Military discount on GMT?

[bayerische]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Funny how simple things like this are pretty much nonexistent in European countries.

Completely nonexistent.

Paying tabs for military personnel would work fine, I guess, but Police, FD even Ambulance personnel are prohibited by law to accept "freebies" while on the job. Is interpreted as a bribe. (I'm sure for military too, but they seldom, besides the Privates use their uniform in the civilian environment.)

If I had Police eating at my restaurant and would suggest "you eat for free today guys" they; #1 would be very embarrassed, #2 would be prohibited from accepting, #3 would break the law if did.

I wouldn't mind doing it, I think it's a nice gesture in the US to appreciate these professions that one day may save your life etc... But even treating them to a free ice-cream would make for an awkward situation.

I would not give up my first class seat though!

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

You have to be kidding lol.

That is one of the most insane things I have ever heard.

not kidding. Ive given up my seat once for sure that i remember, maybe twice. But i wasn't suggested to do it. Thats what upset me.

Distinctly remember flying Rome, to DC, to Houston on 9/11/11. Craziest security ive ever experienced in Rome which is why i remember it so well. Not the kind of security that makes you feel better but the kind that makes you very, very nervous. Anyway, after connecting in DC i gave up my seat in FC to a military member for the flight to Houston.

[daveathall]

The only time I ever travelled in uniform was when it was a unit move and we all went together. Travelling on leave or to a course I always wore civilian clothes. In my experience, that is the way most British soldiers conducted travel arrangements. Traveling outside of camp was always in civvies when alone or a small group.

As for discounts, we used to get a forces discount card, it was a scheme where certain businesses offered a small discount, 10% off a coffee, that sort of thing, I think we could also get 5% off Apple products as part of the Government employee scheme (Look it up if you work for the Gov in any way). The discount card never extended to luxury goods but it was a nice touch. I think I still have the card, I will have a look around and take a pic if I can find it.

As for Tyler being asked to give up his seat, I find that disgusting. It is a sort of blackmail.

Edit; Just had a quick look for the card, not where I thought it was, oh well.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by daveathall

The only time I ever travelled in uniform was when it was a unit move and we all went together. Travelling on leave or to a course I always wore civilian clothes. In my experience, that is the way most British soldiers conducted travel arrangements.

As for discounts, we used to get a forces discount card, it was a scheme where certain businesses offered a small discount, 10% off a coffee, that sort of thing, I think we could also get 5% off Apple products as part of the Government employee scheme (Look it up if you work for the Gov in any way). The discount card never extended to luxury goods but it was a nice touch. I think I still have the card, I will have a look around and take a pic if I can find it.

As for Tyler being asked to give up his seat, I find that disgusting. It is a sort of blackmail.

its the low key british approach so you are not a target when traveling by yourself? As in the troubles w/ N Ireland and it just remains the case now?

I have never, ever seen anyone in uniform in the UK going anywhere unless it was a group doing something official and not on civilian transport.

[daveathall]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

its the low key british approach so you are not a target when traveling by yourself? As in the troubles w/ N Ireland and it just remains the case now?

I have never, ever seen anyone in uniform in the UK going anywhere unless it was a group doing something official and not on civilian transport.

There is that, but, in my experience, most soldiers couldn't wait to get out of uniform, traveling home on leave or on a course in uniform, one would be open to a severe p*ss take from fellow soldiers, it just doesn't happen, soldiers locked their uniform in their lockers for leave and washed the (by then) stinking articles when they came back.

The low key approach was for traveling to camp from home (their quarter) which was a set route and easy to set something nasty up in dodgy times, most soldiers did not need encouragement to travel in civvies for longer journeys in the UK.

[Wahlberg]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

thats nice of you and i would do the same, when its forced i start to have an issue. I had a flight attendant once ask me if "i wanted to move to a seat in the back" because everyone was giving up first class seats on the plane to uniformed military. She said "its something WE do to say thanks" well great, what is the airline doing to pay for it then? It would be my way of saying thanks and at my expense but you guys get to look good for it. I also get to look like the bad guy if i dont move. Its a lose- lose situation when that stuff happens.

So what did you do? Move or ...

Talk about making someone feeling uncomfortable.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by Wahlberg

So what did you do? Move or ...

Talk about making someone feeling uncomfortable.

i moved, but that time i wasn't happy about it. The context was there were 3 or 4 of them and other people had already moved and there was one left hence the "suggestion". AA flight either from Dallas or to Dallas i believe.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Investr

I agree 100%. Yeah I love the WE part. Ive been on both sides of the fence (active military and the guy in 1st class). That’s a tricky one and airlines should stay out of it......

Agreed

[T4ME]

Originally Posted by dddrees

By the way inquiring about a common practice by retailers and begging are two distinctly different things.

Car dealers offer a military discount as well as other businesses. It doesn't hurt to ask.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by T4ME

Car dealers offer a military discount as well as other businesses. It doesn't hurt to ask.

Numerous retailers across various different products often due. Really not much different than senior discounts. It's not like I or any of the majority of the people joined up for the freebies. As I said inquiring about a common practice is hardly begging.


In Tylers' case it's really the Airline that's making the mistake. Personally I wouldn't take his seat but the Airline is setting up a situation which in most cases only has the potential for a bad result.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by dddrees

Numerous retailers across various different products often due. Really not much different than senior discounts. It's not like I or any of the majority of the people joined up for the freebies. As I said inquiring about a common practice is hardly begging.


In Tylers' case it's really the Airline that's making the mistake. Personally I wouldn't take his seat but the Airline is setting up a situation which in most cases only has the potential for a bad result.

A retailer offering military discounts is good marketing. There are hundreds of retailers that offer a discount and they make sure they get on the lists of military friendly retailers that are all over the internet.

That's quite a bit different than someone thinking they are entitled to a discount simply because they chose to go into the service. Asking for a military discount from an airline or hotel is one thing, asking for one on a high end luxury watch is an asinine sense of entitlement IMO.

An airline extorting other customers to take a hit to support their marketing agenda should be against the law. If the airline were to exchange the seat for a round trip in first on any equally valued segment, that would be a positive marketing agenda. But the shame tactic is disgusting.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

A retailer offering military discounts is good marketing. There are hundreds of retailers that offer a discount and they make sure they get on the lists of military friendly retailers that are all over the internet.

That's quite a bit different than someone thinking they are entitled to a discount simply because they chose to go into the service. Asking for a military discount from an airline or hotel is one thing, asking for one on a high end luxury watch is an asinine sense of entitlement IMO.

An airline extorting other customers to take a hit to support their marketing agenda should be against the law. If the airline were to exchange the seat for a round trip in first on any equally valued segment, that would be a positive marketing agenda. But the shame tactic is disgusting.

I agree with almost everything you said. I disagree however with the part about going into an AD and asking as well. If one is conditioned or used to asking it tends to be a habit. Besides I would say there are a good deal of people who do so that typically don’t get that an AD is any different than any other retailer. If you don’t tend to travel in certain circles or have the experience that you do you may just look at certain things differently.

Let’s just say they may truly not understand going in why it may not be so. I imagine there’s a good number that don’t frequent these types of stores or luxuries very often.

[DLRIDES]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Funny how simple things like this are pretty much nonexistent in European countries.

Here in the US it is a societal behavior correction (deservedly so) from the Vietnam war era, whereas veterans were treated despicably ! As with most societal changes, the “pendulum effect” is currently in full force, and the good will is being abused, taken for granted/expected, mostly through public shaming. The public will tire of this, and the pendulum will swing the other way, and eventually stabilize.

No disrespect meant to military personnel by this post, and respect/appreciation should be given to those who serve their perspective countries, but beware of abusing the public that supports ............................

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by DLRIDES

Here in the US it is a societal behavior correction (deservedly so) from the Vietnam war era, whereas veterans were treated despicably ! As with most societal changes, the “pendulum effect” is currently in full force, and the good will is being abused, taken for granted/expected, mostly through public shaming. The public will tire of this, and the pendulum will swing the other way, and eventually stabilize.

No disrespect meant to military personnel by this post, and respect/appreciation should be given to those who serve their perspective countries, but beware of abusing the public that supports ............................

Just remeber it’s not those who serve who have established these discounts or who decided to lump all those who served in Vietnam into a single group. Also I think it maybe appropriate to mention there’s no longer a draft.

By the way I just recently watched Ken Burns documentary on Vietnam and for those interested It’s available on Amazon Prime.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by DLRIDES

Here in the US it is a societal behavior correction (deservedly so) from the Vietnam war era, whereas veterans were treated despicably ! As with most societal changes, the “pendulum effect” is currently in full force, and the good will is being abused, taken for granted/expected, mostly through public shaming. The public will tire of this, and the pendulum will swing the other way, and eventually stabilize.

No disrespect meant to military personnel by this post, and respect/appreciation should be given to those who serve their perspective countries, but beware of abusing the public that supports ............................

i tend to agree and that fact that you have to clarify it proves the point. You can be for the troops and against the really over the top stuff that happens sometimes. You get automatically classified as against them if you point anything out. IMO i think teachers and nurses and police and firefighters and people like that should get some of that special treatment too and everyone forgets about them. There are a lot of selfless professions out there and we cant use all our energy up on just one... spread the love

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by dddrees

Just remeber it’s not those who serve who have established these discounts or who decided to lump all those who served in Vietnam into a single group. Also I think it maybe appropriate to mention there’s no longer a draft.

By the way I just recently watched Ken Burns documentary on Vietnam and for those interested It’s available on Amazon Prime.

There seems to be a difference in some of the service members today. I was badly injured in a training airborne operation a few years in. Ten years later when I got out I never dreamed of claiming some sort of disability since I didn't have any apparent ailments connected to the event. I know service members today claiming disability compensation for sleep apnea that they would have had whether they were in the military or not. Same guys tell me to go back to the Army to claim that disability. They say I'm entitled to it. I would be embarrassed to claim disability compensation when I don't feel I have been disabled.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

There seems to be a difference in some of the service members today. I was badly injured in a training airborne operation a few years in. Ten years later when I got out I never dreamed of claiming some sort of disability since I didn't have any apparent ailments connected to the event. I know service members today claiming disability compensation for sleep apnea that they would have had whether they were in the military or not. Same guys tell me to go back to the Army to claim that disability. They say I'm entitled to it. I would be embarrassed to claim disability compensation when I don't feel I have been disabled.

That’s very possibly true, but I doubt that is any different than the rest of our society. It’s been my experience that the people who serve are just a reflection of the rest of our society.

My father in-law told me not long ago that over weight teenagers receive disability checks from the government for being obese.


Really difficult to blame one group for the way a good portion of our entire society seems to be behaving.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by dddrees

That’s very possibly true, but I doubt that is any different than the rest of our society. It’s been my experience that the people who serve are just a reflection of the rest of our society.

My father in-law told me not long ago that over weight teenagers receive disability checks from the government for being obese.


Really difficult to blame one group for the way a good portion of our entire society seems to be behaving.

How do I get in on that obesity payment? I can finally buy that Dunkin Donuts franchise and not sweat the inevitable weight gain.

[DLRIDES]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

There seems to be a difference in some of the service members today. I was badly injured in a training airborne operation a few years in. Ten years later when I got out I never dreamed of claiming some sort of disability since I didn't have any apparent ailments connected to the event. I know service members today claiming disability compensation for sleep apnea that they would have had whether they were in the military or not. Same guys tell me to go back to the Army to claim that disability. They say I'm entitled to it. I would be embarrassed to claim disability compensation when I don't feel I have been disabled.

Sadly, “entitled” has become a cultural norm, and will only get worse as time progresses. It’s a self perpetuating thought process that never reverses until survival is necessary.....................

[DLRIDES]

Originally Posted by dddrees

Just remeber it’s not those who serve who have established these discounts or who decided to lump all those who served in Vietnam into a single group. Also I think it maybe appropriate to mention there’s no longer a draft.

True that ..............

[daveathall]

I must admit to being very confused about the way "veterans" are treated in the US, it seems that at every turn people seem to want them housed, fed and given medical assistance for the rest of their lives. The first thing is, what is a veteran? Is he combat experienced or served in Fort Bragg for his minimum service as a logistics clerk? Do both qualify as being a "veteran?"

I am not talking about wounds and amputations received in combat, they should receive appropriate compensation and medical service free of charge.

I'll be honest, when I joined the army, I knew to the day when I would finish, it was no secret, I had plenty of time to "get my house in order" before I finished. It seems that the American public want their veterans to be looked after for the rest of their lives free of charge. As someone above mentioned, what about medical professionals, Firemen, Police?

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by daveathall

I must admit to being very confused about the way "veterans" are treated in the US, it seems that at every turn people seem to want them housed, fed and given medical assistance for the rest of their lives. The first thing is, what is a veteran? Is he combat experienced or served in Fort Bragg for his minimum service as a logistics clerk?

I am not talking about wounds and amputations received in combat, they should receive appropriate compensation and medical service free of charge.

I'll be honest, when I joined the army, I knew to the day when I would finish, it was no secret, I had plenty of time to "get my house in order" before I finished. It seems that the American public want their veterans to be looked after for the rest of their lives free of charge. As someone above mentioned, what about medical professionals, Firemen, Police?

Well I for one receive a pension but I’m retired and it was part of the understanding when I joined that if I served for 20 years that that would be the case. But then again so do the retired policeman or teachers that I know of. Actually it’s my understanding that cops and teachers that served at the same time I did get a bigger pension than I do. They don’t however enjoy the health care benefits that I do. Diffrent programs as most police and teachers are state and military is US Government.

I actually pay for my health and dental insurance and although it’s less than what most do I do pay for my coverage.


As far as what I was actually paid at the time I served as with others during my time it was comparably small to professions in the civilian world. In fact when I came in and although after Nixon in 1979 it was still called the time of Nixon and 3 hots and a cot. Unfortunately most of the service people if they had families would require welfare just to survive.


I think any kind of lumping of the US military into a group of beggars or people looking for freebies just doesn’t work or go over that well with at least some of us anyway.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by daveathall

I must admit to being very confused about the way "veterans" are treated in the US, it seems that at every turn people seem to want them housed, fed and given medical assistance for the rest of their lives. The first thing is, what is a veteran? Is he combat experienced or served in Fort Bragg for his minimum service as a logistics clerk?

I am not talking about wounds and amputations received in combat, they should receive appropriate compensation and medical service free of charge.

I'll be honest, when I joined the army, I knew to the day when I would finish, it was no secret, I had plenty of time to "get my house in order" before I finished. It seems that the American public want their veterans to be looked after for the rest of their lives free of charge. As someone above mentioned, what about medical professionals, Firemen, Police?

in those situations i dont think people do enough for them... what i am talking about is people making a show to bend over backwards to thank them but its pretty meaningless and its empty words and its completely over the top. The state of the VA isnt anything to be proud of and the number of homeless veterans is appalling

its just sometimes as simple the expectation that you have to say "thank you for your service" and if you dont you are a jerk. It doesnt mean I'm not thankful but you are pressured into saying platitudes that mean nothing. Sometimes you don't want to say a meaningless phrase because its so watered down by overuse that it feels disingenuous. Want to make sure they are not homeless and thats when people dont do a thing but you have to make a public show that you support them by saying phrases over and over again instead.

Larry David presents that much better than me though ...bad language so im linking it instead of embedding the video directly here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPquarz16wQ

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

in those situations i dont think people do enough for them... what i am talking about is people making a show to bend over backwards to thank them but its pretty meaningless and its empty words and its completely over the top. The state of the VA isnt anything to be proud of and the number of homeless veterans is appalling

its just sometimes as simple the expectation that you have to say "thank you for your service" and if you dont you are a jerk. It doesnt mean I'm not thankful but you are pressured into saying platitudes that mean nothing. Sometimes you don't want to say a meaningless phrase because its so watered down by overuse that it feels disingenuous. Want to make sure they are not homeless and thats when people dont do a thing but you have to make a public show that you support them by saying phrases over and over again.

Larry David presents that much better than me though ...bad language so im linking it instead of embedding the video directly here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPquarz16wQ

The pressure you feel is no diffrent than you thinking I expect it, because to be honest sometimes it’s uncomfortable on my end receiving it. Frankly I can see why the airplane thing was screwed up, however I’m just enough an a$$ that had it been me I might very well have stood on principle and not let them do that to me.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by dddrees

The pressure you feel is no diffrent than you thinking I expect it, because to be honest sometimes it’s uncomfortable on my end receiving it. Frankly I can see why the airplane thing was screwed up, however I’m just enough an a$$ that had it been me I might very well have stood on principle and not let them do that to me.

people do say a lot of things but don't do a lot of things which is my point... its sort of like the phrase "thoughts and prayers" when something bad happens. What does that even mean if you are not going to do anything about it to fix it?


I dont think a veteran cares if you say "thank you for your service" every five minutes... its the other guy standing next to me that also didn't serve that expects you to say it. Its super weird and its not about the veteran at all, its about something else entirely and i don't get it. Sort of like flag pins. Politicians who dont wear a flag pin are "unpatriotic" so everyone wears one now. 20 years ago it wasn't a thing. Its about social behavior that is built around a fear you will be thought to be unpatriotic.

[daveathall]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

in those situations i dont think people do enough for them... what i am talking about is people making a show to bend over backwards to thank them but its pretty meaningless and its empty words and its completely over the top. The state of the VA isnt anything to be proud of and the number of homeless veterans is appalling

its just sometimes as simple the expectation that you have to say "thank you for your service" and if you dont you are a jerk. It doesnt mean I'm not thankful but you are pressured into saying platitudes that mean nothing. Sometimes you don't want to say a meaningless phrase because its so watered down by overuse that it feels disingenuous. Want to make sure they are not homeless and thats when people dont do a thing but you have to make a public show that you support them by saying phrases over and over again instead.

Larry David presents that much better than me though ...bad language so im linking it instead of embedding the video directly here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPquarz16wQ

I agree with that video, my point is, soldiers that are injured, then compensate them and then some, look after them for the rest of their lives.

Here's the thing though, as a soldier, I took it as a job, I don't feel that my country owes me something for the rest of my life. It was a job, just like anyone else, why treat me, or any other soldier any different after they finish?

I just dont understand that mentality, your linked video was perfect.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by daveathall

I agree with that video, my point is, soldiers that are injured, then compensate them and then some, look after them for the rest of their lives.

Here's the thing though, as a soldier, I took it as a job, I don't feel that my country owes me something for the rest of my life. It was a job, just like anyone else, why treat me, or any other soldier any different after they finish?

I just dont understand that mentality, your linked video was perfect.

thats where the two countries diverge as healthcare and other services are provided to everyone so vets are not necessarily treated better and not worse either. In the US the VA from my limited knowledge isnt the best care and its overwhelmed and its not the same level of care everyone else gets... granted everyone else pays for their care but its in a different system. How about providing them the best insurance plan available instead, for free? Thats what i would do.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

people do say a lot of things but don't do a lot of things which is my point... its sort of like the phrase "thoughts and prayers" when something bad happens. What does that even mean if you are not going to do anything about it to fix it?


I dont think a veteran cares if you say "thank you for your service" every five minutes... its the other guy standing next to me that also didn't serve that expects you to say it. Its super weird and its not about the veteran at all, its about something else entirely and i don't get it. Sort of like flag pins. Politicians who dont wear a flag pin are "unpatriotic" so everyone wears one now. 20 years ago it wasn't a thing.

I personally don’t say thoughts and prayers often. I have used it, but try too only when I mean it. Unfortunately often there’s little I can really do, but I mean it when I say it.


You have to figure where you actually stand on things and where you going to actually take a stand and sometimes draw a line. For myself I did this long ago and to some point still do because I believe it’s that important, I may not have moved mountains or perfected any cure for major diseases but values and principles are extremely important to me. I’m not always right but when I think and believe I am I will do something about it. For me it’s just as important how it’s done as to what the outcome is. In fact it’s my belief that if done correctly over time you and others will benefit. I may not always be popular but I believe strongly in what I do.

[chieftd]

Asking an AD for military discount is no different than any person asking an AD for a discount on their gold watch purchase. I served nearly 28 years in the military and if I think a retailer offers a discount I will inquire. If not given, no big deal. I’m sure many of you would gladly take a discount on a purchase if offered, especially a large purchase. I don’t beg for shit. I don’t expect anything either. If offered I accept, if not I pay my bill and go about my business. I think it is inaccurate to describe enlisted military as going around a begging for discounts to survive. Just not true as I see it. Cheers

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by Roger Lococco

We were always told not to take First Class seats if in uniform.

I got bumped to first class once while in uniform.

No one had to give up a seat, it was just a matter of flying standby and there being an empty seat in first-class.

For a teenage, country boy, that was a real treat. The meal that day was Chicken Kiev. I was raised on fried chicken, but I had never seen such a thing as butter flowing from a chicken breast.

That was fifty years ago, though.

I qualify for veteran and senior discounts now, but I almost never remember to ask.