Korean Job Discussion Forums

[olsanairbase]

Who has done community service or paid a fee to get access to the PX on an American Military base near them?

I am curious because I have access to the airbase in Olsan but I wanted to know what others did to get it in other places in Korea.

[AsiaESLbound]

I didn't know you could get access if not working for the DoD, active duty, or a dependent. Never heard of doing community service to get PX privileges, but I'd do it if they had a program since there isn't a real American market store of any sort in Korea though there are a couple marts selling a few small items of food stuff AAFES imports to Korea. AAFES and the bases are closed off to the public not becuase we are undeserving and should serve community service to gain a shopping privilege, but because security force protection regulations prevent civilians from going on bases unless a guest. As you probably already know, guests can't shop at the PX and commissary either, but they can have their host purchase on their behalf though illegal and would result in serious article 16 repercussions under the UCMJ if the service member got caught.

[Drew10]

That's news to me. You have to have a Military ID (or CAC card for Contractors and GS personnel) in order to even get on the base (unless you are escorted by a military ID holder). Then before you enter the PX there is another ID check, This holds true for all bases in Korea.

Care to share more info on how you obtained your PX priveleges?

[rollo]

You can not get px access only acess to the base if you are an american. they use to give access to Canadians but some douchery ended that.

[interestedinhanguk]

Isn't an issue of not having to pay tariffs?

[winterfall]

[Mr. Peabody]

[hellofaniceguy]

Base access passes are given to non military related folks from time to time but it is not common and command needs to have a good reason for issuing one; having one of these passes does not allow that person into the PX/BX or commissary.
AAFES....sometimes no ID is asked for but the clerks are supose to ask everyone who buys something for ID and ration control card at the commissary.
Reasons vary for getting a base access pass.

[CentralCali]

[Drew10]

I've never been issued a "ration plate" or "ration card".

The only thing that was even monitored in Korea was the beer and liquor. It was monitored through your ID number (AKA Social Security number).

Yes you need someone to sign you on base in Korea, in the states you can get on any Army base but usually are subjected to a vehicle search and a line of questioning (Why are you visiting today?). However, even in the states you can't shop at the PX without a valid military ID (CAC Card).

There is not an issue of someone "not checking ID's" because the ID's are checked at the door. No exceptions.

[CentralCali]

The amount of money spent is also monitored. Many years ago, that included both at the Exchange and the Commissary. Now, the monthly dollar limit only applies to the Commissary.

If one has never been issued a ration card/plate (or a form temporarily authorizing access, such as one given to military personnel visiting Korea on leave), then one has never been authorized to purchase stuff there. The ration card/plate system has been in place here for quite some time.

Here is a table showing various base privileges.

By the way, it's Article 15 repercussions. Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice is the article governing non-judicial proceedings.

Another by the way, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service changed their name this year to the Exchange.

[Mr. Peabody]

Central Cali is right. When I was stationed in Korea I had a "Ration Plate" and everything was counted. These days it's just commissary, beer and hard liquor and a ration plate is still required (at least for retirees).

However, did you know foreign diplomats can shop at the Yongsan Commissary and Exchange?

According to my co-worker, he goes on a regular basis with XXX Embassy and once the ambassador flashes his credentials, he is able to stroll on in with the entourage and shop.

Sounds like BS, I know. But when he came back with Quaker Oats hominy grits, Bisquick, Aunt Jemima syrup and a bottle of Sauza tequila for me, I had to believe he was telling the truth.

[Drew10]

[CentralCali]

[CentralCali]