DoD drops plan to give exchange shopping benefits to more than a half million DoD civilians.  I won't be one of them, tho it may apply to Chinese military wives?

https://www.militarytimes.com/pay-benefits/2021/01/12/dod-drops-plan-to-give-exchange-shopping-benefits-to-more-than-a-half-million-dod-civilians/



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I think if they had extended the privilege it would have benefited MWR programs with increased revenue.  Before I aged out as a dependent and while I've been overseas I've had access.  For me it'd be a convenience and another source to buy from but would not be my primary shopping choice.  To me only some things are priced well and competitively.  I would still buy things off base and online.

I'd be curious to know what the privilege abuse numbers are if they even track that.  While I was dependent I saw cigarette and alcohol limits implemented because it was obvious from the amounts being purchased it was not for personal consumption or even party quantities.

Sorry for what I’m about to say but I’m happy they did it. Unless a DoD civvie was prior military they have no idea of the hardships military have to go thru, put their lives on the line if need be, being separated from family to name a few. I served in the Navy for 21 years with 2 purple Purple Hearts from Vietnam, separated from my family for 6 months at a time during deployment. Oh just in case you’re wondering I was a DoD employee for 25 years and retired as a GM14. My exchange and commissary privileges, like many other military retirees, were earned and my civil service doesn’t count nor should it.
One more thing.... I’m not trying to belittle nor lessen a persons civil service and I thank them for it but it does no fulfill the full measure of uniformed military service and the oath we took. That oath does not have an expiration date. It’s for life.
Flame suit on!

Ok, my dad was a GS 15 at AAFES he was the purchasing director at AAFES HQ in Dallas, where I grew up. 

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Unless things have changed, booze is sold under the Class 6 classification and not under the BX/PX Exchange.  So alcohol purchases are only allowed for anyone with military affiliation (active, retired, dependent, reserve) or civilians on orders while overseas.

Exchange privileges for DoD and non-DoD civilians overseas is a good thing as long as the privilege is not abused and goods are not resold to locals.

Inside the US, DoD civilians really have no need for exchange access.  It might be a convenience to shop at an exchange while working on-base, but it's not a necessity.

The Exchanges run other services, too, like the gas stations, auto repair shops, food concessions, laundry, and so on.  These services are to benefit military members.  If DoD civilians start adding to the demand, would these places be able to handle the increase without spending more to add store space, employees, stock, etc?

If a DoD civilian needs to have access to the exchange, orders can be draw up case-by-case.  Showing those orders at the exchange will be all that's needed.  Opening up the system to half a million more people across the nation seems like a fix for no real problem.

I don't know how it is now, but when I was in the Guard I think I had 2 days Xchange privileges per month.  I had to show my military ID and my monthly guard paycheck stub.

Commissary privileges were only when I did my 2 week or special active duty.

I think that is fair.

So I will go out on a limb and say that priority for these privileges should go to active military first and foremost.  If DOD civilian workers with no prior military service gets denied, well, they should understand.  Their service is appreciated and their duty is to support the military and their families.

[quote author=Flapp_Jackson link=topic=39626.msg358835#msg358835 date=1610564973
Exchange privileges for DoD and non-DoD civilians overseas is a good thing as long as the privilege is not abused and goods are not resold to locals.
[/quote]

Agree with the above. While I was stationed in Japan and Okinawa (1969-1985 (had a break in Guam 1973-76) DoD and non appropriated fund employees were also allowed to use the commissary as well.

Agree with the above. While I was stationed in Japan and Okinawa (1969-1985 (had a break in Guam 1973-76) DoD and non appropriated fund employees were also allowed to use the commissary as well.

We used to have access to NEX/AAFES when on TDY to Guam and Japan maybe 5-10 years ago. Friends have mentioned that access ending for Guam recently.

To me, it’s a privilege. Things seemed different about 10 years ago. Not sure what changed (change in vendor or mgmt), but I recall pricing on stuff was a lot better way back when. My buddy is active duty and has access. Sale pricing can be pretty good and no tax. Then they have those scratch card things with discounts. My buddy does often find good deals on alcohol though.

We used to have access to NEX/AAFES when on TDY to Guam and Japan maybe 5-10 years ago. Friends have mentioned that access ending for Guam recently.

To me, it’s a privilege. Things seemed different about 10 years ago. Not sure what changed (change in vendor or mgmt), but I recall pricing on stuff was a lot better way back when. My buddy is active duty and has access. Sale pricing can be pretty good and no tax. Then they have those scratch card things with discounts. My buddy does often find good deals on alcohol though.

When I retired from civil service in 2015 TDY civilians had full access to the NEX/PX and if memory serves me correctly, the commissary as well.