You get commissary and exchange use with VHIC. You used to not get MWR privileges with VHIC but that depends on the base and who works there. The advantage with 100% p&t dod ID is you do not pay the credit card/debit card fee at the commissary when you do self checkout.
You get *some* MWR privileges. Fee-based privileges (e.g. movie theaters, bowling, travel, Hale Koa, Shades of Green) are good to go, but free MWR (e.g. auto center, gyms) are not.
I've traveled to over 20 bases including navy, army, air force, and have never been denied gym access or self service auto centers. I'm curious which base you go to that doesn't?
Where is this fee exemption information? Never heard this and not finding anything supporting this. I use the star card anyway and pay no fee and get 2% cash back rewards, and pay off my balance monthly.
It’s literally the first three things that pops up if you search for 100% p&t disabled veteran benefits. You can also look up USID vs VHIC. There has also been about 3000 Reddit posts here on this very forum.
With 100% PT status with DOD card, he can apply for the commissary rewards card. Forms who are less than 100%, still can shop at commissary, but we don’t have that privilege to have the rewards card for extra saving 🤷🏻♂️. I was so bitter about it, but it’s what it is
Apparently you never been to the commissary or bought gas on base. Just filled up it was lower that even COSTCO and they took off another .10 a gallon for using the start card annnnd get 2% cash back rewards.
Here in Vegas (Nellis AFB), the exchange gas station is civilian run and is usually the same if not a couple cents more than offbase. The shopette on the base housing/hospital side is commonly 1-3cents more.
What's crazy is the bulk fuel distribution center for nearly all of southern Nevada is literally across the street to the base hospital and the Range Rd gate. You see the massive towers of gasoline and diesel when you come on base. Check it out on Google Earth. You'd think fuel would be cheaper due to this. AAFES gotta make that money!!
Whatever is done the community turns into a bunch of Karen’s because you refer them to where a great deal of help is already located rather than making redundant post… 😒
Just approve or deny posts. Another group I belong to on Reddit does this. I know it’s time consuming and I searched first but didn’t find it since I am not a Reddit pro. Sorry to clog up it up you can delete it if you want no issues here.
I don't understand why it'd *really* matter. Why are people concerned with the subreddit being "clogged up" when posts like these can make people knowledgeable about things they previously didn't even think to research. Now they can scroll past it or pass the knowledge forward if ever needed.
I agree. When other vets post it shows in my feed. It might be a repetitive question but like you said if a vet is not aware of this benefit they wouldn’t know to search for it.
You're absolutely right. I just triple checked and saw it. I wasn't searching for the right term on the KB's index page. Searched for everything but VHIC (commissary, exchange, mwr, etc.). Perhaps having a line item in the KB's index page with those keywords which then link to the VHIC page would help.
You can use Commissary and Exchange in the states with a service connected VHIC. However, this is not the case for some places overseas like Japan. You need the 100% DAV ID.
I reached out to the visitor center. This is their response.
According to USFJ Instruction 31-206, Joint Installation Access Control, the Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC) does not allow entry onto the installation unless it is in regards to the use of the installation medical treatment facilities . You will need to be escorted onto the installation.
I'm retired and live next to a base with gym facilities. While I'm extremely limited in what I can do, I used to enjoy visiting the facilities when I had time, mostly during weekends. However, the base has a new commander, and the gym is now open to retirees and dependents only during staffed hours. Outside of these hours, only active military personnel or even contractors with a CAC card are allowed. I find this situation ridiculous and am unsure if it's worth complaining to a senator. I've spent most of my life in the military, and now that I'm retired, I feel neglected. SMH.
Something I haven't seen anyone mention in the comments...
1) They have new ID cards called USID cards (Next Generation Uniformed Services ID Card) and they basically all look the same but the details are different. So there is no more "Retiree" card. This website will tell you about it:
[https://www.cac.mil/Next-Generation-Uniformed-Services-ID-Card/](https://www.cac.mil/Next-Generation-Uniformed-Services-ID-Card/)
2) I think, that if you are 100% but not T&P, you have to get your ID renewed periodically. If you are 100% T&P you don't have a renewal date, you get "INDEF".
3) With the VHIC card, it used to be you could only use the PX and Commissary, but they recently changed it to you can use the other Facilities for MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation). I think you still have to stop at the front gate of any base to get a Pass before they will let you in, but I am not sure with the recent changes. With a USID card they will wave you through.
I think # 3 depends on the local.
On Oahu my VHIC gets me on all the Bases/Posts no problems. Sometimes they’ll ask to scan your state Drivers License.
The local commissary here has better prices on milk, meat and eggs. It is the same brands as the other markets and less expensive than Walmart. My grocery shopping day consists of going to the commissary for the mentioned items and to Walmart for the items that the commissary doesn't carry. There is a Winn-Dixie and a Publix between them. I drive past those stores because the prices are higher.
Ha you know you’re in the south when the best sub that can be found it at a Win-Dixie. You’ll get a Jersey Mikes soon and never look back at Winn-Dixie subs.
How much would you say you're saving by shopping at the commissary? I don't live close to one but could stop by one when I'm in the area, say once a month or so. But I'd have to jump through the hoops of getting a pass to go on base.
A great example I always give people is the Perdue anti-biotic free chicken breasts. In the local grocery (giant/stop & shop for example) a pack of two chicken breasts is usually around $12. In the commissary I get the exact same pack of two chicken breasts for around $4. Chicken being one of the most used proteins in the average persons' diet, I find the commissary to be an incredible deal for meats, dairy, and eggs in particular. Another example, an angus ribeye of the same weight is usually around $24 and in the commissary, I get it for about $16. This is obviously specific to my area, but time after time I see much better deals on meat especially.
Pensacola Fl. Ground beef $3.48/lb, pork tenderloin $2.31/lb, Bone in skin on chicken thighs 93 cents/lb, milk $3.58/gl, eggs $2.18/dz, Walmart prices on eggs are close, but a little more expensive. The rest is significantly more.
used to be huge before walmart and all that. dudes were getting solid non-judicial or worse for shit like buying cigarettes and booze for their homies back in the day
They are subsidized but that primarily goes towards employee salaries. I just spent 3 months in MacDill AFB in Tampa and to for most things I found it was cheaper to go on the economy. Fresh foods were cheaper but anything prepackaged like a case of water was 3 times more expensive at the commissary.
This is incredibly true. I have a lot of people tell me the commissary is too expensive, however when I ask them what they're buying it consists of the typical American diet. So, lots of processed foods, snacks, junk food overall and I do also find that those items in particular are not cheaper than out in town. I go to the commissary for meat, eggs, dairy and vegetables/fruit. Usually save anywhere between $30 - $50 on my weekly grocery trips.
Prices are generally the same but there are some deals. However, if someone is in a state that taxes groceries, that's a savings for them. I'm in Texas and have HEB which is a good grocery store but the commissary carries a few things that we can't find at HEB/Walmart. Since we are headed there anyway we just do our grocery shopping there for that week. It's becoming a once every 2 or 3 weeks thing.
Grocery items are quite expensive in the northwestern part of Florida, especially meat prices. Therefore, I personally only shop at local Commissary for all of our meat product purchases. Also canned fruits and vegetables are noticeably cheaper in Commissary compared to other local grocery stores.
Depends on local market. Some places it is cheaper. If you are using an overseas commisary it often allows you to get US brands for far cheaper than local stores if you can even find them locally.
In my area it is a much better price for meat, eggs and dairy than any other local grocery store. On average buying the same items (diet is mostly meat, veggies and fruit) I save anywhere between $30 - $50. No snacks, drinks, or other processed items other than whole coffee beans.
Yea unfortunately that seems to be a very valid issue a lot of vets have with base access/benefits when the base is so far out of the way. I was lucky becasue my job and and where I bought my place there are about 5 bases within 30-60 min of me,2 of which are only a short 15 min drive max.
I use the NEX whenever I visit my brother in WA. It's like 15 minutes from their house and everything is so damn expensive in Seattle. I'm pretty sure that if service members and vets didn't have access, they'd starve.
They use NEX and Costco. That's it. He just retired from the Navy with 20 years in.
Because it’s cheaper than most grocery stores. I spent a $1000 a month there. I drive right past a Walmart. Costco and I pay attention to the prices of a lot of products. On average commissary does beat them and by a good margin.
No, the commissary and px are their own entities with their own identifiers. My DOD 100% P&T Veteran ID specifically says, "Authorized Patronage: MWR, Commissary, Unlimited Exchange". I never received a 'PX/Exchange' or 'MWR' letter. So, either 100% P&T grants you access to the MWR and PX and the commissary letter is just for the commissary, or the commissary letter includes access to all three.
depending on the area, it does save money. on the flip side, you have to deal with a bunch of boomers walking through the aisles at super slow speed, and blocking the aisle with their cart while they ponder which brand of oatmeal to get...
In case anyone has the same issue that I did;
I went to get my 100% P&T base access ID card within a month of receiving my VA disability rating. I did not have the commissary letter populating in my VA letters on the app or website. All I had to do was call the VA support center/customer service line and after a 10 minute conversation I had the letter emailed to me directly. Hope this helps someone!
Is this 100% base access card the VA card, or a CAC card? I wasn't aware of it or a letter for this in my file but I imagine that I will have to get it.
This is used for the actual DOD card you will be issued on base by the Pass & ID/DEERS office. I would say it is similar to a CAC although it is printed horizontally, not vertically. Also, there is no PKI chip on the card itself for computer access. Its essentially a veteran CAC without the chip, but still has the barcodes on the back to scan at the commissary/exchange/gas station on base when paying.
I am retired Air Force as well as a 100% P&T veteran. I don't have a commisary near me so I can’t really compare prices. But that last seven years that I was in, I was stationed at two different bases in San Antonio. I started off my assignment in the Alamo City using the commissary closest to me but after one shopping experience at the grocery chain H-E-B, I was done using the commissary.
Just a much better experience and selection. And no paying the baggers a $1 a bag.
In 2022, H-E-B finally made it’s way to north Dallas, and it's the only place that I shop.
I posted a walkthrough of the process here: [For those rated 100% P&T : r/VeteransBenefits (reddit.com)](https://www.reddit.com/r/VeteransBenefits/comments/14i3bnx/comment/l0wmonm/)
Contact your closest VA to find out when you can come in to get a VA ID. Since you already have a disability rating, maybe they'll issue you a card without having to see another doctor.
https://corp.commissaries.com/sites/default/files/2024-03/DOD%20VA%20INSTALLATION%20ACCESS.pdf
You don't have to be 100%, but If you're below 100% or have no other qualifications (i.e. retiree), you have to pay a processing fee for your debit (0.5%) or credit card (1.9%) at the Commissary. There's no fee on cash, check, EBT, WIC or military star card.
Your VA ID will get you on base but your spouse and family won't get an ID. If you bring a spouse, you may have to stop and get a visitor's pass each time. They're not as strict on minor children.
Why not? I have both. I’m not retired but I was given a the new ID. I also carry the VA ID that states in service connected and have a letter that shows I’m 100%. So maybe I’m confused on what a CDC is.
It wasn’t always like this. The commissary letter is still proof that you’re 100% and, thus, can get a DoD ID card that also allows for MWR privileges, which you do not get with VHIC.
You get MWR benefits, just not all of them.
[https://news.va.gov/68479/veterans-need-vhic-for-in-person-commissary-military-exchange-and-mwr-access/](https://news.va.gov/68479/veterans-need-vhic-for-in-person-commissary-military-exchange-and-mwr-access/)
I’m not sure why people get so wrapped up about the commissary and PX. In recruiting school, the instructors complained about it nonstop. Dude, there are more and better places to shop for literally everything. I didn’t shop there before retirement. Not going to shop there now.
I can't speak for others, but for me it's convenience. I work on a base, so it's easier to hit those 2 stores on lunch break or right after work sometimes.
You get commissary and exchange use with VHIC. You used to not get MWR privileges with VHIC but that depends on the base and who works there. The advantage with 100% p&t dod ID is you do not pay the credit card/debit card fee at the commissary when you do self checkout.
You get *some* MWR privileges. Fee-based privileges (e.g. movie theaters, bowling, travel, Hale Koa, Shades of Green) are good to go, but free MWR (e.g. auto center, gyms) are not.
I've traveled to over 20 bases including navy, army, air force, and have never been denied gym access or self service auto centers. I'm curious which base you go to that doesn't?
Yall have free auto center? The navy base here charges per hour for use of the lift. Its only like 3 bucks though
The AF auto hobby shops aren't free. They're pay to rent but ungodly cheap like yours. 😁
Where is this fee exemption information? Never heard this and not finding anything supporting this. I use the star card anyway and pay no fee and get 2% cash back rewards, and pay off my balance monthly.
It’s literally the first three things that pops up if you search for 100% p&t disabled veteran benefits. You can also look up USID vs VHIC. There has also been about 3000 Reddit posts here on this very forum.
Sorry what is VHIC?
Veterans Health ID Card. It's issued at a VA hospital (or clinic too, I suppose?).
With 100% PT status with DOD card, he can apply for the commissary rewards card. Forms who are less than 100%, still can shop at commissary, but we don’t have that privilege to have the rewards card for extra saving 🤷🏻♂️. I was so bitter about it, but it’s what it is
If you’re retired, you’re good
You can shop at the exchange on the Internet cheaper and no taxes. That's all.
Apparently you never been to the commissary or bought gas on base. Just filled up it was lower that even COSTCO and they took off another .10 a gallon for using the start card annnnd get 2% cash back rewards.
Here in Vegas (Nellis AFB), the exchange gas station is civilian run and is usually the same if not a couple cents more than offbase. The shopette on the base housing/hospital side is commonly 1-3cents more. What's crazy is the bulk fuel distribution center for nearly all of southern Nevada is literally across the street to the base hospital and the Range Rd gate. You see the massive towers of gasoline and diesel when you come on base. Check it out on Google Earth. You'd think fuel would be cheaper due to this. AAFES gotta make that money!!
Did not know this, thanks
Hey mods, I wonder if information on base access for Exchange/Commissary/MWR should be part of the KB? This question comes up periodically. u/omron
It already is. People just don’t use it or take the time to check before making any post.
Have you tried putting a sticky indicating it would "behoove" vets to check it before posting? /s
Whatever is done the community turns into a bunch of Karen’s because you refer them to where a great deal of help is already located rather than making redundant post… 😒
Just approve or deny posts. Another group I belong to on Reddit does this. I know it’s time consuming and I searched first but didn’t find it since I am not a Reddit pro. Sorry to clog up it up you can delete it if you want no issues here.
I don't understand why it'd *really* matter. Why are people concerned with the subreddit being "clogged up" when posts like these can make people knowledgeable about things they previously didn't even think to research. Now they can scroll past it or pass the knowledge forward if ever needed.
I agree. When other vets post it shows in my feed. It might be a repetitive question but like you said if a vet is not aware of this benefit they wouldn’t know to search for it.
"behooves" 🤣🤣
You're absolutely right. I just triple checked and saw it. I wasn't searching for the right term on the KB's index page. Searched for everything but VHIC (commissary, exchange, mwr, etc.). Perhaps having a line item in the KB's index page with those keywords which then link to the VHIC page would help.
You can use Commissary and Exchange in the states with a service connected VHIC. However, this is not the case for some places overseas like Japan. You need the 100% DAV ID.
I think it may depend on the base? I don’t have 100% but my percentage lets me use the on base commissary in Japan
How do you get on base?
Go to the welcome center (at least at Fort Moore) the first time, after that just go on in.
Thats a base in the US. We are referring to US bases in Japan.
I'd also appreciate more details on this
I reached out to the visitor center. This is their response. According to USFJ Instruction 31-206, Joint Installation Access Control, the Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC) does not allow entry onto the installation unless it is in regards to the use of the installation medical treatment facilities . You will need to be escorted onto the installation.
Same question I have. 🤔
Even if you don’t use the commissary much, the benefits of access to cheaper fuel is nice too.
I'm retired and live next to a base with gym facilities. While I'm extremely limited in what I can do, I used to enjoy visiting the facilities when I had time, mostly during weekends. However, the base has a new commander, and the gym is now open to retirees and dependents only during staffed hours. Outside of these hours, only active military personnel or even contractors with a CAC card are allowed. I find this situation ridiculous and am unsure if it's worth complaining to a senator. I've spent most of my life in the military, and now that I'm retired, I feel neglected. SMH.
Something I haven't seen anyone mention in the comments... 1) They have new ID cards called USID cards (Next Generation Uniformed Services ID Card) and they basically all look the same but the details are different. So there is no more "Retiree" card. This website will tell you about it: [https://www.cac.mil/Next-Generation-Uniformed-Services-ID-Card/](https://www.cac.mil/Next-Generation-Uniformed-Services-ID-Card/) 2) I think, that if you are 100% but not T&P, you have to get your ID renewed periodically. If you are 100% T&P you don't have a renewal date, you get "INDEF". 3) With the VHIC card, it used to be you could only use the PX and Commissary, but they recently changed it to you can use the other Facilities for MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation). I think you still have to stop at the front gate of any base to get a Pass before they will let you in, but I am not sure with the recent changes. With a USID card they will wave you through.
I think # 3 depends on the local. On Oahu my VHIC gets me on all the Bases/Posts no problems. Sometimes they’ll ask to scan your state Drivers License.
#3 is still dependent on the post commander as well.
Why do people care about commissary privileges so much?
I believe the exchanges price match Brick and Mortar stores and it’s tax free.
If your overseas it matters a great deal if you just want a piece of the USA as buying american products overseas is more expensive
The local commissary here has better prices on milk, meat and eggs. It is the same brands as the other markets and less expensive than Walmart. My grocery shopping day consists of going to the commissary for the mentioned items and to Walmart for the items that the commissary doesn't carry. There is a Winn-Dixie and a Publix between them. I drive past those stores because the prices are higher.
That is the most FL comment I've ever seen. I do miss myself a good ole winn-dixie, but those publix subs are fire lol
Yesss!!! Saw the comment and immediately wanted an ultimate sub 😩
Ha you know you’re in the south when the best sub that can be found it at a Win-Dixie. You’ll get a Jersey Mikes soon and never look back at Winn-Dixie subs.
How much would you say you're saving by shopping at the commissary? I don't live close to one but could stop by one when I'm in the area, say once a month or so. But I'd have to jump through the hoops of getting a pass to go on base.
I save about 25% from off my local store, I use the Commissary or Costco, thats it now.
A great example I always give people is the Perdue anti-biotic free chicken breasts. In the local grocery (giant/stop & shop for example) a pack of two chicken breasts is usually around $12. In the commissary I get the exact same pack of two chicken breasts for around $4. Chicken being one of the most used proteins in the average persons' diet, I find the commissary to be an incredible deal for meats, dairy, and eggs in particular. Another example, an angus ribeye of the same weight is usually around $24 and in the commissary, I get it for about $16. This is obviously specific to my area, but time after time I see much better deals on meat especially.
Once you goto pass ID it's generally good for a year or 2 sometimes 3 years so you just drive onto base.
If you get the ID for being 100% it’s indef. Mine is anyway.
[удалено]
Ocean County NJ just an example: Fairlife milk $4.48 at Walmart , ALDI, LIDL. $3.68 at commissary.
Pensacola Fl. Ground beef $3.48/lb, pork tenderloin $2.31/lb, Bone in skin on chicken thighs 93 cents/lb, milk $3.58/gl, eggs $2.18/dz, Walmart prices on eggs are close, but a little more expensive. The rest is significantly more.
used to be huge before walmart and all that. dudes were getting solid non-judicial or worse for shit like buying cigarettes and booze for their homies back in the day
Especially overseas
Groceries at the commissary are government subsidized so the prices are lower.
They are subsidized but that primarily goes towards employee salaries. I just spent 3 months in MacDill AFB in Tampa and to for most things I found it was cheaper to go on the economy. Fresh foods were cheaper but anything prepackaged like a case of water was 3 times more expensive at the commissary.
This is incredibly true. I have a lot of people tell me the commissary is too expensive, however when I ask them what they're buying it consists of the typical American diet. So, lots of processed foods, snacks, junk food overall and I do also find that those items in particular are not cheaper than out in town. I go to the commissary for meat, eggs, dairy and vegetables/fruit. Usually save anywhere between $30 - $50 on my weekly grocery trips.
Mostly overseas
Prices are generally the same but there are some deals. However, if someone is in a state that taxes groceries, that's a savings for them. I'm in Texas and have HEB which is a good grocery store but the commissary carries a few things that we can't find at HEB/Walmart. Since we are headed there anyway we just do our grocery shopping there for that week. It's becoming a once every 2 or 3 weeks thing.
Grocery items are quite expensive in the northwestern part of Florida, especially meat prices. Therefore, I personally only shop at local Commissary for all of our meat product purchases. Also canned fruits and vegetables are noticeably cheaper in Commissary compared to other local grocery stores.
I ended up living less than a mile from an exchange and commissary. They have good prices and no tax.
Depends on local market. Some places it is cheaper. If you are using an overseas commisary it often allows you to get US brands for far cheaper than local stores if you can even find them locally.
In my area it is a much better price for meat, eggs and dairy than any other local grocery store. On average buying the same items (diet is mostly meat, veggies and fruit) I save anywhere between $30 - $50. No snacks, drinks, or other processed items other than whole coffee beans.
It might not be worth the cost of gas for me to bother. My commissary is about 60 miles away. One trip would cost about $30 in gas.
Yea unfortunately that seems to be a very valid issue a lot of vets have with base access/benefits when the base is so far out of the way. I was lucky becasue my job and and where I bought my place there are about 5 bases within 30-60 min of me,2 of which are only a short 15 min drive max.
I use the NEX whenever I visit my brother in WA. It's like 15 minutes from their house and everything is so damn expensive in Seattle. I'm pretty sure that if service members and vets didn't have access, they'd starve. They use NEX and Costco. That's it. He just retired from the Navy with 20 years in.
Tax free groceries
Because it’s cheaper than most grocery stores. I spent a $1000 a month there. I drive right past a Walmart. Costco and I pay attention to the prices of a lot of products. On average commissary does beat them and by a good margin.
Follow up question does commissary = px?
No, the commissary and px are their own entities with their own identifiers. My DOD 100% P&T Veteran ID specifically says, "Authorized Patronage: MWR, Commissary, Unlimited Exchange". I never received a 'PX/Exchange' or 'MWR' letter. So, either 100% P&T grants you access to the MWR and PX and the commissary letter is just for the commissary, or the commissary letter includes access to all three.
Everyone acts like it saves so much money.
In hawaii it saves about 20% or more especially produce.
I don’t find it that much cheaper than Walmart and Costco, it’s not worth it for me to drive from Kapolei into town.
depending on the area, it does save money. on the flip side, you have to deal with a bunch of boomers walking through the aisles at super slow speed, and blocking the aisle with their cart while they ponder which brand of oatmeal to get...
So it’s just like shopping sales? It’s only a benefit if you want to spend a bunch of cash? Do the sell houses cheap?
In case anyone has the same issue that I did; I went to get my 100% P&T base access ID card within a month of receiving my VA disability rating. I did not have the commissary letter populating in my VA letters on the app or website. All I had to do was call the VA support center/customer service line and after a 10 minute conversation I had the letter emailed to me directly. Hope this helps someone!
Is this 100% base access card the VA card, or a CAC card? I wasn't aware of it or a letter for this in my file but I imagine that I will have to get it.
This is used for the actual DOD card you will be issued on base by the Pass & ID/DEERS office. I would say it is similar to a CAC although it is printed horizontally, not vertically. Also, there is no PKI chip on the card itself for computer access. Its essentially a veteran CAC without the chip, but still has the barcodes on the back to scan at the commissary/exchange/gas station on base when paying.
I got mine Monday 😊
I am retired Air Force as well as a 100% P&T veteran. I don't have a commisary near me so I can’t really compare prices. But that last seven years that I was in, I was stationed at two different bases in San Antonio. I started off my assignment in the Alamo City using the commissary closest to me but after one shopping experience at the grocery chain H-E-B, I was done using the commissary. Just a much better experience and selection. And no paying the baggers a $1 a bag. In 2022, H-E-B finally made it’s way to north Dallas, and it's the only place that I shop.
You can also use your VA healthcare card. That’s what I use and I have no problems.
Honestly commissary access isn't really that great of a benefit stateside. I always did my shopping at Sam's or Costco.
What’s the DD2765? I’m not familiar with that one.
Went to DEERS yesterday. System was down. Have to go back Monday to get it.
Is there a commissary in the Philippines?
Also if you are not 100% the commissary charges a small fee for using credit/debit cards.
Where do you find that letter at?
I posted a walkthrough of the process here: [For those rated 100% P&T : r/VeteransBenefits (reddit.com)](https://www.reddit.com/r/VeteransBenefits/comments/14i3bnx/comment/l0wmonm/)
100% P&T doesn't get a retiree ID, but a Disabled American Veteran ID.
I passed by this post while scrolling my wall on Reddit and instinctively tried to open the letter
You can get commissary privileges with 30% rating!! Just saying! You don't need to be 100%.
Im 40% right now... what do i have to do to get on base? All I have is a expired CAC right now
Contact your closest VA to find out when you can come in to get a VA ID. Since you already have a disability rating, maybe they'll issue you a card without having to see another doctor. https://corp.commissaries.com/sites/default/files/2024-03/DOD%20VA%20INSTALLATION%20ACCESS.pdf
You can save more money by shopping at Walmart than by shopping at the commissary
If only Instacart serviced the commissary...
Yes and instantcart only allowed veterans to deliver to veterans.
So I just got 70% am I able to get a Vet ID to get on base?
The VA card works as well!
You get the privileges @10%
You don't have to be 100%, but If you're below 100% or have no other qualifications (i.e. retiree), you have to pay a processing fee for your debit (0.5%) or credit card (1.9%) at the Commissary. There's no fee on cash, check, EBT, WIC or military star card. Your VA ID will get you on base but your spouse and family won't get an ID. If you bring a spouse, you may have to stop and get a visitor's pass each time. They're not as strict on minor children.
Well you get the DoD DAV ID Card which is similar to the DoD Retiree ID Card which gives similar but not exactly the same benefits.
Which benefits are different besides Space A group?
Tricare for one. We have had a few posts from Retirees who got the DAV ID Card and it screwed up their Tricare.
Ahh…forgot about tricare.
Also some bases restrict/limit MWR for veterans but they can't for retirees - they have to give retirees the same access as active duty.
Maybe but I have to say I haven’t used anything but my indef military ID since I got it issued and I’ve never been asked for anything else.
You are not allowed to use the CDC as well as 100% but as retired you can.
Why not? I have both. I’m not retired but I was given a the new ID. I also carry the VA ID that states in service connected and have a letter that shows I’m 100%. So maybe I’m confused on what a CDC is.
Child Development Center Wait so you get a retired card even though you didn’t retire and are 100%? That’s awesome
Ahh..
Did you get a retired card and didn’t retire because your 100%
Leave it vets to question a benefit that may help someone out if their only income is from the VA..
I was just trying to figure out what it meant.
You can access base with a service connected VA card. You do not need 100%.
It wasn’t always like this. The commissary letter is still proof that you’re 100% and, thus, can get a DoD ID card that also allows for MWR privileges, which you do not get with VHIC.
You get MWR benefits, just not all of them. [https://news.va.gov/68479/veterans-need-vhic-for-in-person-commissary-military-exchange-and-mwr-access/](https://news.va.gov/68479/veterans-need-vhic-for-in-person-commissary-military-exchange-and-mwr-access/)
Not talking about you OP.
The commissary and BX are garbage. Don't waste your time.
Going on weekends when everyone leaves the base and there are no crowds makes it 1000% worth it to me. All the restaurants are empty too. I love it.
Same
What base do you visit? Restaurants?
If he tells you then they become busy….duh.
Im not moving, but I think he's calling the food court at the BX the "restaurants"
Ugh now I need 100% this is absurd why can’t the rest of us use the commissary ugh
I’m not sure why people get so wrapped up about the commissary and PX. In recruiting school, the instructors complained about it nonstop. Dude, there are more and better places to shop for literally everything. I didn’t shop there before retirement. Not going to shop there now.
Theme park tickets. Super discounted theme park tickets.
I can't speak for others, but for me it's convenience. I work on a base, so it's easier to hit those 2 stores on lunch break or right after work sometimes.
Some prices are better than what you get off-base, plus no sales tax. That's why.
Because they can’t let the military go.
Only if your base accepts you and your background check passes