I think that the military exchange system should be maintained and if allowing all veterans to use the system will make it more robust, then I'm all for it.

However, it has not been my observation that the exchanges offer significant enough savings to make it a worth bothering with for myself.

While there may be savings on brand name items, I'm not particularly beholden to most name brands and find that I can get the things I need at prices that are better than PX prices, if I buy store brands.

When I was in the Marine Corps (67-71), Marines on the west coast didn't roll up their utilities sleeves, as far as I know. We certainly didn't in boot camp, nor did we do so at Camp Pendleton or at the Defense Language Institute (West Coast Branch) at the Presidio of Monterey.

When I got back from Vietnam, my first duty station was Camp Lejeune, where I saw Stateside Marines with rolled up sleeves for the first time.

I didn't have a problem with long sleeves while in California, but I would have hated them on the east coast, with the heat and humidity.

I, personally think General Amos made a big mistake with his initial order and I'm glad common sense has prevailed.

Semper Fidelis

I wouldn't do what your username suggests under any condition, but if one to be so inclined, it would be made all the more difficult with your head inserted as it is.

"...is the Army just not as cool as the Marine Corps?"

Nope!

To that "propaganda" crap, the Corps' reputation is a product of our performance on the battlefield and every other damn thing we do, including celebrating our "birthday."

The Marine Corps is more respectful of our sister services than any other branch of the service and to you, Jon Mueller, the Corps owes its continued existence to no one but ourselves and a bunch of friends in Congress after WWII.

Marines are well known for throwing birthday parties at their places of work and for their neighbors who have never been Marines or who will never be Marines or may have never heard of the Corps.

Esprit de Corps is what makes the Marine Corps different from all the other branches of the service and no one can bestow that on you, except yourselves, so if any member or former member of a branch of the service is wondering where your birthday party is, throw one!

Semper Fidelis!

"Comment left on my Facebook: 'The media’s going to discover he’s not really a Marine because he’s discharged.'”

I'd just like to remind folks that the title Marine is earned and is valid for life.

"Once a Marine, always a Marine" is not just a cliche.

It is a fact.

Ask any Marine.