CAP at AF exchanges

[JohnKachenmeister]

PHall:

It wasn't too long ago that those of us with an "R" at the end of our component were not authorized to use the PX, Commissary, MWR, etc.  There was a time that we "Didn't deserve" the benefits.

I actually spend just about as much time, maybe more, with CAP than I spent with the USAR.  CAP is recognized as a force multiplier, and has potential to do even more.

We don't get paid, we don't get points, so why would we not "Deserve" the one tangible benefit that is good for both the CAP member AND the MWR fund?

[JC004]

 

[SarDragon]

What did I start here???   

[JC004]

What did I start here???   

Trouble.

[PHall]

Ok. So it just boils down to you being a military snob. Gotcha. That will make things easier.

Hey, if assigning me a label makes you happy, go for it.

[afgeo4]

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but AAFES is a self-sustaining non-profit organization that sells items at profit and then returns the profit back into its own operations?

If so, then doesn't AAFES (including BX/PX) benefit from more people shopping there?

I understand there are tax issues with Class VI, so that's not at question (although I think our volunteers deserve tax breaks for all the work they put in FOR FREE).

[afgeo4]

Okay guys, speaking as somebody who gave 31 years to the military.

Just why should you as a CAP member be allowed to use our MWR facilities?
You're not in the military. You want military benefits? Then join the military.


edit: fixed grammar error

Many or maybe even most members in CAP cannot join the military (age, physical health, etc.) which is why they chose CAP. Many of us are retired from the military. Some chose not to reenlist or keep their commission for various reasons. I, for one, received a medical discharge. Why do we want military benefits? We don't. We want military auxiliary benefits. We serve the military. We serve our country. We obviously don't feel that those benefits are a requirement for our service since we're here, doing it, but many of us feel that it would be a better thank you (or some thank you) from our country for our service and may encourage more people to join the same way benefits help recruiting into the military services.

[SarDragon]

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but AAFES is a self-sustaining non-profit organization that sells items at profit and then returns the profit back into its own operations?

If so, then doesn't AAFES (including BX/PX) benefit from more people shopping there?

I understand there are tax issues with Class VI, so that's not at question (although I think our volunteers deserve tax breaks for all the work they put in FOR FREE).

There are sales tax issues on all merchandise purchased on base. This is a small factor at MWR activities, though.

[Eagle400]

Many or maybe even most members in CAP cannot join the military (age, physical health, etc.) which is why they chose CAP. Many of us are retired from the military. Some chose not to reenlist or keep their commission for various reasons. I, for one, received a medical discharge.

Which is why PHall's argument doesn't work for everyone, and certainly not for anyone in CAP. 

Capt Lurye, what you said is right on.  Sorry to hear about your medical discharge.  Thanks for your service. 

Why do we want military benefits? We don't. We want military auxiliary benefits. We serve the military. We serve our country. We obviously don't feel that those benefits are a requirement for our service since we're here, doing it, but many of us feel that it would be a better thank you (or some thank you) from our country for our service and may encourage more people to join the same way benefits help recruiting into the military services.

Capt Lurye, what you've said is what I've been trying to say all along.  Thank you!   

[SAR-EMT1]

Im in the same boat Mr Hall....
The only job I EVER wanted was to be a Missile Officer for the Air Force. I joined CAP to learn the basics , got into college on a scholarship, got good marks, Did Arnies and whatnot, vollunteered within the det. and ended up sidelined due to a medical issue, which by the way doesnt affect my life or abilities at all.
I would be more then happy to PAY the Government to give me a set of butterbars. OR for that matter to just make me an E-1. I would still be HONORED to serve for 20 or thirty years. However, that decision is not mine to make. Against my wishes I Cant serve.

So, Im doing what I can for my country in CAP and the Coast Guard Aux.  As for any CG Exchange rights, I live in IL and so will most likely Never see a CG BX. As for CAP, Scott AFB is 'close' and I would appriciate the ability to use the facilities there.  And I would of course pay the fees.

We hear once in a while how pilots join CAP to use a base Aero Club and then become a ghost to the CAP unit.
Well, Im very active in CAP, Im going to be in it for life and Im not going to be in an Aero Club any time soon. HOWEVER I would not mind being active elsewhere on base.

Thank you for your service everyone.
Calen

[shorning]

Why do we want military benefits? We don't. We want military auxiliary benefits. We serve the military. We serve our country. We obviously don't feel that those benefits are a requirement for our service since we're here, doing it, but many of us feel that it would be a better thank you (or some thank you) from our country for our service and may encourage more people to join the same way benefits help recruiting into the military services.

I don't think we're all on the same page here.  I think we need to define what we mean by "benefits" before we can have a productive discussion about them.  Seems we already have some benefits, but what "military auxiliary benefits" do you propose for CAP?  What more do you see fitting?  I think we need to define the "benefits" we seek. 

While I can see the benefits being a "hook" for CAP members, I hardly think people are joining the military for the MWR facilities or AAFES/NEX.  Perhaps the education benefits, the opportunity to travel the world, or similar things, but we're not talking about those kind of benefita for CAP.  Additionally, the MWR facilities are already at the local commander's discretion (at least on Air Force installations), so I don't see those as much of a factor.  As has already been mentioned, access to AAFES/NEX or DeCA facilites is overrated.  In my experience, you're better off going to Wal-Mart/Kmart/Target/etc.

As an aside, the USO serves the military too.  Should they get benefits?  What about the American Red Cross?  What about the contractors working on the base (whether they are Lockheed-Martin, Boeing, L3, etc or the grounds keepers)?  Where do you draw the line?  Who gets to decide?  And who is going to get Congress to change the applicable laws?  Perhaps the Air Force Association will champion our cause.  Maybe someone needs to start the Air Force Auxiliary Association or a similar entity.

[Hawk200]

 ...Maybe someone needs to start the Air Force Auxiliary Association or a similar entity.

I think that concept has a great deal of merit.

[RogueLeader]

Im in the same boat Mr Hall....
The only job I EVER wanted was to be a Missile Officer for the Air Force. I joined CAP to learn the basics , got into college on a scholarship, got good marks, Did Arnies and whatnot, vollunteered within the det. and ended up sidelined due to a medical issue, which by the way doesnt affect my life or abilities at all.
I would be more then happy to PAY the Government to give me a set of butterbars. OR for that matter to just make me an E-1. I would still be HONORED to serve for 20 or thirty years. However, that decision is not mine to make. Against my wishes I Cant serve.

So, Im doing what I can for my country in CAP and the Coast Guard Aux.  As for any CG Exchange rights, I live in IL and so will most likely Never see a CG BX. As for CAP, Scott AFB is 'close' and I would appriciate the ability to use the facilities there.  And I would of course pay the fees.

We hear once in a while how pilots join CAP to use a base Aero Club and then become a ghost to the CAP unit.
Well, Im very active in CAP, Im going to be in it for life and Im not going to be in an Aero Club any time soon. HOWEVER I would not mind being active elsewhere on base.

Thank you for your service everyone.
Calen

I have a similar story,

I wanted to be a tank crewman in the Army, I got an 84 on my ASVAB, but due to a genetic eye disorder- doesn't affect my life or abilities- it got me a permanent disqualification.  It wasn't until college that I found out about CAP, and I've been active since then.  I appreciate the benefits that we do get.  I too, would do almost anything to serve in the military, but I can't.  So I do all that I can, and be all that I can be.

[ColonelJack]

My tale, too, is very similar.

I made it through BMTS in December of '75 ... then reported across Lackland AFB to the Security Police school.  The second day of school ... bang--something in my back went haywire and I was deemed unfit for further service, and sent home on a board.  It took me a while to get back on my feet (literally) and when I found CAP in 1981 it seemed like a Godsend.  A way to continue serving my country, in something that was a part of the service I'd planned to dedicate my life to.  Yes, CAP was a Godsend.

CAP burnout in 1996 (six years as a squadron commander and being named the next group commander) didn't change that initial feeling.  And this year, God willing, I'll be coming back out of retirement with recharged batteries and a brand-new corporate uniform to shoot for having some numbers on my red service ribbon.

Jack

[PA Guy]

I love being an Auxie. 

Not so up on the CG AUX benefits.......are you allowed to purchase anything at the exchanges.  Are you allowed in Navy exchanges as well?  What other benefits do you have?  Can you be int he service and still be in tha AUX?  

Members of the CG Aux are authorized CG Exchange/MWR privileges.  They are not authorized to purchase alcohol or tobacco.  They are authorized AAFES/NEX privileges for the purchase of uniforms and uniform parts only.

Yes, you can be a member of the CG Aux and be on AD or RC.

[MIKE]

And we can buy uniforms online from UDC.

[JohnKachenmeister]

And we can buy uniforms online from UDC.

As far as I know, CAP members also have privileges at CG exchanges.  They've never checked for my military ID, and I usually stop there after I finish my tour at CCAFS in CAP uniform.

[PA Guy]

And we can buy uniforms online from UDC.

As far as I know, CAP members also have privileges at CG exchanges.  They've never checked for my military ID, and I usually stop there after I finish my tour at CCAFS in CAP uniform.

According to the CG manual CAP is authorized CG Exchange privileges when in a travel status and occupying govt quarters.  Uniform items may be purchased the same as in AAFES stores.

[Hawk200]

I've been in numerous shoppettes in various CAP uniforms, and never got carded. I think for the most part that if someone is wearing a uniform with reasonable attention to their appearance, the shoppette people don't seem to mind.

On the flip side, I've been in BX/PX's too, and there I've had to whip out the military ID, and had to show it again at the cash register. I think that most of the BX/PX people are well aware of people with dual enrolled status, so they don't care about the uniform, only the ID. As long as you're authorized Exchange usage somehow, they're making money.

[JohnKachenmeister]

You guys are probably right.  The fact that I am in a uniform (and cut a very dashing appearance in that uniform, I must add!) may confuse the clerk, and she just processes the sale without undue scrutiny.  I have my military ID if she wants to check, and I usually buy liquor there, so I actually expected a challenge.

When she didn't challenge me, I erroneously concluded that CAP was authorized to buy Jim Beam there.