DoD seeks plan to shut all U.S. commissaries

[underpants]

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

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.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the meeting was held within the last few weeks and was part of preparations for the fiscal 2015 DoD budget request that is due out on February.

Still, the fact that defense officials want DeCA to draft a plan for how it potentially would carry out such a move is another sign of the heavy budget pressures weighing on the Pentagon as a result of sequestration.

Commissary officials negotiate lower prices for products based on volume. Closing all or most U.S. commissaries would lead to higher prices and a degraded benefit in remaining stores, Tom Gordy, Armed Forces Marketing Council president, said in written testimony to a panel of the House Armed Services Committee on Nov. 20.

[hobbit709]

1. And this would save how much compared to the plane that won't fly?

And other such boondoggles.

[liberal N proud]

2. This isn't about saving

What is it that is behind all right wing agendas? private profit. The commissaries offer military families discounted purchasing opportunities, that discount is money not going into the pockets of some big box corporations coffers.

[Heather MC]

4. But but but it will save 1 billion dollars!!!

[underpants]

8. Ding ding ding

Spot on

[lpbk2713]

3. Support the Troops

I smell rethuglican duplicity all over this.

[delta17]

5. Support the troops to republicans equals a bumper sticker.

They won't put any effort into making their lives better.

[warrant46]

6. Disgusting !!

The low grade Enlisted types with children will be the ones this will hurt most. ( Some of whom already get FOOD STAMPS)

Question: Will they increase their pay to make up for this ?

Answer: Not a CHANCE !!

The military Jock Sniffers in both parties are at fault for the low wages and diminishing benefits

[underpants]

9. The military used to be a great trade teaching system

But they outsource most of those jobs out now ... For profit of the provider.

[warrant46]

11. Absolutely you called it !!

[underpants]

12. I posted that from my phone so it was short

I worked with a retired Army cook who ran the kitchen. That, as far as I know, doesn't exist like it used to. Now it is contracted out to Aramark and companies like it.

Helicopter mechs (got to know a few in my Cav unit) and many medical positions, as far as I know, are now contracted civilians.

One of the best meals I have ever had was at Berchtesgaden. A US DoD owned hotel. The meal was cooked by Army cooks who had been recommended to come there and learn under French, German, and Italian chefs. Chefs hired away for months to teach Army cooks. It was fantastic. Let me just say that I got to the meal earlier, ate, took a break.....and then went back. Imagine a kid getting out of the Army being able to say that they cooked under (fill in name).

[warrant46]

19. When I was in the service

I believe the system was better than it is now.

At least there was some control and accountability of who did what.

Now who is going to discipline the "Contractors" Answer: No One

[Wounded Bear]

13. Also, there are millions of retirees out there.....

that rely on commissaries to stretch their budget. Many drive many miles to go there and save.

Turning it over to Wal-Mart is a really, really, bad idea.

[global1]

7. Do You Think They're Floating This Idea So That.....

Congress will feel bad and not cut the budget of the DoD? Is this just an idle threat to see if they could generate some sympathy. Will this get the American People to call their Senators and Congressmen to tell them not to cut their budget?

Like somebody said above in this thread - one plane; some weapons; etc - would be the place more likely to cut. How much more can our servicemen and their families endure. We've already put them through hell and now we're going to cut off their cut rate lifeline to food, clothes and other things they need.

[Wounded Bear]

15. The current Congress is incapable of "feeling bad".....

They only feel bad when their rich donors are not making sufficient profit.

[pipoman]

10. Before they will close

the buildings, I suspect big players will negotiate with DoD to occupy the buildings..where the commissary is now will be Wal-Mart and Home Depot.

[DiverDave]

14. We lived at Edwards, where were we supposed to shop?

And man, it's tough to live NOW on the salary's that some of the lower EM
family's have to survive on.
We really need to give the ranks a raise, some family's, living on base, qualify for food stamps
for pete's sake.
It's a disgrace.
Raise the pay.

[Wounded Bear]

17. See post #10 above yours ^^

Sure, they'll 'close' the commissaries.....and bring in the big box stores to replace them. They make money, you pay more.

It's the American way.

[karadax]

16. AAFES / Exchange will probably pickup the slack.

It's the militaries version of Walmart. They run for-profit and give everything extra back to the military wellness programs. If DeCa gets shutdown then I can see AAFES expanding business to carry groceries. The military trims some from the budget, a military friendly business gets more business and the men and women that serve don't lose anything.

[Wounded Bear]

18. Hmmm....hadn't thought of that angle..

But I've been out for a while. Still sounds fishy to me. If it does work that way, maybe it won't be that bad, but color me a skeptic.