I'm not a big fan of assigned parking. In fact, it's a bona-fide pet peeve of mine. Other than parking spots for handicapped, pregnant women, and volunteer/employee of the month, there really is no need for assigned spots. I'm OK with the General/Admiral/CEO/Chaplain having the primo spot at work only but everyone else should be fair game. It's such a little thing but can make a big impact on how people feel toward management and how they feel about the importance of their job. My theory is if you show up early for work you should get the best parking space.
While I was running my errands, I decided to check out the amount of assigned parking outside of the workplace and was shocked ~ 12 spaces at the Navy commissary, 10 at the officer's club/conference building, 7 at the NEX, 6 at the AF Commissary, 6 at the field house and, this one really gets me, 2 each at the chapels. Aren't we truly 'rankless' at church?
A funny, and true, story from Ft. Riley(12 years ago): A newly married wife of a 1LT got reprimanded for parking in the "General Officer" parking space at the commissary. When she explained herself to the MPs, she said "But, my husband IS an officer and the sign said 'general' officer." She thought it meant general as in generic or any officer. 🙂
My vote is to paint over all the entitled spots!
Displaced Beachbums 
Hi Patti,
I agree with Beth. believe it or not I have been parking
away from the front of the store . I know I need the walk.
It drives me crazy to see all these healthy people that
borrow the handicap sign from someone else. Love it!. Betty
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Hi Patti! Found your blog from Heidi’s. Guam looks amazing! We hate all these spots too. D. says if he’s ever in a position to do something about them, he’ll have them all removed. And let’s be honest, how often is the general at the commissary for more than 5 minutes? From what I’ve seen, he just has his driver drop him off while the driver keeps the car parked in the fire lane! These seem more like perks for the wives, and aren’t we supposed to be rank free? I don’t let it bother me though–I don’t mind getting an extra few yards of exercise!
Beth
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I totally agree. They’re crazy with reserved spots here. We must have a MILLION retiree spots. Even the on post village mayors get a spot at the PX. As for the expectent mother’s spot, I would rather take one of the non-marked spots because they were closer to enterance! It’s really out of control.
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