Learning the layout of your new Commissary and Exchange is a right of passage for any military family. Understanding how they work can save you a significant amount of money.

The Commissary: Your Grocery Store

• Who runs it: The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA).
• What it is: The Commissary is your on-base supermarket. Its primary purpose is to save you money on groceries.
• How it works: By law, commissaries must sell items at cost, plus a 5% surcharge. This surcharge is used to build new commissaries and maintain the current ones. Even with the surcharge, shopping at the commissary can save an average family 25% or more on their grocery bill compared to civilian stores.
• Pro-Tips:
  • Commissary Rewards Card: Sign up for the free rewards card to load digital coupons directly onto your card.
  • Case Lot Sales: Look for the semi-annual "Case Lot Sale," where you can buy items in bulk at a deep discount.
  • Tipping: It is customary to tip the baggers who carry your groceries to your car. They work for tips only.

The Exchange: Your Department Store

• Who runs it: Each branch has its own exchange system (e.g., AAFES for Army & Air Force, NEX for Navy, MCX for Marine Corps).
• What it is: The Exchange is your on-base department store. It sells everything from clothing and electronics to furniture and firearms. You'll also find the base gas stations, food courts, and smaller "Express" convenience stores under the Exchange umbrella.
• How it works: The Exchange operates like a normal retailer, but with two key benefits:
  1. No Sales Tax: Every purchase you make at the Exchange is tax-free, which can lead to huge savings on large items like TVs or appliances.
  2. MWR Support: 100% of Exchange profits are paid out as dividends to support Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs on military installations. So, when you shop at the Exchange, you are directly supporting your own community.
• Pro-Tips:
  • MILITARY STAR Card: The Exchange's credit card often has special financing offers and a rewards program.
  • Price Matching: The Exchange has a price-matching policy. If you find an identical item for less at a local competitor, they will match the price.

You can find the location and hours for your new base's facilities by visiting the official websites for DeCA and the AAFES.