# AAFES and Military Exchanges to Allow Veterans to Shop Online starting Nov. 11 **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [October 17, 2017, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155 "2017-10-17T20:58:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2017, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/21 "2017-10-19T13:49:49Z")
> [@x-ray\_vision](#): > > Was someone at Amazon reading this thread? The price just went down to $357.46. :eek: It would not shock me if Amazon has a bot that looks for posts like above. And sometimes reacts based on algorithms they’ve devised. ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2017, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/22 "2017-10-19T16:16:20Z")
And these televisions here [https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-UN85JU7100-85-Inch-Ultra-Smart/dp/B00VB9MM5A/ref=sr\_1\_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1508429595&sr=8-2&keywords=samsung+4k+80"](https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-UN85JU7100-85-Inch-Ultra-Smart/dp/B00VB9MM5A/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1508429595&sr=8-2&keywords=samsung+4k+80%22) are ONLY $200 at AAFES. With free shipping. That’s way better than Amazon, who has it over-priced at $5444.94. I sure would like to get it from Amazon if only they’d lower their price to match AAFES. I SAID I’D LIKE TO BUY IT FROM [AMAZON.COM](http://AMAZON.COM) IF ONLY THEY’D LOWER THE PRICE TO $200 LIKE AAFES!!! (fingers crossed) ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2017, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/23 "2017-10-19T17:06:28Z")
I soooooooooo hope that works! ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2017, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/24 "2017-10-19T17:19:58Z")
> [@Bear\_Nenno](#): > > I can’t imagine how it will benefit anyone. Amazon has much better prices and variety. I’m always amused when AAFES access is lumped together with other “benefits” of service. That might have been true before Wal-Mart, but it certainly isn’t true anymore. And with Amazon… it’s not even a consideration. The only benefit AAFES offers is convenience due to proximity to my house. Plus getting American stuff while visiting or living overseas. AAFES convenience stores are much better than stopping at an S-Oil or ESSO, and that’s not even considering the fact that gas is 1/4 the price. > But for online shopping? I couldn’t imagine ever finding something cheaper at [aafes.com](http://aafes.com) than from amazon. AAFES used to have a policy of price matching. Did they stop doing that? I have no close access to a military PX since moving to Oregon in 2009, so I don’t know what the current policies are. ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2017, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/25 "2017-10-19T17:43:39Z")
Here are the current [price matching rules](https://www.aafes.com/exchange-stores/price-match/) From a quick glance, the online store will price match on-line retailers including Amazon. ---
**Author:** ![x-ray\_vision](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/x-ray_vision/32/351_2.png) [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2017, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/26 "2017-10-19T17:55:48Z")
> [@Slash1972](#): > > Here are the current [price matching rules](https://www.aafes.com/exchange-stores/price-match/) > > From a quick glance, the online store will price match on-line retailers including Amazon. Yup. > [@](#): > > **Online retailers for [ShopmyExchange.com](http://ShopmyExchange.com) are limited to** > > Navy/Marine Exchanges, Academy, Amazon, Auto Zone, BabiesRUs, Barnes and Noble, Bass Pro, Bath & Body Works, Bed Bath and Beyond, Best Buy. Cabelas, Crutchfield, CVS, Dell, Dicks Sporting Goods, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Home Depot, HP, JC Penney, Kmart, Kohl’s, Lenovo, Lowes, Macy’s, Michaels, Newegg, Nebraska Furniture Mart, Niemen Marcus, Nordstrom, Office Depot, O’Reilly Auto, Pep Boys, Petco, Petsmart, Sears, Staples, Target, Tiger Direct, ToysRUs, Victoria Secret, Walgreens, Walmart, Wayfair, Sam’s and Costco Warehouse Clubs. [https://www.aafes.com/exchange-stores/price-match/](https://www.aafes.com/exchange-stores/price-match/) [ShopmyExchange.com](http://ShopmyExchange.com) offers free shipping for most items over $49\*. That means for taxable items over $49, [ShopmyExchange.com](http://ShopmyExchange.com) is usually the way to go (unless you need something really quick). - Sometimes shipping is free when under $49 and sometimes it’s not even when over that price: > **[Military Discounts On Top Brands, Women's Clothing, Fitness, Electronics |...](https://www.shopmyexchange.com/customer-service/shipping-delivery)** > > Shipping and Delivery ---
**Author:** ![That\_Don\_Guy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/that_don_guy/32/538_2.png) [@That\_Don\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/That_Don_Guy)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2017, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/27 "2017-10-19T18:11:38Z")
I know it has been about 20 years since I have been in a military exchange, but aren’t active DoD civilians allowed to shop in the physical locations, with restrictions (I think “no alcohol or tobacco”)? ---
**Author:** ![Exchange](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e95f7d/32.png) [@Exchange](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exchange)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2017, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/28 "2017-10-19T19:51:51Z")
Currently, only 20-year “retired” and 100% disabled Veterans (and all active-duty, National Guard and Reserve military personnel) are eligible to shop military exchanges. Expanding online exchange shopping benefits is a modest recognition of honorable and general under honorable discharged Veterans’ service to our Nation, especially since the vast majority of Veterans who served honorably do not meet the 20-year criteria to retain lifetime exchange benefits. The Veterans online shopping benefit represents a low-risk, low-cost opportunity to strengthen funding of Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs in support of service members’ and their families’ Quality of Life. ---
**Author:** ![Exchange](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e95f7d/32.png) [@Exchange](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exchange)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2017, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/29 "2017-10-19T19:52:56Z")
> [@Slash1972](#): > > Here are the current [price matching rules](https://www.aafes.com/exchange-stores/price-match/) > > From a quick glance, the online store will price match on-line retailers including Amazon. If the products is shipped from Amazon (not 3rd party), then our online store will certainly price match. ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2017, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/30 "2017-10-19T20:08:26Z")
Holy Crap, AAFES has joined the Dope! ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2017, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/31 "2017-10-19T20:10:56Z")
> [@Exchange](#): > > If the products is shipped from Amazon (not 3rd party), then our online store will certainly price match. Welcome to the Straight Dope and thank you for the clarifications. ---
**Author:** ![Melbourne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5e925/32.png) [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2017, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/32 "2017-10-20T00:29:27Z")
I know I’m late to the party, but this is, actually, a question I’ve wanted to ask for the last 30 years: what is the difference between a veteran and a retiree? ---
**Author:** ![x-ray\_vision](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/x-ray_vision/32/351_2.png) [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2017, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/33 "2017-10-20T00:41:20Z")
> [@Melbourne](#): > > I know I’m late to the party, but this is, actually, a question I’ve wanted to ask for the last 30 years: what is the difference between a veteran and a retiree? > [@](#): > > . MILITARY VETERAN: > . A “veteran” is a person who served in the active military, naval, or air > service, and who was discharged or released under conditions other than > dishonorable. > > . MILITARY RETIREE: > . A military retiree is any former member of the uniformed services who is > entitled, under statute, to retired, retirement, or retainer pay. Examples > include, but are not necessarily limited to, spending 20 or more years in > the military or permanent retirement by reasons of physical disability. > . All military retirees are veterans, but not all veterans are military > retirees. [http://www.veteransresources.org/forums/threads/difference-veteran-or-military-retiree-or-both.2917/](http://www.veteransresources.org/forums/threads/difference-veteran-or-military-retiree-or-both.2917/) ---
**Author:** ![x-ray\_vision](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/x-ray_vision/32/351_2.png) [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2017, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/34 "2017-10-20T00:49:44Z")
The above definition of MILITARY VETERAN is incomplete as it omits some Reserve and National Guard members: > [@](#): > > Until now, Guard and Reserve personnel were considered veterans only if they served in a federalized capacity for more than 179 days other than training. Even a reservist who attended regular training and drill for two decades, but never was federalized, could not claim to be a veteran. Now, Guard and Reserve members will be recognized as veterans if they serve honorably for 20 years. [http://ameriforce.net/reserve-national-guard-finally-get-veteran-status/](http://ameriforce.net/reserve-national-guard-finally-get-veteran-status/) ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2017, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/35 "2017-10-20T13:42:39Z")
Even with that definition, a Guard member could serve in the Guard for 19 years, deploy to a war zone, fight for 178 days and get sent home and separate from the Guard, and STILL not be considered a veteran? That doesn’t seem right. ---
**Author:** ![Melbourne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5e925/32.png) [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2017, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/36 "2017-10-20T21:06:19Z")
> [@x-ray\_vision](#): > > … Thanks. I’ve had family members who were veterans and family members who were retirees. The vets had no interest in further interaction with the military, and the retirees didn’t want to defend their entitlements: neither group wanted to discuss it. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![x-ray\_vision](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/x-ray_vision/32/351_2.png) [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2017, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/37 "2017-10-20T21:30:24Z")
> [@Melbourne](#): > > Thanks. I’ve had family members who were veterans and family members who were retirees. The vets had no interest in further interaction with the military, and the retirees didn’t want to defend their entitlements: neither group wanted to discuss it. 🙂 Just to clarify, because of your phrasing, the retirees are also veterans. ---
**Author:** ![FoieGrasIsEvil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foiegrasisevil/32/16638_2.png) [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2017, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/38 "2017-10-20T23:10:46Z")
> [@Balthisar](#): > > Lowes? Cool! I can finally use the newly-added “veteran” designation on my license. Although the link seems to indicate that I have to “sign up” for something. Probably worth it for big ticket items, and even so, worth going to Lowes when Home Depot is so close. I wonder if it stacks with coupons? > > This comment piques my interest, as I’ve never seen anyone refer to Fliegerhorst Kaserne online before. You were stationed there, or you were there with your parents? I was stationed there from about June 1992 to June 1994. That big GCA radar under the radome belonged to me. (Given the number of people who’ve cycled through Fliegerhorst versus the number of welding engineers in the world, I run into the latter all the time, and never the former). Holy shit! You just missed me. I was in the 333rd FA in HQ platoon as a 13F (forward observer). We were a radar counterfire battery and us 13F’s had very little to do other than constantly PMRC our vehicles and TA-50, pull motor pool and UP guard duty, and drink a lot of beer during sergeant’s time while bowling. The Army I was stationed with in Germany from 1989-1992 was very different than the one I trained with and left behind in the US. Very laissez-faire, lots of drinking, tons of out of shape senior NCO’s, etc. Radar platoon was constantly deploying to the field while my platoon did nothing. I eventually became a PAC clerk as a PFC/Spec-4 and played D&D video games on Army computers all day. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2017, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/39 "2017-10-22T16:36:11Z")
> [@Slash1972](#): > > Even with that definition, a Guard member could serve in the Guard for 19 years, deploy to a war zone, fight for 178 days and get sent home and separate from the Guard, and STILL not be considered a veteran? That doesn’t seem right. Yes that’s true and in many cases they are not considered veterans. Hell in New Jersey I was active duty for 4 years and the state didn’t count me as a veteran for civil service because I spent Desert Storm in Germany. That changed 10 years later when I deployed with the National Guard but I no longer needed it. Depending which definition and which benefit some of it certainly is not fair. ---
**Author:** ![x-ray\_vision](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/x-ray_vision/32/351_2.png) [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2017, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155/40 "2017-10-24T00:16:56Z")
> [@Bear\_Nenno](#): > > And these televisions here [Amazon.com](https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-UN85JU7100-85-Inch-Ultra-Smart/dp/B00VB9MM5A/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1508429595&sr=8-2&keywords=samsung+4k+80%22) are ONLY $200 at AAFES. With free shipping. That’s way better than Amazon, who has it over-priced at $5444.94. It’s down to $5100. We’re getting there. 🙂 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aafes-and-military-exchanges-to-allow-veterans-to-shop-online-starting-nov-11/799155.md?page=3)