We haven't lived outside of Conus since 99, but even stateside with 100% ID that is an issue. Yes, I agree how are they suppose to email if they can't log in with their CAC? I guess somebody has to drive them on base, and then they need someone to log in for them.
Logic and sense is not always compatible with needs.
We have heard now that even stateside they are implementing scanning the IDs at the gate. Problem is if you have an old ID card about to expire, it is not compatible, and now they will force you to get a new ID card or they will use an IPad to verify you in the system, which clogs up the gate.
I found that out through our friends this past weekend, and I asked them how will Pizza's from Papa John's be delivered now? Their guestimate was they will have to sign in at the VC and get a daily pass.
So in other words they just created more paperwork!
That is insane about the tupperware. We are now saying money is so tight we can't afford containers to go? I would love to see the cost benefit analysis for this, because the reality is these containers cost very little, however the labor and the utilities to clean these dishes will probably be higher. They now have more dishes, which means more wear and tear on kitchen appliances, and a higher rate of replacements at a higher cost.
Out of curiosity, do they still offer the Spouse Tuition Assistance Program?
We are totally off of ROTC programs, and I apologize for diverting the thread, but I would say The STAP, is for overseas. The way it works is they have an allotted amount of funding and it is broken down identical to the ratio of Officer to Enlisted. From there undergrad gets 1st dibs based on their pay and rank for each. Grads are eligible for what is left over.
I.E. if 80% of the base are enlisted, 80% of the pot goes to them. Than they go deeper and those earning less get it before the higher ranks.
There is a cap financially.
I actually got a nice chunk of my Masters paid this way using their program. Even back than it was not publicized so the competition was not stiff. I can't recall how much, but I think it was about 4K a yr they paid. The reason why was no other officer spouses applied, and it was tied to the enlisted/officer ratio.
Additionally going back to issues for military children. Do not forget come this Feb, the OCSC/ECSC offer 1 time scholarships to children and spouses. They range in awards from 250 to 1000, and in some places, probably like Ramstein they may go higher.
The scholarships typically require verification of enrollment at the college for the check to be dispersed and can be used for books.
If you have a military base near you, check with your local HS to see their regs. Some will only offer it to any military child, some will offer it to military children and ROTC, some will offer it to anyone as a community gift.
It doesn't hurt to ask. My last yr on the scholarship board, we gave to anyone that applied at least a $250 scholarship.