Reply #1: Coupons are a pain in the ass--they're as labor intensive as Traveller's Checks!!!

[MADem]

Be interesting to see how this will actually work. It ties the card user to a servicemember more closely, but it might be difficult to detect unauthorized use...I am not entirely clear on the mechanism of it all--is the cash difference assigned to the card, or what:

The cards, which are now being tested at Mainz-Kastel and are scheduled to be issued in phases throughout Germany between July to November next year, would work like a debit card. People with vehicles registered through U.S. Army Europe or by their local military police would receive a personalized card and be able to add cash to it at any AAFES outlet or on the Web.

The computerized process also would limit the amount of fuel to be purchased based on current monthly rations.

In December 2006, when the plan to switch from the coupons to the cards was announced, officials said the change was coming because the German Federal Ministry of Finance requested it.

According to previous reports, the ministry asked USAREUR in 2000 to move away from coupons, which have over the years reportedly been stolen, counterfeited, borrowed, sold and otherwise mishandled.

Konop said Esso had planned to withdraw from the tax-free coupon program by the end of this year because hefty fines for accepting the coupons from unauthorized users meant it was no longer worthwhile for the company.