Thursday, February 05, 2009

Exchange operations offer varying levels of support to entire military community

From Fort Belvoir to Afghanistan, military installations across the globe are home to more than 3,000 Army and Air Force Exchange Service food, entertainment and retail options. When visitors, contractors and civilians see these facilities their first question often is, “Who’s authorized to shop the exchange?”

“Frankly, the PX offers varying levels of service to everyone who comes on post,” said the PX’s General Manager Rick Mora. “It stands to reason that guests want to take advantage of the tax relief and competitive pricing they’ve heard so much about, but AAFES doesn’t decide who is or isn’t authorized.”

Exchange service authorization actually begins with the House Armed Services Committee and ultimately ends with the Fort Belvoir commander. The guidelines, as prescribed by Army Regulation 215-8/Air Force Instruction 34-211 (I), require proper identification of authorized customers, including uniformed personnel and members of the Reserve Components and family members, applicable DoD civilians, exchange associates and retirees who possess a basic exchange purchase privilege authorization card.

While authorizations governing who can buy merchandise and services at the PX often apply to a chosen few, the doors to AAFES’ fast food and convenience stores on post are open to virtually anyone looking for a quick bite to eat. In fact, DoD policy allows all federal government employees, and even installation visitors, to dine at AAFES restaurants as long as these items are consumed on the installation. Furthermore, anyone can purchase single-serve consumables from a Shoppette, an option that is especially valuable late in the evening at the Class Six/Shoppette.

Anyone who believes they may qualify for exchange benefits, including access to the main PX, can contact Rick Mora at 703-806-4371 at or e-mail at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for additional guidance as well as information regarding possible exceptions at Fort Belvoir.