Exchange stores

[ZombieButter]

Can cap members get on air force bases to get to an EX store? I am in need of cheap uniform supplies...

[abdsp51]

Short answer yes, however it is entirely up to the Wg CC to allow access outside of activities or meetings.

[PHall]

Short answer yes, however it is entirely up to the Wg CC to allow access outside of activities or meetings.

You sure about that?  CAP members have access to the MCSS all of the time.

[NC Hokie]

Short answer yes, however it is entirely up to the Wg CC to allow access outside of activities or meetings.

You sure about that?  CAP members have access to the MCSS all of the time.

Not if they can't get past the gate guards.

[Eclipse]

Not if they can't get past the gate guards.

Fair enough, but I don't know of any CAP Wing CCs  that care either way (unless they need to get involved for access).

[PHall]

Not if they can't get past the gate guards.

Fair enough, but I don't know of any CAP Wing CCs  that care either way (unless they need to get involved for access).

I think he was referring to the Air Force Wing Commander who "owns" the base.

[abdsp51]

Per AFI 34-211(I) Table 6-2 line 12 & 13

12. Servicemembers of the Civil Air Patrol in a travel status and occupying Government quarters on a DOD installation
a. For purchases other than uniforms, they will be identified with their current membership card, their travel authorization, and evidence they are occupying Government quarters on the installation.
b. Purchase of uniforms, when Civil Air Patrol membership card is shown.
c. No State tax-free tobacco items.
d. No tax-free alcohol beverages.

13. Civil Air Patrol cadets
a. Purchase of uniforms, when Civil Air Patrol membership card is shown.
b. All food and beverage sold at any AAFES food activity, if consumed on post.

And there is also CAPR 147-1 as well. 

However the AF Wg CC can state that CAP ID is only good for entry into the installation on meeting nights and activities or not at all.  Vandenburg AFB for example does not recognize the CAP ID card for base access.  Which should be a good reason for local units especially those meeting on a base to establish, reestablish or maintain a good working relationship with the base. 

There is also these items from AFI10-2701

1.5. Actions on Military Installations. When on military Installations or other government facilities, CAP personnel will adhere to the regulations and policies of the Installation or facility. Installation or facility commanders may remove or bar entry of individual CAP members in accordance with established procedures.

3.16. Use of Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) Facilities. In accordance with AFJI 34-210 (AR 60-20) Army and Air Force Exchange Service Operating Policies, Chapter 2-9, Paragraph (c)(4), CAP personnel, while participating in an AFAM, or official function on a military Installation and occupying government quarters, are entitled to the use of AAFES facilities and services if approved by
the installation commander. Such use does not apply to CAP units and personnel attending unit meetings and other regularly scheduled corporate activities at a military Installation.

3.17. Installation Commander Discretion. To the extent allowed by law, installation commanders may exercise their discretion in determining whether access to facilities and services described in this instruction should be further limited.

So while yes access is authorized it is the wing commanders discretion to allow.

[spacecommand]

In my neck of the woods, it's no problem at all.  I don't know about TN.  Check with your unit CC or other members of your unit to see what experiences they've had.  Also check to see if any CAP units meet on the bases you plan on visiting.

[PHall]

However the AF Wg CC can state that CAP ID is only good for entry into the installation on meeting nights and activities or not at all.  Vandenburg AFB for example does not recognize the CAP ID card for base access.  Which should be a good reason for local units especially those meeting on a base to establish, reestablish or maintain a good working relationship with the base.

They don't recognise the CAP ID card, but they do recognise the access list that the unit on base provides to the base.
The squadron at Vandenberg has a very good relationship with the base.

[abdsp51]

However the AF Wg CC can state that CAP ID is only good for entry into the installation on meeting nights and activities or not at all.  Vandenburg AFB for example does not recognize the CAP ID card for base access.  Which should be a good reason for local units especially those meeting on a base to establish, reestablish or maintain a good working relationship with the base.

They don't recognize the CAP ID card, but they do recognize the access list that the unit on base provides to the base.
The squadron at Vandenberg has a very good relationship with the base.

That's one method and good to hear I was just using it as an example, here at Travis the ID is good to go and most of our members have no issues getting on.  Ultimately though it is the Wing King's call though.

[Woodsy]

Just curious, since I live a ways away from the nearest AFB...  but have a couple navy bases nearby...

Do we have the same rights at a Navy exchange?  For example, if I wanted to go buy a new pair of boots, dress shoes, etc., could I do that according to regs?

Also, could a navy exchange special order AF uniform items?

[SarDragon]

Just curious, since I live a ways away from the nearest AFB...  but have a couple navy bases nearby...

Do we have the same rights at a Navy exchange?  For example, if I wanted to go buy a new pair of boots, dress shoes, etc., could I do that according to regs?

I don't think so. I've never tried it, but I've had a Navy ID card of some sort since I was 12.

Also, could a navy exchange special order AF uniform items?

Doubtful. Different exchange system. I know of no provisions in the NEX regs to support CAP use.

That siad, make a call or two to the exchange manager, and see what they say. The first response you'll probably get is, "CAP? What's that?"

[Brad]

Just curious, since I live a ways away from the nearest AFB...  but have a couple navy bases nearby...

Do we have the same rights at a Navy exchange?  For example, if I wanted to go buy a new pair of boots, dress shoes, etc., could I do that according to regs?

Also, could a navy exchange special order AF uniform items?

Ask your local police // fire department where they get their uniform items at. I'm willing to bet there's a Uniforms by John or similar that you may not be aware of that stocks dress shoes, boots, etc.

Sure you save on tax on-base, but is it really worth it with the gas of going out to the AFB? Plus I agree, looking at the regs it does not appear that we have Navy exchange uniform priveleges, since Army / Air Force are AAFES and Navy / Marines are NEX and MCX respectfully.

Now if for some reason you're billeted at a Navy or USMC facility for training, then yes you can use the facilities there provided someone with a military ID escorts you, or you fall under the food exception.

Example, in 2011 SCWG had Encampment at USMCRD Parris Island, and we were permitted to utilize the MCX and attached food court.

[rustyjeeper]

For boots shoes there is always the option of mail order/internet vendors like
US Calvary
Brigade Quartermaster
Patriot Surplus

you can get some pretty decent uniform boots and shoes for reasonable cost there as well.

[RADIOMAN015]

Can cap members get on air force bases to get to an EX store? I am in need of cheap uniform supplies...

Not sure how close you are to Arnold AFB TN but you could just give the BX a call and see if they have in stock what you are looking for
http://www.arnold.af.mil/telephonenumbers.asp

If there's a CAP unit at that location you could contact them for assistance also.
RM

[ZombieButter]

At the moment I am in Florida for vacation, planning on going to Patrick's AFB.

[PhoenixRisen]

That siad, make a call or two to the exchange manager, and see what they say. The first response you'll probably get is, "CAP? What's that?"

When I found out the Coast Guard tropical blue uniform is essentially the same as our blue service uniform, I called up the local USCG base (CGAS San Diego) and spoke to the uniform shop manager about getting some items there.  Expecting a response similar to the above, I was pleasantly surprised when she said she has worked with quite a few CAP members in the past, and would do all she could to help.  I was added to the access roster, and on base later that afternoon.

[spacecommand]

If I recall correctly, the short-sleeve light blue shirt is exactly (or almost exactly) the same as the Air Force light blue short sleeve shirt.  However the trousers are a slightly different shade of blue, though one cannot really tell unless wearing a a service coat on top.

[AngelWings]

If I recall correctly, the short-sleeve light blue shirt is exactly (or almost exactly) the same as the Air Force light blue short sleeve shirt.  However the trousers are a slightly different shade of blue, though one cannot really tell unless wearing a a service coat on top.

They are the same shirt, even with USAF somewhere in the label.

[Brad]

If I recall correctly, the short-sleeve light blue shirt is exactly (or almost exactly) the same as the Air Force light blue short sleeve shirt.  However the trousers are a slightly different shade of blue, though one cannot really tell unless wearing a a service coat on top.

Check your 39-1, they ARE the same shirt, as AngelWings said. I bought mine at Shaw AFB for example.

As for the trousers, the slightly different shade is because there are two different authorized shades, 1620 and 1625. For the service uniforms, i.e. no coat, you are authorized to wear both. When wearing service dress though, and their siblings mess dress and cadet semiformal, the shade on the pants has to match the shade on the coat...which is usually 1620.

[AngelWings]

If I recall correctly, the short-sleeve light blue shirt is exactly (or almost exactly) the same as the Air Force light blue short sleeve shirt.  However the trousers are a slightly different shade of blue, though one cannot really tell unless wearing a a service coat on top.

Check your 39-1, they ARE the same shirt, as AngelWings said. I bought mine at Shaw AFB for example.

As for the trousers, the slightly different shade is because there are two different authorized shades, 1620 and 1625. For the service uniforms, i.e. no coat, you are authorized to wear both. When wearing service dress though, and their siblings mess dress and cadet semiformal, the shade on the pants has to match the shade on the coat...which is usually 1620.

He was talking about US Coast Guard light blue shirt and trousers. I meet on a joint ANG, ARNG, and USCG base that has only a CGX on it. The USCG uses the same shirts as the USAF. Their blue service dress is a near clone of ours.

[spacecommand]

If I recall correctly, the short-sleeve light blue shirt is exactly (or almost exactly) the same as the Air Force light blue short sleeve shirt.  However the trousers are a slightly different shade of blue, though one cannot really tell unless wearing a a service coat on top.

Check your 39-1, they ARE the same shirt, as AngelWings said. I bought mine at Shaw AFB for example.

As for the trousers, the slightly different shade is because there are two different authorized shades, 1620 and 1625. For the service uniforms, i.e. no coat, you are authorized to wear both. When wearing service dress though, and their siblings mess dress and cadet semiformal, the shade on the pants has to match the shade on the coat...which is usually 1620.

Well 39-1 says NOTHING about Coast Guard uniforms, so I can't really check it, nor would I care since I am not in the coast guard or coast guard auxiliary.  I was just noting to another member to watch out in case they plan on buying uniform for CAP from the coast guard.

[Brad]

Apologies, I skimmed over the post you were replying to ref USCG uniforms.