DoD seeks plan to shut all U.S. commissaries

[unhappycamper]

http://www.armytimes.com/article/20131121/BENEFITS07/311210046/DoD-seeks-plan-shut-all-U-S-commissaries

DoD seeks plan to shut all U.S. commissaries
Nov. 21, 2013 - 06:00AM

Defense officials have reportedly asked the Defense Commissary Agency to develop a plan to close all U.S. commissaries — about three-fourths of its stores, according to a resale community source familiar with details of a meeting with representatives of the Joint Staff and Pentagon comptroller’s office.

[Scuba]

1. Yes, when money is tight, screw the troops out of any small benefit.

After all, that F35 strike fighter could work someday. Maybe.

[IrishAyes]

2. Well, it would also put more stress on families living on base.

Not everyone has a car, and those bases are not exactly smack in the middle of prime shopping areas.

[Victor_c3]

3. You mean the strip outside of most military bases isn't prime shopping?

[sarcasm]



I love how (at least Army) bases all have the same basic selection right outside of the main gate - pawn shops, tattoo parlors (with layaway plans), pay-day-loans, check cashing, used car dealers, strip clubs, etc...

[IrishAyes]

4. Exactly. Prime commercial isn't the same as prime shopping, at least not for families.

Those bottom feeders cluster around their prime targets. I've read where enlisted military personnel make up the highest percentage of predatory payday loan sharks' victims. This wouldn't be such a deep seated problem if military pay were more adequate. Those commissaries and PXs are a critical necessity and shouldn't be cut anywhere! The families of officers won't miss the PX as much as the others, but it's still a necessity.

At least when we were at White Sands, the nearest 'family type' shopping was miles away. My life as an Army brat and later wife was wonderful despite the usual challenges, but I really feel bad for people today. Predatory, vulture capitalism is not our friend.

[BobUp]

5. bases all have the same basic selection right outside of the main gate

Yes they do!
Great Lakes Naval Training Center, North Chicago, Illinois.