Military Discounts

[usafcap1]

As a CAP Recruiter I'm asked lots of questions. But one question I can't seem to answer is "Does CAP get military discounts?" My answer: Yes. At surplus  stores and on the base (at least out here). . . But that's not what their asking. . . Their asking "Do we (CAP) get the 10% to 75% off discounts at restaurants, etc". . . So how would I answer this?



(Most of the time I say something like "I'll have to get back to you on that". Then I look dumb because I the recruiter don't know the answer.)

[Brad]

As a CAP member, law enforcement employee, firefighter, and Freemason, I'm always up to my neck in discount avenues, however my philosophy is take it if it is offered, but don't ASK for it. Although I will admit I have contradicted myself now and then and asked for major things like hoping to get cheaper rent at an apartment!

[Ed Bos]

CAP does not get military discounts. To indicate that your CAP status makes you eligible for them is a breach of ethics.

If your McDonald's cashier takes 10% off of your #2 with a large Coke, say thank you and move on.

No one in CAP should be asking for a military discount based on their status.

[abdsp51]

CAP does not get military discounts. To indicate that your CAP status makes you eligible for them is a breach of ethics.

If your McDonald's cashier takes 10% off of your #2 with a large Coke, say thank you and move on.

No one in CAP should be asking for a military discount based on their status.

Ditto.

[The CyBorg is destroyed]

Never ask for them.  That is implying you deserve something that is not yours.

That said, sometimes because of an Air Force baseball cap I often wear, I will occasionally get asked if I am in the military.  My usual answer is somewhere along the lines of:

"Not anymore.  I used to be in the Air National Guard.  Now I serve in the Civil Air Patrol, the volunteer Auxiliary of the United States Air Force."

I let them take it from there.  If they grant me a discount, I thank them.  If not, no harm, no foul.

Occasionally the asker will have served in the AF and will be familiar with CAP (usually only the older ones  ).  If they are unfamiliar with CAP and ask about it, I show them my ID card (you never know what may be a recruiting opportunity).  Again I let them take it from there.

If I'm on my way home from a unit meeting and in uniform and stop for a quick bite at McDonalds, etc., and get asked "are you in the Air Force?," I point to my nameplate and tell them what CAP is.

Again, I let them take it from there.

[tsrup]

I seem to get asked that one a lot from prospective members. 

Since it's the first question asked, and the fact that we dont see them again, I have to wonder if sometimes these people think that a CAP ID is just a potential discount card.



Agreed above though, asking for a discount is poor form.  I have a friend that asks every time we're out someplace and he just has a dependent ID.  Makes me grit my teeth a little each time.

[FlyTiger77]

...asking for a discount is poor form...

I agree wholeheartedly.

[lordmonar]

I got no problem with someone asking for a discount based on their CAP status.

Some places may actually extend such discounts to CAP.

It is not like they are taking away anything from anyone else.

[spacecommand]

Your answer should be "No" CAP members generally do not get military discounts.  BUT...for this base XYZ, certain stores like the surplus store do extend discounts to CAP members.  Outside of base XYZ surplus store, CAP members do not normally get military discounts.

There might be certain outlets out there that do extend discounts, but its YMMV and not a normal benefit of joining CAP. 

[Private Investigator]

Does this thread have anything to do with the, "Are we active duty" thread?   

As a sidebar:

What is the proper uniform combination for a "military discount"?

[RADIOMAN015]

As a CAP Recruiter I'm asked lots of questions. But one question I can't seem to answer is "Does CAP get military discounts?" My answer: Yes. At surplus  stores and on the base (at least out here). . . But that's not what their asking. . . Their asking "Do we (CAP) get the 10% to 75% off discounts at restaurants, etc". . . So how would I answer this?

(Most of the time I say something like "I'll have to get back to you on that". Then I look dumb because I the recruiter don't know the answer.)

Civil Air Patrol members ARE NOT entitled to military discounts, period

Now if a business wants to extend it's discounts to CIVIL AIR PATROL members than that is their choice.

Frankly IF I were recruiting someone and that was a big concern (discounts) of their's I'm not so sure we would go further in the recruiting process.

Again I have no issue with CAP members, as CAP members getting discounts.  We don't need "wanna bees" stealing discount benefits that are suppose to be for military personnel    
RM

[The CyBorg is destroyed]

We don't need "wanna bees" stealing discount benefits that are suppose to be for military personnel    
RM

That word again...

[rustyjeeper]

I am not so keen on that "wanna be" word/ mentality myself.  I think that the majority of our members know thatthey are not in the Armed Forces Military. And some of us here did in fact serve ine the military. We are not "wanna bees" , and I for one resent the teminology.
Since I am now officially older and (honourably discharged), I prefer the term "HAS BEEN"........ much more accurate than "wanna-bee"
been there, done that, got a ribbon for it on my blues!

[fyrfitrmedic]

As a CAP Recruiter I'm asked lots of questions. But one question I can't seem to answer is "Does CAP get military discounts?" My answer: Yes. At surplus  stores and on the base (at least out here). . . But that's not what their asking. . . Their asking "Do we (CAP) get the 10% to 75% off discounts at restaurants, etc". . . So how would I answer this?

(Most of the time I say something like "I'll have to get back to you on that". Then I look dumb because I the recruiter don't know the answer.)

Civil Air Patrol members ARE NOT entitled to military discounts, period

Now if a business wants to extend it's discounts to CIVIL AIR PATROL members than that is their choice.

Frankly IF I were recruiting someone and that was a big concern (discounts) of their's I'm not so sure we would go further in the recruiting process.

Again I have no issue with CAP members, as CAP members getting discounts.  We don't need "wanna bees" stealing discount benefits that are suppose to be for military personnel    
RM

Serious question, expecting a serious answer: Why are you here, both in CAP and on this forum?

[usafcap1]

Does this thread have anything to do with the, "Are we active duty" thread?   

As a sidebar:

What is the proper uniform combination for a "military discount"?

Umm no. . . they have nothing to do with each other. . . If you look at my perviuos posting history you look will see that I ten to post back-to-back posts.

Spelling does not matter!!!!

[manfredvonrichthofen]

I must admit that it is nice to get offered a military discount, I still tend to get them because people see my Army Id in my wallet, yes I still carry it with me, I just can't bring myself to take it out. But I also have my CAP ID in one of those clear pockets in my wallet and have been asked what cAP is, and so I give them my recruiting speech and let them see it. Then I usually end up inviting them out to a meeting and they never show... But I usualy end up getting 10-20% taken off my bill. But to say that we should expect a military discount is absurd. I don't even think it is right to ask for a military discount if you are AD. It is easy enough to recognize when someone is or was in the military just by the way they Cary themselves, but that just might be because I was too so it is easier for me. But at any rate I would tell them that it is possible that someone may notice your uniform or ID and offer one, but we are not really entitled to it, but it does happen somewhat often.

[RADIOMAN015]

As a CAP Recruiter I'm asked lots of questions. But one question I can't seem to answer is "Does CAP get military discounts?" My answer: Yes. At surplus  stores and on the base (at least out here). . . But that's not what their asking. . . Their asking "Do we (CAP) get the 10% to 75% off discounts at restaurants, etc". . . So how would I answer this?

(Most of the time I say something like "I'll have to get back to you on that". Then I look dumb because I the recruiter don't know the answer.)

Civil Air Patrol members ARE NOT entitled to military discounts, period

Now if a business wants to extend it's discounts to CIVIL AIR PATROL members than that is their choice.

Frankly IF I were recruiting someone and that was a big concern (discounts) of their's I'm not so sure we would go further in the recruiting process.

Again I have no issue with CAP members, as CAP members getting discounts.  We don't need "wanna bees" stealing discount benefits that are suppose to be for military personnel    
RM

Serious question, expecting a serious answer: Why are you here, both in CAP and on this forum?

I enjoy being a member of the CIVIL Air Patrol and am an active contributing member to my unit and also assist my wing within my personal limitations.  I have achieved wing level yearly awards in more than one functional area of CAP.  I produce results just wearing a golf shirt with appropriate grey pants, etc :angel:    BTW I do understand why there are wanna bees in the organization.  .

IF you or anyone else don't like what I post, than don't read it. :angel: Surely anyone reading these forums can formulate an opinion on the dynamics that are going on with some members here.

An unintended consequence with adult "civilians" wearing military style uniform is just the overall general public confusion this contributes to, and the distinct possibility of getting a benefit that is reserved for military personnel.  Even from a public relations standpoint during ES operations, it's challenging to differentiate Civil Air Patrol as an organization with other military services, which in my opinion hurts us overall.   

Now again, there's some large national retail chain stores that have always offered military discounts, to active, retired, reserve/guard members as well as their dependents.  I think one has also extended this discount to all military veterans, at least during some portions of the year (So a CAP member that is also a military veteran is eligible for this).    That same national chain also offers merchandise gift certificates to non profit organizations, such as CAP.   

Furthermore, let me AGAIN emphasize that IF a national, regional, or local business makes an informed decision to specifically allow discounts to Civil Air Patrol members, I have absolutely NO issue with this, and I sure we all could come up with some additional retailers with specific merchandise we'd like to see discounts from.

I would think that new National HQ development office should also be looking at expanding these type of CAP member benefits/discounts.   Hopefully they won't be asking for a monetary cut in the purchase action, which may very well prevent a discount deal. 

The bottom line is Civil Air Patrol members are not in the military and are not entitled to any discounts or benefits that have been set aside for military members.  It's surprising that National HQ, via a standards of conduct, doesn't reemphasize this to the field on a regular basis.   HOWEVER, in the end it's up to every CAP member to do the "right thing" if an inappropriate benefit/discount is offered.

RM   

[Eclipse]

I enjoy being a member of the CIVIL Air Patrol and am an active contributing member to my unit and also assist my wing within my personal limitations.  I have achieved wing level yearly awards in more than one functional area of CAP.  I produce results just wearing a golf shirt with appropriate grey pants, etc     BTW I do understand why there are wanna bees in the organization.  .

Hamlet Act 3, scene 2, 222–230

[Flying Pig]

So as a CAP "recruiter" prospective members actually ask you that?  You must be talking to weird bunch. Ive been involved with CAP since 1986 and I really dont think Ive ever heard it come up. 

You started a thread about using the USO, whether or not we are "active duty" and now wanting to know about military discounts.  In police work we call this a "clue".  There is one way you can take advantage legitimately of all those things and thats to to join up dude. 

[Private Investigator]

Does this thread have anything to do with the, "Are we active duty" thread?   

As a sidebar:

What is the proper uniform combination for a "military discount"?

Umm no. . . they have nothing to do with each other. . . If you look at my perviuos posting history you look will see that I ten to post back-to-back posts.

Spelling does not matter!!!!

[RADIOMAN015]

I must admit that it is nice to get offered a military discount, I still tend to get them because people see my Army Id in my wallet, yes I still carry it with me, I just can't bring myself to take it out.
snip..snip..

You might be violating federal law by having that military ID in your possession and displaying it, even if expired unless you are authorized as a military member in active/reserve/guard status to retain the ID card.
RM     

[RogueLeader]

Might be, or are?  If violation, cite please. Because I got out on a Sunday, I could not turn my is in.

[Persona non grata]

Take a red marker to your ID card and that should satisfy  JKA........Dont know of any federal law......

[RogueLeader]

I asking RM as he made the assertion.

[MSG Mac]

If he was discharged they should have taken the ID period! If he was released from Active duty with a remaining commitment, he keeps the ID until his actual Discharge date whenever it may be.

[RogueLeader]

If he was discharged they should have taken the ID period! If he was released from Active duty with a remaining commitment, he keeps the ID until his actual Discharge date whenever it may be.

Say I clear, and get my final clearing stamp and dd214 on Friday 24 Apr 10, but I can not sign out until 26 Apr. How am I to give them my id before I get out, and how can I give it to them when the office is closed?

[HGjunkie]

If I see the word "civil" highlighted one more time.. 

[RADIOMAN015]

Might be, or are?  If violation, cite please. Because I got out on a Sunday, I could not turn my is in.

Please Refer to:
http://www.cac.mil/common-access-card/managing-your-cac/

http://www.af.mil/shared/media/epubs/afi36-3026(i).pdf See chapter 9

[urlhttp://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20120114093308AApH4SX][/url]

As you see the ID card is the property of the DOD/issuing military service and must be turned in.  Surely, there might be some people who got out of the military service and still have their ID card and this part of of their memories display in the privacy of their home.  HOWEVER, if you have it in your wallet and you are displaying it, I think you are asking for a problem.  IF the expired card is seen on a military base it is normally confiscated by security forces (likely at the gate) and the individual is denied entry.   IF any services were obtained (likely only the BX, Commissary, Class 6, or Gas Station) than it would be considered theft of service, and a decision would have to be made by the local federal prosecutor on whether to take this to court. 

The bottom line is IF you aren't authorized to have a military ID card (even expired, most just put their thumb/finger over the expiration date) you shouldn't be running around town flashing it to unsuspecting good businesses in the local community to get a military discount.  Got to wonder if there was an actual current or retired military member who observed this, what the end result would be for the impostor    IF you are a CAP member doing this you should be thrown out of the program.
RM   
     

[Eclipse]

As you see the ID card is the property of the DOD/issuing military service and must be turned in.  Surely, there might be some people who got out of the military service and still have their ID card and this part of of their memories display in the privacy of their home.  HOWEVER, if you have it in your wallet and you are displaying it, I think you are asking for a problem.  IF the expired card is seen on a military base it is normally confiscated by security forces (likely at the gate) and the individual is denied entry.   IF any services were obtained (likely only the BX, Commissary, Class 6, or Gas Station) than it would be considered theft of service, and a decision would have to be made by the local federal prosecutor on whether to take this to court. 

Is this part of your daily gate briefing to the guards?

[manfredvonrichthofen]

Yeah... It's not displayed... It is in a card slot, never taken it out, unless i was asked about it, and I don't flash it around. My drivers licence is displayed and my CAP ID is displayed. I have just never been able to bring myself to take it out. But reading the regulation, that I was not aware of, I will take it out and put it away. But I was told I could and should keep the ID, if anything happened and I didn't have a copy of my 214, that could be used to trace my record to get a new one, it just makes it easier, but as well I guess I should send it back.

I don't show it to get discounts or anything of the sort, i dont show it for anything unless asked about it, that is just flat wrong, and unless you know me, don't make assumptions that I do. I also get asked about the CIB on my hat, and that shows my combat duty, so I guess I should take tht off too huh?

There are butt loads of people who get out and still have their IDs, every one that I know who got out still have theirs. No one forces you to hand them in. I have been back to Fort Campbell a few times since getting out and have not been asked once to hand it over.

But that aside, I will comply with the regulation and return my ID.

[The CyBorg is destroyed]

IF you are a CAP member doing this you should be thrown out of the program.
RM

And there we have it...a summary court-martial, except that we can't be subjected to that, since we are not military.

Are you a lawyer/paralegal?

If not...well, I remember way back to BMT what was said about "barracks lawyering."

If I see the word "civil" highlighted one more time.. 

It's just a fixation friend RM has, for whatever reason.  I studied psychology at university-level for a couple of years, but I never saw "fixation with a word" in the DSM-IV.

I enjoy being a member of the CIVIL Air Patrol and am an active contributing member to my unit and also assist my wing within my personal limitations.  I have achieved wing level yearly awards in more than one functional area of CAP.  I produce results just wearing a golf shirt with appropriate grey pants, etc :angel:   

And I know a lot of members who produce results wearing the AF type uniform.  What point are you trying to prove?  Is it somehow more of an honour producing results just with the golf shirt setup?

BTW I do understand why there are wanna bees in the organization.  .

I don't think so, because I don't think you understand what a "wannabe" is outside of your personal definition.

From my Oxford Dictionary:

wannabe n. slang often derogatory a person who tries to emulate a particular celebrity, follow the lifestyle of a particular group, etc. (also attrib.: all those wannabe guitar heroes).

Now, if someone in CAP and/or the Armed Forces comes up to me and calls me a wannabe...if they are senior in rank to me, they'll be told "it's not up to you to make that call, Sir/Ma'am, and I request you not insult me."  If they're equal/junior in rank to me, they'll be told to gag it.

An example of a "wannabe" (as I see it) is to cobble together an RAF officer's uniform from items easily available on Evilbay, play dress-up and actually present myself as an RAF officer, complete with bad Midlands accent:


Image from What Price Glory, stockists and suppliers to military reenactors

"I say, so jolly good to be back in the Colonies again, attached to the American Air Force.  Flight Lieutenant Cyrus Borg here; can't wait to get stuck into the cockpit of one of those F-22's of yours!"

(Not only would that make me a wannabe, but it would also show me as a can or two shy of a six-pack, not to mention violating Federal law for impersonating an officer of an allied nation!)

IF you or anyone else don't like what I post, than don't read it. :angel: Surely anyone reading these forums can formulate an opinion on the dynamics that are going on with some members here.

Then why post it to begin with?

The bottom line is Civil Air Patrol members are not in the military and are not entitled to any discounts or benefits that have been set aside for military members.

When in doubt, restate the obvious.

It's surprising that National HQ, via a standards of conduct, doesn't reemphasize this to the field on a regular basis.

Maybe the chaps and chapesses with egg on their caps have more pressing concerns?

HOWEVER, in the end it's up to every CAP member to do the "right thing" if an inappropriate benefit/discount is offered.

I stated how I handle it and that's how I will continue to handle it.  However, if the "right thing" means to apologise for being in an organisation administered by the United States Air Force and for, when in uniform, looking somewhat like a member of that service...ain't happening.

[BillB]

At encampments, the encampment commander, deputy commander or Wing Director would go talk with the Base Commander to get an OK for a CAP officer to be authorized BX, commissary privledges and all CAP members could purchase gas for corporate and private vehicles. Only class 6 was not authorized. The authorization for all except gas was limited to one person with a letter from the Base Commander to purchase things like snacks and cans of coffee for the encampment offices. Any Base Commander has authority to allow CAP the use of those facilities.

[PHall]

At encampments, the encampment commander, deputy commander or Wing Director would go talk with the Base Commander to get an OK for a CAP officer to be authorized BX, commissary privledges and all CAP members could purchase gas for corporate and private vehicles. Only class 6 was not authorized. The authorization for all except gas was limited to one person with a letter from the Base Commander to purchase things like snacks and cans of coffee for the encampment offices. Any Base Commander has authority to allow CAP the use of those facilities.

That's what MSA's are for. Why reinvent the wheel?

[Eclipse]

Even that isn't necessary - the language is already in the AFI.

[The CyBorg is destroyed]

I never have even (to date) had privileges that extensive with on-base shopping.

I've never had Commissary or gas station privileges...nor have I ever asked for them.

I've had limited BX/Shopette privileges during CAP activities.

Other than that, just the standard MCSS privileges that all CAP members get.

[Cliff_Chambliss]

As you see the ID card is the property of the DOD/issuing military service and must be turned in.  Surely, there might be some people who got out of the military service and still have their ID card and this part of of their memories display in the privacy of their home.  HOWEVER, if you have it in your wallet and you are displaying it, I think you are asking for a problem.  IF the expired card is seen on a military base it is normally confiscated by security forces (likely at the gate) and the individual is denied entry.   IF any services were obtained (likely only the BX, Commissary, Class 6, or Gas Station) than it would be considered theft of service, and a decision would have to be made by the local federal prosecutor on whether to take this to court. 

Is this part of your daily gate briefing to the guards?

Actually yesterday my wife and I did our monthly shopping trip to the commissary at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.  As we normally do, as we entered the gate I presented my retired Army Id Card and my wife's dependent ID Card.  The Security Guard looked them and then:
"Sir your wife's card is expired, please pull over to the holding area and wait".  A few moments later he gave us a temporary visitors pass and told us the MILPO (Military Personnel Office) would be open Monday.  He kept her card.  Btw her card expired 30 April 2012 and this all took place 6 May 2012. 
So YES, the secuirty folks do check dates and YES they will confiscate an expired card.

[abdsp51]

Any gate guard worth their salt will check experation dates on IDs.  That being said depending on the branch it is unlikely that someone in posession of an ID either expired or they are not suppose to have will ever wind up in court.  I have never recieved a mil discount wearing CAP uniform.  And where and what CAP is allowed to do on at least an AF installation is upto the wing king.   Class 6 has always been off limits and gas well you can plug your CC into the reader to pay for it and be good to go. But we as CAP shoukdn't ask for any discounts and if a buisness offers then that is on them.

[SarDragon]

Spelling does not matter!!!!

I beg to differ. Bad spelling reflects negatively on you. It goes with a bad attitude, and a lack of attention to detail. As you progress through CAP, your writing skills will come into play, and bad ones will get you nowhere. Nor will that lack of attention to detail.

[Eclipse]

^ Wow, that's just sad.  Ease of access to the medium does not relieve you from using it properly.

What apparently is lost to many people is that when a message contains grammatical errors or incorrect spelling, the reader
gets hung on those words or phrases, and will miss the actual message.

Not to mention that the credibility of the writer becomes suspect as well.

[lordmonar]

yes of course....but also....it is not the end of the world either.

[MSG Mac]

Bad spelling, grammer, and misuse of words does matter. The person reading the missive makes an instant impression of the writer. If you have to write in your job, it makes a difference. The SAT and ACT tests that get you into college both have writing sample requirements. If you enter the military, the first thing they do is give you a series of tests, including writing and word knowledge. This can make a major difference in whether you're repairing mess kits, or fixing aircraft. If you want to be an Officer-There is a written test. If you become an NCO or Officer there are mandatory schools which require lots of writing. Yes, It Does Matter!

[usafcap1]

So as a CAP "recruiter" prospective members actually ask you that?  You must be talking to weird bunch. Ive been involved with CAP since 1986 and I really dont think Ive ever heard it come up. 

You started a thread about using the USO, whether or not we are "active duty" and now wanting to know about military discounts.  In police work we call this a "clue".  There is one way you can take advantage legitimately of all those things and thats to to join up dude.

they have nothing to do with each other. . . If you look at my perviuos posting history you look will see that I ten to post back-to-back posts.

[Flying Pig]

Actually they all have something to do with each other.  Im not talking about posting back to back. Your last couple of posts all have to do with taking advantage military services and benefits.   Just noticed the trend is all.

[JK657]

Flying Pig beat me to the punch as I was about to address the same issue with the OP. Throw in the topics mentioned by Flying Pig plus ones wanting a CAC looking ID card, dog tags and Digital uniforms the impression made could be a negative one.

[Flying Pig]

However, I have found a way to cure your desires to look like, act like and recieve the benefits of military service in a way that cannot be found in CAP.

http://www.army.mil/

http://www.airforce.com/joining-the-air-force/enlisted-overview/

http://www.navy.com/navy.html

http://www.marines.com/home?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=YAHOO_US_MARINE_CORP

http://www.uscg.mil/

[manfredvonrichthofen]

Don't try too hard to get to where you deserve military discounts, it takes a lot from you. The way we look at them is that some places give military discounts because they know that you give up, and it really is a large part of yourself that you give up.

Is it nice to be recognized? Yes, is it nice to be appreciated? Yes. But it is also a constant reminder. And in CAP we haven't done what needs to be done to deserve the military discount. We don't give as much inCAP.

Sure, we give our time sweat and sometimes some tears. But there is more that is given by soldiers.

[lordmonar]

Strange.......I get the same discount for getting shot at for 22 years....as everyone else gets for simply being 65.

I don't get worked up about the military discount thing.....if someone in CAP get's a discount.....good on them.....now move along...nothing to see here.

[manfredvonrichthofen]

Strange.......I get the same discount for getting shot at for 22 years....as everyone else gets for simply being 65.

I don't get worked up about the military discount thing.....if someone in CAP get's a discount.....good on them.....now move along...nothing to see here.

+1

If it is given to you, ok, don't throw it back at them, and denying it, is most of the time taken as throwing it back at them. Just say thank you and pay. But don't solicit one.