DALLAS - From Ft. Bragg to Baghdad, military installations the world over are home to more than 3,000 Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) food, entertainment and retail options. From contractors to tourists to guests, Army posts and Air Force bases host a variety of visitors who often ask, “Who’s authorized to shop these facilities?”

“That’s probably the most common question I receive,” said AAFES’ Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Bryan Eaton. “It stands to reason that visitors want to take advantage of the tax relief and competitive prices 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 installation commander. The guidelines, as prescribed by Army Regulation 60-20 and Air Force Joint Instruction 34-210, require proper identification of authorized customers including uniformed personnel and members of the Reserve Components and family members, applicable Department of Defense (DoD) civilians, exchange associates and retirees who possess a basic exchange purchase privilege authorization card. Some government civilians also enjoy exchange shopping privileges when they are assigned or TDY overseas; or “TDY and residing” in government quarters on posts/bases in the United States.

The access of authorized customers’ guests is regulated by installation commanders who are empowered by service regulations to determine the guest policy for the main exchange at their respective base/post.

While authorizations governing who can buy merchandise and services can vary from location to location, the doors to AAFES’ 2,109 food facilities, including 1,806 name and signature brand outlets, are open to virtually anyone. In fact, DoD policy allows all federal government employees and even installation visitors to dine at AAFES restaurants as long as their orders are consumed on the installation.

Anyone who believes they may qualify for exchange benefits including access to the main exchange should contact their local AAFES manager for additional guidance as well as information regarding possible exceptions at specific PX/BX locations. Store-level contact information is available online at www.aafes.com under the BX/PX “Store Locator” link.

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