Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service has gone where Warfighters and their families go to provide quality, tax-free merchandise and services military communities need – regardless of location, risk or challenge. The Exchange supports Warfighters at the tip of the spear, bringing necessities and a taste of home to remote locations and war zones where traditional retailers can't operate. Wherever our troops are, the Exchange is there: Since 9/11, more than 5,026 Exchange associates have deployed to serve in conflict situations.
As the Department of War's largest retailer, the Exchange offers this tax-free shopping benefit to 30 million eligible active-duty military; retirees; military family members; National Guard members; Reservists; Purple Heart recipients; former prisoners of war; Veterans with service-connected disabilities; caregivers of eligible disabled Veterans designated by the Department of Veterans Affairs as primary family caregivers; non-disabled, honorably discharged Veterans (online only); authorized Public Health Service associates; authorized National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration associates; Coast Guard members; and DoW and Coast Guard civilian employees who hold Common Access Cards (DoW and Coast Guard civilian retirees have online-only privileges).
The Exchange is a major employer of military families, with 80% of Exchange associates connected to the military. Approximately 45% of the Exchange's U.S. workforce comprises Veterans, military spouses and dependents.
The Exchange gives active-duty military spouses first consideration for open positions, and the continuity program lets military spouses transfer to an Exchange when their family has a permanent change of station. For military families, an Exchange career means benefit retention, retirement opportunities and stability.
Exchange operates over 5,500 facilities nationwide and in more than 30 countries.
The Defense Commissary Agency, headquartered at Fort Gregg-Adams, VA., operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries in a safe and secure shopping environment to the most deserving customers – our military personnel, retirees and their families. Authorized patrons can purchase items tax free plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Click here to learn more about whether you’re eligible.
The Commissary benefit can save shoppers over 25 cents on the dollar over other retailers’ prices every time they shop. We strive to offer a valued benefit that contributes to family readiness, enhances the quality of life for America's military and their families, and helps recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.