say 2 or 4 years,and were in a combat status,then you deserve not only PX privilages but full medical and dental care, the dead recieve only a flag and medals, godbless them for their service,may they R.I.P.,there is no higher honor a person can do than putting their life on the line for their country.

[LJHanley06]

I was thinking about ID cards. Mainly, I think that veterans that have served the country in times of peace and war should be able to keep their ID cards for use in the Comissary and exchange etc. Granted, of course, they received a discharge under honorable conditions. Im thinking of starting a petition for this. I dont think it will go through but it doesnt hurt to try. Does anyone think Im crazy for trying this? Dont sugar coat it, give it to me straight!

Semper Fi

I am a retired USAF MSgt. (23 years). I do not think that this would be wise/prudent for a number of the same reasons already given. I believe that a more just petition campaign would be made to support retirement pay and benefits for Reservist/Guard personnel. A pro-rata system should be in place awarding points earned to the servicemember as is done for Active Duty.

As an example...20 years active service equates to 7300 points earned. This is one point for every day...this currently earns you 50% of your base pay. As a retired MSgt. I have 23 years+ earning 57.5%.

For the Reservist/Guardsmen...if they acrue throughout their 20 years creditable service...say, 10 years on "Active Duty"...they would have earned 3650 points, or 25% of the base pay. They should then be paid accordingly...immediately upon the approval of their application for retirement.

Also, a change should be made for Survivor Benefits...currently if you are the widow of a retired service member...you no longer receive their "full" retired pay...IE...the 50% the member earned. You receive 55% of that 50%...essentually, your surviving spouse just had their pay cut in half.

Lets go one more...if you are 65 or older, you should no longer pay ANY TAXES.
If you have made a home in your community and are lucky enough to have retired the mortgage (own the deed), you should'nt have to pay property tax.
If you are a Disabled Veteran, you should be allowed to go to whichever Doctor/Hospital/Specialist is required to tend to your suffering, regardless of the cost.
No person shall be allowed to serve in an elected position of office without first proving citizenship (through Military Service)...NO college deferments...you serve first then you can go to school!

Of course any increase in Military Benefits would destroy the Lefts (Demo-Marxists) belief that they are somehow superior (because they avoided "having" to serve)...I say everyone in the pool (if you pass the entrance exam) and lets have a 20M man military...all the collective ills of society would be expunged.

[AeroMike]

Here is my thought on this; for anyone that did not serve a full 20 and DID NOT see combat, then no. You get the 6 months or whatever it is and off you go.

Now, for anyone that has served say at least 8 years and HAS SEEN combat and has an HONORABLE discharge then I feel they should be able to get an ID card (hey, I fall into this group! LOL ). I sure would like to go golfing on base, guess I need to make an AF buddy here in Charleston, SC, lol any website for that? lol


I understand where the men and women who have retired are coming from as far as they have earned the right to their cards and I don't think you will ever find any arguement against that but here is another thought along the same lines; what is your feelings for a veteran that was medically discharged due to a combat wound? should he or she be allowed a card? I personally think so.

[Siegfried Schlagrule]

You've already got an ID badge that no one can take away from you.
You can look any man or woman in the eye and be proud that you have
done your part to keep America safe. You are the equal of the best that
this country has to offer and I don't give a rat's ass where or how you
served. No person who serves gets to pick where and when and how he is deployed. They all write a blank check to the people of the United States
payable up to and including their life. That is something to be proud of.
That is something that those who never served don't have and will never
have. Putting a politician in Arlington Cemetery who is not a veteran will
just put them where they can be torn to shreds on Resurrection Day.
siegfried schlagrule

[LX Kid]

I have to agree with the concensus of the retirees. As a 20 year retiree I earned those benefits. If all who served were to be allowed BX/PX/Commissary privileges it would swamp limited facilities and active duty personnel wouldn't even be able to get in the door! Just think, millions of vets headed for the bases/posts/naval yards! I know AAFES would love the added revenue, as they are struggling, but most deals can be beat at off base shopping areas. Alcohol and cigarettes are no longer a big savings and are competitive with the civilian market and the only real savings is the sales tax. The commissary is still a great bargain though. My wife has been working in AAFES Retail Management for last 18 years so I have a little insight in this area. Just my opinion wheather right or wrong.