XBradTC

By

XBradTC

·

The Pentagon is closer to extending a generous new benefit to millions of veterans

Plans are progressing to extend online military exchange shopping privileges to all honorably discharged veterans, Military Times has learned. The Defense Department’s Executive Resale Board voted unanimously Aug. 9 to recommend the policy change, sources said. Extended shopping privileges would apply only to the exchange system's online stores — not brick-and-mortar facilities located on military installations. The…

Plans are progressing to extend online military exchange shopping privileges to all honorably discharged veterans, Military Times has learned.

The Defense Department’s Executive Resale Board voted unanimously Aug. 9 to recommend the policy change, sources said. Extended shopping privileges would apply only to the exchange system's online stores — not brick-and-mortar facilities located on military installations.

The Pentagon did not immediately confirm the's board move, and its unclear what its next steps will be. Officials have said previously that they'd like to implement the expanded benefit on Veterans Day 2017.

via www.militarytimes.com

Who knew AAFES had an online service?

While I suppose it is possible someone somewhere would benefit from this, it is hard to see how it would compete with Amazon.

On the other hand, implementation should be relatively inexpensive. Of course, the goal here is not to actually provide a benefit to veterans, but rather increase the profits of the exchange systems. Which, I don't really have to great an issue with that, as the profits are the major source of funding for Morale Welfare and Recreation funds, which do tangibly benefit servicemembers.

Tags:

Responses to “The Pentagon is closer to extending a generous new benefit to millions of veterans”

  1. Esli

    Perfect opportunity for the PX to be digitally out of my size in everything. Seriously, the online system exists but is a total pain in the neck to use. It’s like the AKO of AAFES… Opening it up to veterans makes sense. Will it compete with Amazon? Most of the wives I know do most of their shopping at Amazon vice PX; particularly in Germany. Fifty-pound bags of dog food showing up in the mail room on a regular basis.

    Like

  2. timactual

    Sorry, but hell no. I do not believe in subsidized government competition with private businesses.

    Like

  3. LT Rusty

    Tim-
    It’s not exactly subsidized, not in quite the way that you mean. The exchange system operates as a business, with profit/loss and all that entails. If they’re cheaper on one item or another, it’s because they have the purchasing power to negotiate a better deal with the vendor, plus there are no state or federal taxes for the consumer.
    Adding more people able to buy from them means that they’ll have that much more purchasing power, which means their prices will be that much better at no loss to the taxpayer, other than the slight reduction in sales tax revenue.
    And, as our host noted: profits from the exchange system are a tangible benefit to our still-active servicemembers.

    Like

  4. timactual

    I was not clear. My problem is not with the present arrangement. It is the expansion of AAFES at the expense of civilian businesses. I do not see any need to extend exchange privileges to veterans not already authorized.
    Does AAFES buy or rent the real estate they use? Do they pay the same property and business taxes as civilian businesses? Subject to the same codes and regulations and legal liabilities?

    Like

  5. Quartermaster

    There might be a problem with the state of residence if sales tax is not paid.

    Like

Leave a comment