Conference repair::reserve_forces

        
        
        Can I transfer to the USNR?
        
        When you retire from the RNR that's you finished. There is no 
        pension scheme at all and I think this applies to all Reserve 
        forces in the UK.
        
        Ed
        RNR

    Re .1:
    
    Gee, I'm sorry to hear about that, Ed. Is there any way that an
    MP could be persuaded to introduce a bill in Parliament to fix that?
    
    I don't know about a transferral to the USNR....but you never know.
    One thing I've learned in the Navy is it never hurts to ask. The
    worst anybody can say is, "No".
    
    BTW, what is your rank? Officer? Chief?
    
    Mark
    RMC USNR

        
        
        Re. 2
        
        We used to have an Under Secretary of State (Navy) who was a Lt. 
        Cdr. RNR but he got the push when he tried to oppose the cuts 
        in Navy manpower a few years ago so I don't think we've got any 
        chance of MPs pushing for apension for us.
        
        I am an ancient Lieutenant (M.E), (Marine Engineer) still hanging 
        on for a half stripe! Roll on Decemver 1991.
        
        Ed 

    Re .3:
    
    Marine Engineer......sounds like the equivalent of our EDO (Engineering
    Duty Officer). They work strictly in an engineering capacity (engine
    rooms and the like) as well as performing other engineering type
    functions.
    
    Mark
    RMC USNR

    re .4
    
    there is also the branch of EDOs that are electrons (Combat Systems)
    rather than pump kickers.

    Does anyone know about what type of medical benefits one would get when
    they retire (>= 20 years) in the reserves?  Also, if there are any, is
    your spouse covered too?
    
                thanks for any info,
                  Ken
    

    As I understand it (in the US) retirees get the same benefits on
    retirement, regardless of their status before retirement. The major
    difference is that as a Reservist you can't draw your benefits
    before age 60. I think that spice (plural of 'spouse' :)    )
    get a dependent ID card when the retiree gets his or her retired
    military ID (ie, at age 60).
    
    John B.

    Your dependents can get ID cards now.  Both my wife and daughter have
    them.  When my son gets older, he'll get one too.  I am not sure if
    this only because I am active reserve, but I suspect that it is.

    Just got a letter from Mr. Atkins, 5th Mass. Cong.
    
    "...Under the new regulations, retired reservists with at least twenty
    years in the service may use commissary facilities up to twelve times
    per year.  They will also have unlimited access to the PX.....
    
    "...This provision was inclueded in the Defense Authorization bill
    which was signed into law just before the end of the 101st Congress."
    
    Dick

    For all those who don't know, all actively drilling reservists can also
    use the commissary (12 times/year).  Just remember that you must bring
    your pink commissary card, which you should get from your unit, and
    your ID when you go in.  If your spouse/children have dependents ID
    cards, they can go in too.  But, NO GUESTS/FRIENDS are allowed.  
    
    Also, you can visit the commissary while you are on active duty orders
    (AT/ATD) as much as you want.  
    
    
    QUESTION: Does anyone know how the commissary works?  Does the
    Government subsidize them?  I know I get hit with a 5% surcharge (I
    believe it's not just reservists who have to pay it, Active Duty too),
    but the amount I save monthly, it's well worth it!!

    Dumb question time:
    
    What's a commissary and a commissary card (pink or otherwise )?
   Why can you only use it 12 times per year?? etc etc.
    
    Thanks ever so,
    
    Dave

    
    The last time that I used a Commissary was in 1969 at NAS Pensacola. 
    About the same time that I used the Base Exchange.  At that time,
    neither was a super good deal.  Perhaps because Pensacola was a Navy
    Town, local businesses had to stay competitive with facilities on Base. 
    Don't know the reasons.  The consistent 'good deals' were from the
    Base Package Store.  Liquor was always cheaper on Base.
    
    Is it any different today?
    
    	Bill Tarmey

    The commissary is a food store on miltary installations.  You can buy
    pretty much any food item in it (milk, bread, soda, meats, etc).  My
    wife and I normally go to the commissary at Hanscom Air Force Base,
    located in Bedford/Lexington, Massachusetts.  As stated in my previous
    note, we save a good 25% shopping there than at civilian food stores. 
    
    You're supposed to get one shopping day for a weekend drill.  Since
    there are 12 weekend(Saturday and Sunday usually)  drills/year, you get
    12 visits.  
    
    Previously, in order to get in the commissary you needed to show your
    ID card and LES (Leave and Earnings Statement (pay stub)).  But now,
    the reserves issues you a little pink card which gets stamped everytime
    you go in.  Once you get 12 stamps, the card becomes invalid.
    
    
                           ken
    

    Forgot...  The Base Exchange (Post Exchange), is sort of a department
    store for the military.  Stuff like, hammers, gift cards and other
    accessories are cheaper than going to a Kmart or Sears.  I usually save
    between .50 to a couple of dollars for the items I buy.  Clothes,
    blankets, pillows etc. are not a bargain at all.  
    
    You get 4 visits per month for each weekend drill performed.  Why you
    get 1 visit per month for the commissary, I don't know..
    
                      ken

    Ken,
    
    The stores seem to be like our NAAFI shops, is that right?
    
    Dave

    Dave,
    
      I guess NAAFI is like AAFES (Army and AirForce Exchange Services)..?? 
    Haven't heard of the acronym NAAFI before.
    
                    ken

    Ken,
    
    The NAAFI stands for Navy, Army and Air Force Institute and provides
    a shop, bar, slot machines etc etc at most main bases, I believe.
    
    Dave

    In the commissaries you will save an average of 30% on groceries.
    Meat is an especially good buy and the quality is excellent.  The
    exchange has prices that can be beat if you shop the sales, but
    you can go there and get sale prices on everything all the time.
    And, for those of us in Taxachusetts, no sales tax!
    
    Dick

    But, there is a surcharge of approximately 5.5% on your total bill
    (minus any coupons you have)..  Still a good deal though..
    
                 ken