6-15-2012

House Panel Reviews Commissary, Exchange Benefits

The House Armed Services’ Military Personnel Subcommittee recently held an oversight hearing on the commissaries and exchanges operated by the Department of Defense (DoD). Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Joe Wilson (S.C.) stated that, “These programs are widely acknowledged as highly valuable and appreciated benefits that support active duty retention, the well-being of the military community, and the combat readiness of the force. These services are vital for our service members, military families, and veterans worldwide.”

FRA works to ensure adequate funding for military resale programs to preserve the value of the current benefit, access for all patrons and vital support for Moral, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs. The Association joins the military services in opposing repeated calls to shutter commissaries and/or consolidate military exchanges. In addition to providing average savings of more than 20 percent over local retailers, commissaries and exchanges employ many military dependents. Further, revenue generated by exchange sales fund MWR programs.