CAP Discounts?

[notaNCO forever]

I am military, and I don't seek out discounts. 

As far as others doing it....who cares.  They are the only person who has to make amends for it, and live with the fact that they took a benefit not specifically afforded to them.

I care; it makes the rest of us look bad.

[Stonewall]

Unless you are buying some durable merchandise that you are going to use in your SPECIFIC volunteer official duties or will benefit your Civil Air Patrol unit directly, anything else angers me personally.  (and you approach the merchant not as representing being military but as a civilian auxiliary that supports the AF, along with our 3 major programs). 

Trying to get these military "discounts" as a CIVIL Air Patrol member, IMHO lessens its' value to actual military members (and their families) who really deserve the communities' support.  Military members/famility endure a lot of hardship in today's deployment environment, it's dishonest to think anyone in CAP is deserving of the same.   

We don't need a bunch of military 'wanna bees" trying to camp on to these benefits.   Last time I looked we are the CIVIL Air Patrol.  Don't forget that (that's why if I had my way there would be no senior members in ANY military style uniform, only CAP Blue BDUS, white aviator shirts, etc -- only the cadets would wear USAF uniforms)
RM

The Oakley discount isn't solely for military personnel.  It's for Law Enforcement, Emergency Services, EMS, Fire Fighters and military folks.  I'd say CAP falls into that list of categories.

I got a 10% discount at Bass Pro Shops today.  I noticed a sign as I walked in that said military folks get a discount between 15 and 30 of each month.  No problem, I bought a $160 Range Finder and got $16 off.

Yes, military members and their families have to make sacrifices, but it's not like they're hurting that bad.  In my opinion, the toughest part of the military is being away from family.  Other than that, the military compensates its members quite well and they don't need discounts.  Military members make good money these days.  Maybe their base pay doesn't look too good, but add in BAH and BAS and a bonuses for a lot of people, and you'd be surprised how much they make.  An E-5 with 6 years in made $50K last year because he is station in DC.  That ain't bad for a guy without college and for someone who does next to nothing at work.

Back to discounts.  I accept them without any guilt.  From movie theaters to Jiffy Lube, if they offer discounts to military, I accept them.  I saved $40 on my car at Jiffy Lube a couple of weeks ago because I needed some extra work done.  That's $40 I can use for other things.  Sure, I'll accept $40.

As for CAP, if someone recognizes us a public safety or military member, good on us.  We deserve discounts more than the military in some cases.  We're 100% volunteer without pay.  Not only do we not get paid, but we fork out tons of cash to support our volunteerism.  Every bit helps.

[Spike]

I am military, and I don't seek out discounts. 

As far as others doing it....who cares.  They are the only person who has to make amends for it, and live with the fact that they took a benefit not specifically afforded to them.

I care; it makes the rest of us look bad.

Tell me how it makes "us" look bad??

[Rotorhead]

As for CAP, if someone recognizes us a public safety or military member, good on us.  We deserve discounts more than the military in some cases.  We're 100% volunteer without pay.  Not only do we not get paid, but we fork out tons of cash to support our volunteerism.  Every bit helps.

I can't  justify accepting a discount intended for members of the military (and their families).

For starters, RM members put their lives on the line and are often away from home for months at a time. We don't and we aren't.

Lots of people volunteer to be a part of a service organization and pay for that. Should Rotarians get a discount? How about The Elks? Kof C?

If your conscience permits you to take discounts intended for people who serve in the military, which you do not if you're a only member of CAP, then I guess that's your right, but I can't justify doing it.

Integrity, remember?

[Stonewall]

If your conscience permits you to take discounts intended for people who serve in the military, at risk to their personal safety, then I guess that's your right, but I can't justify doing it.

I am in the real military and I have no problem with CAP members being afforded a discount as a member of the military, even as an auxiliary of the military. 

At risk to their personal safety?  Tell me, how does a parachute rigger risk their life more than a CAP Mission Pilot performing a homeland security mission?  Or a contract specialist being in harm's way compared to a ground team member humping through the woods in search of a missing aircrew?  After all, these are often AIR FORCE missions.

In fact, I'd say we cross into two categories of groups that are often given discounts; public safety and the military. 

The fact is, this is irrelevant because other than the Oakley site, I'm not sure if any CAP member would attempt to represent themselves as a military member in an effort to get a discount intended for military personnel, except for a case or two where a CAP member did so posing as something they're not.

[Rotorhead]

The fact is, this is irrelevant because other than the Oakley site, I'm not sure if any CAP member would attempt to represent themselves as a military member in an effort to get a discount intended for military personnel, except for a case or two where a CAP member did so posing as something they're not.

Have you read the thread?

[Eclipse]

I am in the real military and I have no problem with CAP members being afforded a discount as a member of the military, even as an auxiliary of the military. 

At risk to their personal safety?  Tell me, how does a parachute rigger risk their life more than a CAP Mission Pilot performing a homeland security mission?  Or a contract specialist being in harm's way compared to a ground team member humping through the woods in search of a missing aircrew?  After all, these are often AIR FORCE missions.

Since you put it on the table, I'll have to second the sentiment here and move it a little further.

I frankly have never understood the vehement resentment, and sometimes outright hostility we get as CAP members by some people who are current or former military, some of them even CAP members.  Sometimes the worst comes from our own because they think its "ok" or "necessary" because they "know".

In the paramilitary aspects of CAP, you guys have all the cool points and credibility, yet instead of welcoming us into your mentorship and thanking us for our small service, a lot of you give us nothing but grief and accusations of "wannabe-ism".

Instead of highlighting our successes, you look for every crack in our systems as an indication that the whole thing is fundamentally broken, as if the other services have no inside dissenters, and everyone from the E-1's to the O-10's agree all the time.

And you insinuate that the ravings of people with too much free time about uniform minutia or other trivia reflects an organization-wide lack of focus, despite the fact that the various military forums show considerably more arguments than here about uniforms, politics, and everything else one could imagine.

The fact is that many of our more active members put in as much or more time in CAP as the average non-activated Guard member or Reservist, and there are plenty of jobs in every service where there will never be a hint of personal danger greater than a papercut or diabetes, yet somehow the very insinuation that CAP service might have some value in and of itself, or personal risk, is akin to flag desecration.

And we do it with no pay, no benefits, on our own time, and in many cases to more detriment to our family relationships and personal obligations than even active 9-5'ers because its all done on nights and weekends.  We have our piece in the grander puzzle, its a small one, but its necessary.  Without us, sure, someone would pick up the slack, at least the absolutely 100% non-optional slack, but not for free.

So when you guys start ringing the "you're not military bell", remember who you're ringing it on - not some goober who hangs a Seal uniform in his truck and tries to pick up chicks because he's "elite", but people who have sworn their own oath to the same flag, country, and organization as you, and are so proud to serve they do it for no money, little respect, and little appreciation.

Bear that in mind the next time it comes up that a discount, vehicle pass, or some other double-secret military "right" might make a CAP guy's life a hair easier.

We're all in this together.

[Stonewall]

Have you read the thread?

Um yeah, what's your point?  I realize there a few knuckleheads out there who misrepresent themselves, but I'm guessing it's few and far between and not the norm.

[biomed441]

Thanks Eclipse and Stonewall for actually standing up for us CAPers.

Honestly I like to believe that the majority of those in CAP are honest and practice integrity. There are those few who do not, but there's really not too much we can do about that. Fact is though, like it or not, the CAP does do a great service to this nation, and if there are businesses out there that want to recognize it, then great. We all deserve it.

Does that mean we should be going around and saying hey, I'm in the Air Force, give me a discount; absolutely not.  I don't see any harm in asking if a certain discount applies to CAP if that business makes it visible that they offer military discounts. A pattern I have noticed is that if they say "military discount" it generally applies to active, non-active, reserve, guard, vet, and public safety as well. So if you feel like your pocket book is getting crunched by the economy, I know mine is as I just lost my job, what harm can come to saying "hey does that discount apply to Civil Air Patrol members as well?"

In the end we all join the CAP for different reasons. I rejoined as a SM because 3 attempts at joining active duty failed because of health problems.  Thankfully the CAP gives me the opportunity to still serve my country to a capacity that my health issues do not interfere.  And it almost sickens me that someone would be offended or look down on my service, as less than theirs, just because I don't take a gun to work everyday, or I don't hold AD status, or I've never seen a tour overseas.   That being said, I value the sacrifice of the men and women who do serve on AD, and my prayers go out to those currently overseas.  Veterans as well have my sincere thanks.

And for those of you who seem to think that CAP should not receive discounts of any kind, or even be allowed to wear a USAF Style uniform. I proudly accept my 1 dollar CAP discount (which I actually asked if their posted military discount applied to CAP, and they said yes) on my haircut to meet grooming standards for my AF style uniform.

[Spike]

For starters, RM members put their lives on the line and are often away from home for months at a time. We don't and we aren't.

Hmm.......Katrina was far away from home, and I along with a few other CAP members were fired upon.  Not to mention the dangerous job of house to house searching, not knowing what we would stumble upon. 

Before that I can count three separate instances were I and fellow members recovered deceased pilots and crew.  The first time I was 16. 

Then if you want to count months away from home, all together I have spent a total of 5 months away from home if you count all the Encampments and Seminars and Training and weekends spent with CAP. 

Sorry I didn't join the Air Guard so I can spend 2 days a month for 20 years doing paperwork in some cube (many do!).

I want to add I spent 7 years on AD, and now serve in the Reserves.  I served my county, and at the same time, served my community in CAP. 

So before you go shouting off "not real military", and "should join the military", let me tell you there are many CAP members who do more in service to this country than many Service members ever will.  The only difference is Military members get paid, CAP members do not.  CAP members are truly patriots because they serve their country with no expectation of monetary gain, unlike everyone in the military.       

[RADIOMAN015]

For starters, RM members put their lives on the line and are often away from home for months at a time. We don't and we aren't.

So before you go shouting off "not real military", and "should join the military", let me tell you there are many CAP members who do more in service to this country than many Service members ever will.  The only difference is Military members get paid, CAP members do not.  CAP members are truly patriots because they serve their country with no expectation of monetary gain, unlike everyone in the military.       

Military members are subject to the UCMJ, they have to obey orders and go into harms way at a moment notice.  They are away from their families for long periods of time.  They sometimes get seriously injuried (with life changing disabilities) or die.   Military members are on duty 24 hours a day 7 days a week, many in war zones.  Contrast the typical CAP members who can select what missions they want to do & even while on a mission can decide that it's time to return home due to personal issues.   As a retired active military member I know what the sacrifices are in the toll it can take on military members & their familiies (especially today with the multiple deployments to a hostile environment).   Although CAP membership & service is worthwhile and deserves appropriate recognition, let me say it again, YOU ARE NOT MILILTARY MEMBERS & ARE NOT ENTITLED TO ANY BENEFITS OFFERED to "REAL" MILITARY PERSONNEL.  Get over it and press on.

BUT IF a business wants to give you a discount because you are a CAP member, than that's great, by all means take it.  BUT PLEASE don't portray yourself as a military member, you aren't, and unless you join & serve faithfully for the full term of your obligation with the guard, reserve, active armed forces, YOU WILL NEVER achieve that attain that status.
RM 

[Stonewall]

Military members are subject to the UCMJ, they have to obey orders and go into harms way at a moment notice.  They are away from their families for long periods of time.  They sometimes get seriously injuried (with life changing disabilities) or die.   Military members are on duty 24 hours a day 7 days a week, many in war zones.

You know, I too am a veteran who has spent long periods of time on deployments, in training and away from family.  It's great, it's honorable.  I doubt there is a CAP member who doesn't respect our veterans.  But I think we often paint a picture that every military member "responds at a moments notice" or who "are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week". 

I remember reading an article from a Vietnam [combat] Veteran that stated that roughly 15% of Vietnam Veterans engaged in combat action.  This, of course, does not take anything away from the pay clerk, the education specialist or the guy that hands out towels at the gym; but more military members are in support roles and have "9 to 5" jobs than people realize.  I am on an active Air Force base right now.  If it weren't for uniforms, you'd think this was just a corporate business park.

Did you know that more Marines died from motorcycle accidents in 2008 than in combat?  Again, this does not take away the service our military members give to our country and its freedom.  I'm just trying to make a point that while our military members make sacrifices, it's not like they're all at the forward edge of battle day in and day out.  In fact, a small percentage of troops are actually "on the front lines"; I'd say fewere than 10%, but that's just a guess.

Contrast the typical CAP members who can select what missions they want to do & even while on a mission can decide that it's time to return home due to personal issues.   As a retired active military member I know what the sacrifices are in the toll it can take on military members & their familiies (especially today with the multiple deployments to a hostile environment).   

Although CAP membership & service is worthwhile and deserves appropriate recognition, let me say it again, YOU ARE NOT MILILTARY MEMBERS & ARE NOT ENTITLED TO ANY BENEFITS OFFERED to "REAL" MILITARY PERSONNEL.  Get over it and press on.

You are correct, CAP members are not military members.  But like many people in our country, we do make sacrifices.  Other than deployments or long periods of time away from family, I'd say we make some good credible sacrifices.  We are but small part of the Air Force, but we are a force multiplier.  Do conduct missions for the Air Force and we often prepare young men and women for follow-on careers in the Air Force.  Like you said, if a company wishes to extend their discount to us for being auxiliary members of the military great.  But no one should be demanding, CAP or military.

My military job is and has been 100% combat related.  I have always been a gun toter, not a support guy in the rear.  I take no offense to a CAP member accepting a discount if offered based on their affiliation with the military.

[SarDragon]

We have several business in my local area that offer military discounts. When I see one of these signs, I ask, "Does that include retired folks, too?" Only once has the response been no, and I said thank you, and paid the listed price.

As for any CAP discounts, I never really thought about asking, due to my retired status.

[BrandonKea]

We have several business in my local area that offer military discounts. When I see one of these signs, I ask, "Does that include retired folks, too?" Only once has the response been no, and I said thank you, and paid the listed price.

As for any CAP discounts, I never really thought about asking, due to my retired status.

Really, someone shot you down because you're not AD? Lame.

[Short Field]

[BUT IF a business wants to give you a discount because you are a CAP member, than that's great, by all means take it.  BUT PLEASE don't portray yourself as a military member, you aren't, and unless you join & serve faithfully for the full term of your obligation with the guard, reserve, active armed forces, YOU WILL NEVER achieve that attain that status.
RM

And that is the point of this whole drift.   Taking a CAP discount does not translate to convincing them you deserve a military discount because your CAP ID card calls you a Major or says USAF AUX.

[Auxpilot]

Interesting thread.

Shortly after 9/11 the subject came up about citizens thanking CAP folks in uniform for their service. I posted that if I thought that I was being mistaken for an active duty military member I would politely let the person know that I was CAP. A outspoken member of either this board or Cap Blog, I don't recall, jumped all over me because he said that we deserve as much credit for what we do as the active folks did and that he proudly accepts the praise and moves on. I did not agree as I felt that the praise was being directed to the folks taking fire overseas, and it appears most on this thread feel that way as well. (I don't want to open that can of worms again - please)

That being said, volunteer fireman and ambulance crews in my County get a break on their property taxes and CAP does not. That is not fair in my opinion. On the other side of the coin, they do not have a chance to get any military related discounts.

Having been an active duty Airman and now a member of CAP, I have no issue with CAP members taking a discount from a bussiness that offers it. If they are willing to give it to me, why are we arguing about it. If we intentionally pass ourselves off as something that we are not, then that is wrong and we know it.

I have used the CAP card for several discounts over the years. I don't try to make CAP something that it is not, I simply ask "do civillian volunteers in the AF Aux get the military discount?" If the answer is yes, I gladly accept it. I sleep very well at night.

[Lt Oliv]

There are a whole bunch of places (rental cars, cell phones etc.) that offer discounts to members of various groups ranging from the American Legion to AARP to the Barbershop Society. 

These are group discounts, afforded to members of a particular group.  The original question (I believe) was asking, are there any discounts specific to CAP?

Now, regarding "military discounts" I will simply say this.  I have seen local merchants give the military discounts to veterans, retirees, reservists, CAP, USCG Aux, Sea Cadets and Marine Corps League.  I have also seen them deny the discount to everyone except Active Duty. 

I have also seen uniformed members of the Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration receive these discounts (when in uniform).  They are sometimes given to police officers, Paramedics, forest rangers or any other person that walks in with a uniform. 

Identifying yourself as a member of the Civil Air Patrol or USCG Aux and asking if there is a discount for your membership is not some grave immoral act.  It is simply asking if you can save 5% at the clerk/manager/owner's discretion.  If they say "Sure!" then you have absolutely no reason to lose sleep at night.  You asked, you received.

I strongly suspect that the individuals who are so vehemently opposed to receiving this discount are simply opposed to CAP Members blurring (or attempting to blur) the lines between a Civilian Auxiliary group and the Military Branch with which it is affiliated.

I'm sure members of the NYPD Auxiliary face the same issue.

Since we have veered so far off topic it isn't even funny and this is showing absolutely no signs of ending, what if we just leave it at:

1)  (In response to the original post) Yes, there are CAP Discounts, check out the website's member benefits section.
2)  When in doubt, ask if your membership in CAP qualifies for a discount (leave it to the merchant to determine if he will extend the military courtesy to you as well)
3)  If a fellow member receives a discount, whether you want to call it a CAP Discount, a Public Safety Discount or a Military Discount, we are going to be big boys and girls and not whine and cry about how they are "military wannabes*" because that term is extremely offensive to me (as a veteran) and to everyone else who takes pride in the relationship between CAP and the USAF.

*Real military wannabes are the people who wear military apparel purchased from a surplus store, eat MREs in their living room and talk about military tactics without ever having served anyplace that wasn't a video game and do not have the necessary drive to put on a proper uniform and actually do "stuff" for the military, government agency or a civilian auxiliary organization.

[Auxpilot]

There are a whole bunch of places (rental cars, cell phones etc.) that offer discounts to members of various groups ranging from the American Legion to AARP to the Barbershop Society. 

These are group discounts, afforded to members of a particular group.  The original question (I believe) was asking, are there any discounts specific to CAP?

Now, regarding "military discounts" I will simply say this.  I have seen local merchants give the military discounts to veterans, retirees, reservists, CAP, USCG Aux, Sea Cadets and Marine Corps League.  I have also seen them deny the discount to everyone except Active Duty. 

I have also seen uniformed members of the Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration receive these discounts (when in uniform).  They are sometimes given to police officers, Paramedics, forest rangers or any other person that walks in with a uniform. 

Identifying yourself as a member of the Civil Air Patrol or USCG Aux and asking if there is a discount for your membership is not some grave immoral act.  It is simply asking if you can save 5% at the clerk/manager/owner's discretion.  If they say "Sure!" then you have absolutely no reason to lose sleep at night.  You asked, you received.

I strongly suspect that the individuals who are so vehemently opposed to receiving this discount are simply opposed to CAP Members blurring (or attempting to blur) the lines between a Civilian Auxiliary group and the Military Branch with which it is affiliated.

I'm sure members of the NYPD Auxiliary face the same issue.

Since we have veered so far off topic it isn't even funny and this is showing absolutely no signs of ending, what if we just leave it at:

1)  (In response to the original post) Yes, there are CAP Discounts, check out the website's member benefits section.
2)  When in doubt, ask if your membership in CAP qualifies for a discount (leave it to the merchant to determine if he will extend the military courtesy to you as well)
3)  If a fellow member receives a discount, whether you want to call it a CAP Discount, a Public Safety Discount or a Military Discount, we are going to be big boys and girls and not whine and cry about how they are "military wannabes*" because that term is extremely offensive to me (as a veteran) and to everyone else who takes pride in the relationship between CAP and the USAF.

*Real military wannabes are the people who wear military apparel purchased from a surplus store, eat MREs in their living room and talk about military tactics without ever having served anyplace that wasn't a video game and do not have the necessary drive to put on a proper uniform and actually do "stuff" for the military, government agency or a civilian auxiliary organization.

Very well said!

[JoeTomasone]

I think that a majority of the feelings here center around the fact that the vast majority of Americans do not know that CAP is NOT active duty military and will tend to give us discounts even if they are intended for AD. 

There's no good answer here -- just like there's no good answer to easily give to those who come up to you in uniform to thank you for your service.     Just accept it, give thanks, and get on with it. 

Now, if you portray yourself as "USAF Auxiliary" to obtain a discount where you believe that CAP normally would not, then you are likely on the wrong moral side of the issue.   But if you know that there is a discount, present an ID card (or are there in uniform) and ask if you are entitled to a discount, then I do not believe that you should feel guilty when you receive one.

I was on my way to visit a Squadron and stopped at a Walgreens for a few things.   As the cashier was ringing me up, I noticed "Discount" flash by on the register screen.   When I got the receipt, I saw "Military Discount" on it, and then saw a sign that said, "Military Discount Every Tuesday".     Should I have gone back and returned the 2 or 3 dollars?  Made a fuss and embarrassed the clerk who saw a USAF uniform with different colored epaulets?   No, I don't think that either was warranted.  However, I don't save all my Walgreens shopping for Tuesdays, not do I ask for it if I am there on a Tuesday.

[Spike]

BUT PLEASE don't portray yourself as a military member, you aren't, and unless you join & serve faithfully for the full term of your obligation with the guard, reserve, active armed forces, YOU WILL NEVER achieve that attain that status.
RM

Wow.  In your response I got that;
1) unless you serve your full term of military service you are not real military?  Does that mean you must re-enlist to become "real military" in your World?

2) Retired Folks aren't "real military"?

3) We CAP members "pretend to be "real military"?

4) Military Members service and sacrifices are more important than anyone else's?

I served my time on AD, I currently serve in the reserve component along with many other previous Active Duty Folks.  I have to say my reserve obligations and duties fall far shorter than the time I put into CAP.  SAD, but that is what it is.

Remember when Reserve and National Guard members only received 12 then 24 visits to a Commissary?  I bet you were the guy that was upset when DOD let us in to the Commissary anytime we wanted with unlimited shopping privileges......right?!?!

Lets not forget the "real military" members that joined after Vietnam and retired early before the First Gulf War.  Many never left the States! 

Don't ever try to say that "Real Military" folks don't join for the money.  Anyone who says that, I welcome them to donate their salary to the Red Cross.  Everything a person does Career wise is driven subconsciously by salary and benefit.  Sure the military is a voluntary force, but the minute DFAS directly deposits your first paycheck, you are no longer a volunteer!  Volunteers in the basic sense of the word would not have service obligations, recall possibility or no way out of being ordered to Combat.

Now if this was pre-1901 and you joined your States "militia" (National Guard now) and did it because of desire to serve the local community and not get paid in the process (Militias did not get paid, unless ordered to Federal Service) I would believe you to be a TRUE VOLUNTEER.

You and everyone else joining the Armed Forces VOLUNTEER to join, but expect something in return for your volunteering.  The minute your signature goes on the enlistment contract or Oath of Office, you become an obligatory instrument of the Government (State or Federal), and receive compensation for you carrying out your duty.

The day that the recruiters stop waving money in front of ghetto kids and College tuition to lower middle class, average high school kids will be the day that people join the military for things other than money.

Heck, the Army was paying Captains two years ago to stay in the Service.  Bribery at it's best!!