Military Commissary & Exchange Resources | Military OneSource (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between a commissary and an exchange? ›

Commissaries provide subsidized groceries and household goods to eligible patrons. Exchanges sell goods for profit, similar to a department or specialty store, but use some of this profit to fund various Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) activities (see Table 1). The modern commissary system began in 1867.

Commissaries are basically your neighborhood grocery store, located on military installations worldwide. The commissary sells food and household items at prices that are often below other grocery stores. On average, you can cut nearly a third off your grocery bill compared to in-town prices.

Enjoy tax-free shopping and military-exclusive pricing when you shop at commissaries and military exchanges. On installation or off, MWR programs are your ticket to having fun, relaxing, fitness, traveling and connecting with others. Find out how the Veterans Online Shopping Benefit works.

The status of forces agreement

Luckily for active-duty service members, DOD civilians, and their dependents, your privilege to shop in military stores is almost always covered under the agreement too. But there are some restrictions. Learn more about how SOFA can affect your military commissary and exchange privileges.

In the U.S., you may be eligible for commissary and exchange privileges if you meet one of the requirements listed below. If you're a Veteran or service member, one of these must be true. You: Have a service-connected disability rating and were honorably discharged, or.

Where Can I Use My Military Star Card. The Military Star Card is restricted to use only at base or post facilities. It can be used at any shops, stores, and food establishments run by AAFES, NEX, or the MCX.

Do commissaries accept coupons? Yes. Commissaries accept most types of coupons as part of purchase transactions in accordance with the terms and conditions stated on a coupon. Commissaries CANNOT accept "in-house" coupons issued by commercial grocery stores or supermarkets.

Commissaries sell cigarettes on a consignment basis from the Army & Air Force Exchange Service.

Surcharge is applied to the total value of each commissary purchase because the Congress has mandated collection of surcharge (currently 5 percent) to pay for commissary construction, equipment and maintenance.

Am I eligible to shop in the commissary? Authorized commissary patrons as defined by Department of Defense Instruction 1330.17, Dod Commissary Program , include active duty, Guard and Reserve members, military retirees, Medal of Honor recipients, 100 percent disabled veterans, and their authorized family members.

Can veterans shop at military exchanges? ›

Veterans can shop at all exchange websites. How are veterans verified to enter the exchange websites? They must complete an online verification to be authorized for this benefit. The exchanges then compare the information with a database of eligible customers.

As much as we'd like to open our doors to all those who have honorably served, we have limited space and resources. The USO must focus its mission on serving the needs of those who need us most: active-duty service members and their families. For 77 years, that's been our mission.”

Hardship – Persons who are “stranded on an installation” may purchase small quantities of gasoline, oil, other automotive items, or items necessary for an individual's health. DoD Civilian Employees using Government-authorized vehicles for official business may purchase gasoline for those vehicles.

DeCA is an acronym for the Defense Commissary Agency. From Ankara, Turkey, to Yuma, Ariz., DeCA operates 235 commissaries on military installations around the world. Founded in 1991, DeCA is a 'purple' agency and is responsible for all commissaries regardless of military service.

Commissary means a catering establishment, restaurant, or any other place in which food, containers, or supplies are kept, handled, prepared, packaged or stored.

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) operates retail stores, restaurants, barber shops, convenience stores and concessions on Army Posts and Air Force Bases. A commissary sells food like a supermarket. The PX is like a department store like Walmart.

Veterans eligible solely under Section 1065 of Title 10, USC (Purple Heart recipients, former POWs and veterans with a VA-documented service-connected disability rating from 0%-90%), who possess and present a VHIC that displays “PURPLE HEART,” “FORMER POW” or “SERVICE CONNECTED” on the front below the photo.