Panties for a Dime

"Our PX is a fascinating place. It appears to be staffed by locals with just a few American employees in the upper leadership positions. This makes for some interesting experiences. One of the first things I learned is that no matter what you want, it will be here tomorrow. Need a 3M plastic hook with a sticky back? They may be out of them, but the person stocking the shelf will assure you that tomorrow you may return to find the product you desire. Colgate toothpaste, coffee mugs, rabid two-headed koalas…tomorrow, tomorrow, it’ll be here, tomorrow. You’re only a day away.

The PX staff also appears to have the tendency to overestimate how much of a particular product they can sell. Sometimes this works to your advantage. For example, last week they had way too many tiny-sized women’s running shoes (size 6.5 and smaller). They decided to blow them out for $18 a pair. The wife now has a beautiful pair of Asics running shoes heading her way for a total cost of less than $25 shipped.

…and sometimes it’s just weird. Panties. Lacy black women’s panties. Underwear that looks too uncomfortable to pick up, much less wear in a combat zone. The PX has a rack full of these monstrosities displayed strategically between the Underarmor and corn chips. Apparently $0.79 each was above the market price for these jewels, so now they are on clearance (“Camp Special”) for $0.10 each. Now, my first reaction was disbelief that these are offered for sale, since their obvious intended use is outlawed in combat zones. This was followed closely by the thought that these were an incredible deal for a dime each! What do panties go for in the states? Hell, I don’t know, but I’m guessing at least $1. Somebody could clean up if they’re in the market for some women’s underwear."
Midnight in Iraq