What is a Commissary on a Military Base?
The commissary is a staple of military life, providing a convenient and affordable way for military personnel and their families to purchase groceries and household essentials. But what exactly is a commissary, and how does it work?
What is a Commissary?
A commissary is a retail store located on a military base that sells a wide range of products, including food, beverages, household items, and personal care products. The commissary is operated by the military, but it is not a government-run store. Instead, it is a business that is managed by the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), a separate entity from the military.
History of the Commissary
The commissary has a long history that dates back to the early days of the US military. In the 19th century, the military began providing food and supplies to its personnel through a system of commissaries, which were essentially government-run stores that sold basic necessities at a lower cost than commercial stores. Over time, the commissary system evolved to include a wider range of products and services, and today it is an essential part of military life.
Benefits of Shopping at the Commissary
Shopping at the commissary offers several benefits to military personnel and their families. Some of the key advantages include:
- Lower Prices: The commissary offers lower prices on many products compared to commercial stores, which can help military families stretch their budgets.
- Convenience: The commissary is typically located on the military base, making it easy for personnel to shop during their lunch break or after work.
- Wide Selection: The commissary carries a wide range of products, including fresh produce, meat, dairy products, and household essentials.
- No Sales Tax: In most states, military personnel and their families are exempt from paying sales tax on their purchases at the commissary.
Products Available at the Commissary
The commissary carries a wide range of products, including:
- Groceries: Fresh produce, meat, dairy products, bread, and other staples
- Household Essentials: Cleaning supplies, paper products, and other household essentials
- Personal Care Products: Toiletries, cosmetics, and other personal care items
- Beverages: Soft drinks, juice, and other beverages
- Pet Food: Food and supplies for pets
- Baby and Childcare Items: Diapers, formula, and other baby and childcare items
How the Commissary Works
The commissary operates on a rebate system, where the military reimburses the commissary for a portion of the products sold. This allows the commissary to offer lower prices to customers. Here’s how it works:
- Rebate Formula: The commissary receives a rebate from the manufacturer for each product sold, based on a percentage of the product’s cost.
- Rebate Payment: The commissary submits its rebate claims to DeCA, which then pays the rebate to the commissary.
- Lower Prices: The commissary passes the savings on to customers in the form of lower prices.
Services Available at the Commissary
In addition to selling products, the commissary also offers several services, including:
- Pharmacy: Many commissaries have a pharmacy on site, which offers prescription medication and other health-related products.
- Optical Center: Some commissaries have an optical center that offers eye exams and sells glasses and contact lenses.
- Food Court: Many commissaries have a food court that offers prepared meals and snacks.
- ATM: Many commissaries have an ATM on site, which allows customers to withdraw cash.
Conclusion
The commissary is an essential part of military life, providing military personnel and their families with a convenient and affordable way to purchase groceries and household essentials. With its wide selection of products, lower prices, and convenient location, the commissary is a valuable resource for military families. Whether you’re a military member, veteran, or family member, the commissary is a great place to shop and save.
Table: Commissary Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Lower Prices | Commissary offers lower prices on many products compared to commercial stores |
| Convenience | Commissary is located on the military base, making it easy to shop during lunch break or after work |
| Wide Selection | Commissary carries a wide range of products, including fresh produce, meat, dairy products, and household essentials |
| No Sales Tax | In most states, military personnel and their families are exempt from paying sales tax on their purchases at the commissary |
Bullets: Commissary Services
• Pharmacy
• Optical Center
• Food Court
• ATM
