Military discount on GMT?

[daveathall]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

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.

I understand what you're saying Tyler, but, should a vet, who leaves the service uninjured, get free health care? This is my point. Why should voluntary service qualify someone to be housed, fed and free medical for the rest of their lives?

If he is injured through service, be it slipping down steps or in a war zone, then he/she should get free healthcare until it is at least cured.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by daveathall

I understand what you're saying Tyler, but, should a vet, who leaves the service uninjured, get free health care? This is my point. Why should voluntary service qualify someone to be housed, fed and free medical for the rest of their lives?

If he is injured through service, be it slipping down steps or in a war zone, then he/she should get free healthcare until it is at least cured.

I’m not saying they should.


Can I ask however if your country still employs or uses a draft?

And by the way that healthcare whether entitled or truly deserved has had all kinds of problems to the point even when owed not always being provided.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by daveathall

I understand what you're saying Tyler, but, should a vet, who leaves the service uninjured, get free health care? This is my point. Why should voluntary service qualify someone to be housed, fed and free medical for the rest of their lives?

If he is injured through service, be it slipping down steps or in a war zone, then he/she should get free healthcare until it is at least cured.

well, i have no idea as i tend to think everyone should get it. I think vets who served in a war are at a high risk of needing access to services more than most as plenty who were not wounded still have a hard time adjusting to civilian life not to mention post traumatic stress which leads to things like inability to hold a job, homelessness, drug addiction etc if its not treated properly.

One of my best friends is not the same guy i use to know. He didn't get wounded though.

[daveathall]

Originally Posted by dddrees

I’m not saying they should.


Can I ask however if your country still employs or uses a draft?

No, it doesn't, I think the last time was in the 60's.

Edit; it ended in November 1960, the last soldier conscripted left in 1963. It was called "National service" here.

[daveathall]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

well, i have no idea as i tend to think everyone should get it. I think vets who served in a war are at a high risk of needing access to services more than most though as plenty who were not wounded still have a hard time adjusting to civilian life not to mention post traumatic stress which leads to things like inability to hold a job, homelessness, drug addiction etc if its not treated properly.

Yes, I understand that, but, as I said, what about the logistics clerk who served all the minimum term in the service at Fort Bragg should he get get it. What about those that never see combat service? Where does the line stop?

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by daveathall

No, it doesn't, I think the last time was in the 60's.

Just wondered.

By the way it’s not customary by no means that housing, food, and some of the other things mentioned previously are guaranteed for life.

Medical care has been one of those items although like I said I served 20 and I do pay for my health care. But our government which represents our people for whatever reason chose to guarantee healthcare and it was part of what our service members thought they were getting before they joined. Good bad or Indiffrent it was thought to be one of the things they would get. There have been many problems because of this however and I imagine this may change at some point.

But without a good knowledge of what your government chooses to do for their vets vs our government and our vets any intelligent discussion would really be extremely difficult.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by daveathall

Yes, I understand that, but, as I said, what about the logistics clerk who served the minimum term in the service at Fort Bragg should he get get it. What about those that never see combat service? Where does the line stop?

The larger the bureaucracy the harder it is to make all these nuanced distinctions. I can imagine our force being just a bit bigger than yours. Besides often it’s not the soldier that makes certain choices but for the good of the Army overall.

[daveathall]

Originally Posted by dddrees

The larger the bureaucracy the harder it is to make all these nuanced distinctions. I can imagine our force being just a bit bigger than yours. Besides often it’s not the soldier that makes certain choices but for the good of the Army overall.

I am not anti, I was a soldier for 42 years, most of that being infantry, it was my only profession. I'm just curious.

I don't know how much health cover costs in your country, but if it is guaranteed for anyone who serves, thats one hell of a pension for the rest of one's life. For doing a volunteered job for 5 years? (I don't know the minimum term in your services).

I don't get any benefits from my country because I have not been injured in combat, although I have done many active tours and had none life changing injuries in theatre (minor injuries) . I do get two extremely good pensions though.

[GradyPhilpott]

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.

Most veterans don't get any form of compensation.

Non-service connected veterans can get health care free, if they meet a means test or if they have insurance and choose VA service over private. VA bills the insurance companies and Medicare, too.

Service-connected veterans get can get free health care and compensation for their service-connected conditions. There is a co-pay for medication not related to service-connected conditions.

Veterans who have higher, service-connected disabilities can get higher-levels of free health-care depending on their rating.

Some private businesses offer discounts for seniors and veterans and some other memberships in certain organizations.

This is entirely voluntary on the part of the private business.

As for health-care in the UK for veterans, it is my understanding that the UK has universal health-care for everyone, veterans or otherwise.

As for the video, that's from a situation comedy lampooning the common practice of everyone thanking servicemen and veterans for their service, which I find embarrassing, although I'm gracious about it.

My typical response is that the privilege was mine. Most veterans, if any at all, don't expect this from others.

For those who may not remember, veterans who returned from the Vietnam war were not treated well. Some were met by demonstrators at the airports and some were actually spit upon.

Some people just refused to acknowledge one's service at all, even if they knew you somehow "disappeared" for a couple of years, and some were downright offensive in their comments, even to go so far as to say that veterans were too stupid to have avoided the draft. Veterans of prior wars treated Vietnam veterans poorly because, it "wasn't a real war."

After awhile, many veterans just didn't mention their service when around friends and acquaintances and were often insulted about our service to the nation in general, because no one in a setting knew that a veteran was present.

The worst offense to me was when people did find out that I was a veteran of the war in Vietnam and they would be aghast that they could have known me for so long and not known that fact.

Some people would get hostile and demand to know if I'd killed anyone. I would usually just lean forward and whisper, "that was my job."

Then after 9/11 things changed and everyone wants to thank us for our service to the point that it's tiresome. As a veteran, I would prefer that our nation is grateful for my service, but not in any overt, patronizing way.

For myself, it's especially hard to take from members of my generation who back in the day would have spit in my eye, literally and figuratively.

I hope that this helps in clarifying the situation here in the States.

I might also add that we have a problem of non-veterans claiming to be veterans in order to get various benefits or to appeal to the sympathies of the public. It is these types that generally give those of us who actually served a bad name

[daveathall]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

Most veterans don't get any form of compensation.

Non-service connected veterans can get health care free, if they meet a means test or if they have insurance and choose VA service over private. VA bills the insurance companies and Medicare, too.

Service-connected veterans get can get free health care and compensation for their service-connected conditions. There is a co-pay for medication not related to service-connected conditions.

Veterans who have higher, service-connected disabilities can get higher-levels of free health-care depending on their rating.

Some private businesses offer discounts for seniors and veterans and some other memberships in certain organizations.

This is entirely voluntary on the part of the private business.

As for health-care in the UK for veterans, it is my understanding that the UK has universal health-care for everyone, veterans or otherwise.

As for the video, that's from a situation comedy lampooning the common practice of everyone thanking servicemen and veterans for their service, which I find embarrassing, although I'm gracious about it.

My typical response is that the privilege was mine.

For those who may not remember, veterans who returned from the Vietnam war were not treated well. Some were met by demonstrators at the airports and some were actually spit upon.

Some people just refused to acknowledge one's service at all and some were downright offensive in their comments, even to go so far as to say that veterans were too stupid to have avoided the draft.

Many veterans just didn't mention their service when around friends and acquaintances and were often insulted about service to the nation in general, because no one in a setting knew that a veteran was present.

The worst offense to me was when people did find out that I was a veteran of the war in Vietnam, they would be aghast that they could have known me for so long and not known that fact.

Some people would get hostile and demand to know if I'd killed anyone. I would usually just lean forward and whisper, "that was my job."

Then after 9/11 things changed and everyone wants to thank us for our service to the point that its tiresome. As a veteran, I would prefer that our nation is grateful for my service, but not in any overt, patronizing way.

For myself, it's especially hard to take from members of my generation who back in the day would have spit in my eye, literally and figuratively.

I hope that this helps in clarifying the situation here in the States.

I might also add that we have a problem of non-veterans claiming to be veterans in order to get various benefits or to appeal to the sympathies of the public. It is these types that generally give those of us who actually served a bad name

Thanks Grady, I am in no way criticising the health care, I am just curious as to the criteria.

We do get free health care, thats where our system on National Healthcare differs. (It's not really free, those working pay whats called National Insurance, I paid it every day I worked).

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by daveathall

Thanks Grady, I am in no way criticising the health care, I am just curious as to the criteria.

We do get free health care, thats where our system on National Healthcare differs. (It's not really free, those working pay whats called National Insurance, I paid it every day I worked).

Yes, of course, there's no such thing as a free lunch or health care, either.



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[dddrees]

Originally Posted by daveathall

I am not anti, I was a soldier for 42 years, most of that being infantry, it was my only profession. I'm just curious.

I don't know how much health cover costs in your country, but if it is guaranteed for anyone who serves, thats one hell of a pension for the rest of one's life.

I don't get any benefits from my country because I have not been injured in combat, although I have done many active tours. I do get two extremely good pensions though.

Actually, I get where your coming from. More of a personal responsibility thing. I know your not anti military.


I think however there might be significant differences in the way your country reimburses your military vs the way our country does. Things you may have received which we did not and visa versa. Very possible we actually give our vets more. Our military has actually done some of these things differently over the years and I can’t actually tell you how much they have changed since my retirement almost 20 years ago. It is my understanding those serving today for instance have a 401K type program that I never had nor needed. In fact retirement benefits changed over the course of my service but mine was grandfathered in based on the date I joined. Those after saw the formula change and were going to get less of a percentage than I did. But then again those who serve today make wages more comparable to civilians than I ever did.

I agree that the medical benefits especially for those who served only their initial 3 year hitch is one hell of a benifit especially when it’s not service connected. However it’s something our government chose to do. My father in-law who served during a time when he saw no war service enjoys VA benefits of healthcare way into his 80s. He served his three years and got out. But he talks also that he and his wife had very little because pay was so terrible and just a good thing they lived in area where they could fish to make ends meet. As a policeman they never deducted social security at the time so he receives little social security and they tax him more because his police pension exceeds a certain amount.

[crazymcmichael]

Just hit on the table and shout hard in the ears of the seller for a discount. Look angry while you do this too..

[tyler1980]

an actual substantive conversation evolving from a military discount for a Rolex thread... i like it

[daveathall]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

an actual substantive conversation evolving from a military discount for a Rolex thread... i like it

Sorry, that was my fault. I'm laughing though. Brilliant.

[daveathall]

Originally Posted by dddrees

I think however there might be significant differences in the way your country reimburses your military vs the way our country does. Things you may have received which we did not and visa versa. Very possible we actually give our vets more. Our military has actually done some of these things differently over the years and I can’t actually tell you how much they have changed since my retirement almost 20 years ago. It is my understanding those serving today for instance have a 401K type program that I never had nor needed. In fact retirement benefits changed over the course of my service but mine was grandfathered in based on the date I joined. Those after saw the formula change and were going to get less of a percentage than I did. But then again those who serve today make wages more comparable to civilians than I ever did.

Shortened quote to save space.

Thanks Dan, great answer.

[DLRIDES]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

an actual substantive conversation evolving from a military discount for a Rolex thread... i like it

It is quite amazing ............. I thought the thread would spiral downward and be locked !

Good thoughts and knowledge for both sides to walk away with.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by daveathall

Shortened quote to save space.

Thanks Dan, great answer.

Thank you, and thanks for your service.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by daveathall

Shortened quote to save space.

Thanks Dan, great answer.

Originally Posted by dddrees

Thank you, and thanks for your service.

Thank you both for your service. Unless you were straight leg infantry, then I rescind said thanks.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

Thank you both for your service. Unless you were straight leg infantry, then I rescind said thanks.

And thank you.

I supported straight leg infantry, but I also supported mech, and armor. Being a Forward Observer you supported whomever and wherever. No one ever beat me in a road march. Now there was a lieutenant once who thought he could.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by dddrees

Thank you, and thanks for your service.

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

Thank you both for your service. Unless you were straight leg infantry, then I rescind said thanks.

oh god, you guys are going to make me say it

I appreciate the sacrifice and the time spent away from friends and family... now its original.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

oh god, you guys are going to make me say it

I appreciate the sacrifice and the time spent away from friends and family... now its original.

Thank you.

[daveathall]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

Thank you both for your service. Unless you were straight leg infantry, then I rescind said thanks.

Hahahaha, now that made me laugh, I had to Google "straight leg inf." Not being airborne qualified sort of rescinds the thanks but I appreciate the couple of seconds it was there.

Over here, Inf would be called "a hat" by airborne forces. (They wear maroon berets) We used to wear dark blue and later changed to Khaki.


Taken from the internet, not my beret but same regiment.

[ashbaug2]

As a fellow veteran, I approve of this thread.

I've seen some pretty good points made, and just wanted to throw in that I am embarrassed by a lot of things of this nature, as I feel it is simply the career choice I have made, and I'm nothing special. My wife probably asks for a military discount more than I do, and it would have never occurred to me to ask for it at a Rolex AD. While it may be the same thing as asking for a discount on a PM piece, like someone else mentioned, I just don't think I could do it. I usually only get it when someone recognizes my USAA cards and offers it, or sees my ID in my wallet.

I have seen some people try and throw the Veteran Card out like they are owed something by society, and that chaps my behind like nothing else. Everyone in our country is free to think and believe what they like, and if that means they don't want to give a discount, no skin off my back. Going back to Tyler and his first class seat, I'd have been embarrassed if he had given it up, because he paid a lot of money for it. What right do I have to it? And an airline shouldn't feel obligated to coerce paying customers out of their seats, otherwise they might find those customers are no longer customers... just a thought.

As for all veterans getting healthcare, its complicated. My father was in the Air Force in Vietnam and was exposed to Agent Orange, and the VA denied his claims for disability for almost 40 years. Complications from that are what ultimately killed him. Today, I see 20 year olds get out on 100% medical disability for things are are a) preventable, and b) treatable. They could live normal lives, but the system allows them the take advantage of it, which is terrible. I've crushed 3 disks in my back, have achy knees that I'm sure have something wrong with them, and tore a shoulder muscle doing physical training. I will leave with 0% disability in a few years, barring anything major. I've deployed to Iraq and spent the better part of my 20s there. I was never a "door kicker" and was luckily never blown up or injured. While my injuries are mostly service-related, they would have probably happened over the course of living an adventurous life and trying to stay fit. I'm in the minority, as I see my counterparts try to scrape together another 5%, 10% in their medical discharge to get more money each month, because "they're owed it." Poppycock. Unless I lost a limb or was exposed to something terrible that will forever affect my health, there are plenty if other benefits that we have earned that we can take full advantage of. And now, the retirement system is being restructured so everyone has the chance to leave with a small 401k-style account.

Again, I'm in the minority. I hope this was a positive contribution to a great thread.

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[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by ashbaug2

As a fellow veteran, I approve of this thread.

I've seen some pretty good points made, and just wanted to throw in that I am embarrassed by a lot of things of this nature, as I feel it is simply the career choice I have made, and I'm nothing special. My wife probably asks for a military discount more than I do, and it would have never occurred to me to ask for it at a Rolex AD. While it may be the same thing as asking for a discount on a PM piece, like someone else mentioned, I just don't think I could do it. I usually only get it when someone recognizes my USAA cards and offers it, or sees my ID in my wallet.

I have seen some people try and throw the Veteran Card out like they are owed something by society, and that chaps my behind like nothing else. Everyone in our country is free to think and believe what they like, and if that means they don't want to give a discount, no skin off my back. Going back to Tyler and his first class seat, I'd have been embarrassed if he had given it up, because he paid a lot of money for it. What right do I have to it? And an airline shouldn't feel obligated to coerce paying customers out of their seats, otherwise they might find those customers are no longer customers... just a thought.

As for all veterans getting healthcare, its complicated. My father was in the Air Force in Vietnam and was exposed to Agent Orange, and the VA denied his claims for disability for almost 40 years. Complications from that are what ultimately killed him. Today, I see 20 year olds get out on 100% medical disability for things are are a) preventable, and b) treatable. They could live normal lives, but the system allows them the take advantage of it, which is terrible. I've crushed 3 disks in my back, have achy knees that I'm sure have something wrong with them, and tore a shoulder muscle doing physical training. I will leave with 0% disability in a few years, barring anything major. I've deployed to Iraq and spent the better part of my 20s there. I was never a "door kicker" and was luckily never blown up or injured. While my injuries are mostly service-related, they would have probably happened over the course of living an adventurous life and trying to stay fit. I'm in the minority, as I see my counterparts try to scrape together another 5%, 10% in their medical discharge to get more money each month, because "they're owed it." Poppycock. Unless I lost a limb or was exposed to something terrible that will forever affect my health, there are plenty if other benefits that we have earned that we can take full advantage of. And now, the retirement system is being restructured so everyone has the chance to leave with a small 401k-style account.

Again, I'm in the minority. I hope this was a positive contribution to a great thread.

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Great response.

Some advice - get your back fixed before you get out. Don't put it off. A lot of friends retired with rucksack induced disk issues. The issues catch up hard in your mid 50's. You don't want to be leaning into your next career, and trying to sort out debilitating back issues.

[ashbaug2]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

Great response.

Some advice - get your back fixed before you get out. Don't put it off. A lot of friends retired with rucksack induced disk issues. The issues catch up hard in your mid 50's. You don't want to be leaning into your next career, and trying to sort out debilitating back issues.

My wife is a PA for a spine surgeon, I've avoided surgery and gotten some good rehab on it. It flairs up still, but the army's ad ice is to operate. No thank you. Most people with my issue and symptoms are no better off, and it usually doesn't fix anything. I may need to rethink getting it on my Army medical records, I guess it doesn't hurt later down the road...

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[dddrees]

Originally Posted by ashbaug2

My wife is a PA for a spine surgeon, I've avoided surgery and gotten some good rehab on it. It flairs up still, but the army's ad ice is to operate. No thank you. Most people with my issue and symptoms are no better off, and it usually doesn't fix anything. I may need to rethink getting it on my Army medical records, I guess it doesn't hurt later down the road...

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Yes, get it in your records.

[roaddog359]

Originally Posted by Floorguy

I always try to pick up a check for military, law enforcement, and first responders when I can, something I feel I should do just to say thanks! It’s just respect, but that’s just me...

You sir are very kind!

[ReMember]

Originally Posted by Cevap

It's pretty prevalent in the USA to see service men beg for a discount just because they're enlisted. Works if you're at the local diner and they comp your coffee, absurd when it comes to these types of purchases.

Originally Posted by Heff

Beg? I’ve never begged. I ask, and if told no I move on. Doesn’t hurt to ask.

I feel like you’re either bitter towards military or bitter that you can’t get a military discount.


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Or can't qualify to serve in the military.

[ReMember]

Originally Posted by 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

Well said, Chief!!