Does anyone still shop at the Commissary?

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 09:59:33 -0500

It is no big secret that our nations economy and debt is steadily becoming a serious problem. As big government programs continue to kick off well into 2014 expenditures are sure to go up with it. Some citizens have expressed concern over the vast rising taxes that tend to come with rising expenditures of our government. So with the US government looking to save money for its tax paying citizens by utilizing sequestration and other methods it seems that the military/defense commissary system (DECA) is next on the chopping block.

As a public figure in Texas and amongst the military community, this author has to ask why would a staple of military benefits (the few that actually remain) even be considered for expulsion?

Reports from Fox News, CBS News, ABC News, CNN and many local sources state that current plans are to dissolve the commissaries located inside military bases located in the continental United States. Although reports are varied amongst the sources the fact is this is being seriously considered.

A good portion of the US military forces already do without these amenities as you will not typically find a commissary on a National Guard or Reserve installation however, that is not to say members of these branches do not travel to active installations to use them. The commissary is part of a shrinking list of military benefits that still remain for service members to cope with the "life" of a service member. Typically shopping at the commissary offers savings and discounts you would not otherwise see outside the base/post. Most importantly after interviewing many service members at bases all over Texas, Georgia and Florida the not having to pay taxes on food was something they enjoyed most.

When speaking with a retired veteran about the subject they had this to say,

"Young servicemembers and their families have a much higher dependency on the commissary than higher ranking members...the pay difference allows more outside shopping and it was my experience that Walmart, Sam's Club and Costco could and would normally be just as economical to shop at as the commissary...overseas living in base housing the commissary was almost a necessary facility, here in the States the prices aren't nearly as competitive with exception of a very few items almost eveything is as cheap or cheaper in the off base markets...even the Exchange is getting too expensive for any realistic shopping...clothing and electronics are a whole lot cheaper off base and the selection is much better...maybe the military should let Walmart set up on the installations like Burger King does.."

This veteran raises some very interesting points. This is also why my question is does anyone still shop at the commissary? Is this institution still valid in the days of Wal-Mart, Costco and the like?

In a time when our country needs to make cuts to save money and reduce spending can we as military members make further sacrifices for the betterment of the nation? Can we take another one for the team? It would not be the first time we have all made sacrifice for the nation and I'm sure it will not be the last.

What are your thoughts on the subject?

How will a decision to cut commissaries in the continental US affect you?

Should the bases privatize stores like the commissary or PX/BX with the local civilian counterparts and bring them on base much like Burger King does now?

I for one would not mind seeing a H-E-B, Jason's Deli or Fry's on my local post in Texas.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2013 10:04 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 10:04:53 -0500

I don't because i live off post and it is always packed.

Response by LTC Christopher Sands made Dec 3 at 2013 10:38 AM

LTC Christopher Sands — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 10:38:23 -0500

Take one for the team, you will be doing that with the drop in Soldiers. Be prepared to do a lot more with a lot less. You in the NG/Reserves get ready to train at your homestation, in the 90's my unit had its fuel and ammo cut. It all went to Active Duty forces.

Commissaries, When I was a junior Officer and had my children I utilized the Commissary every drill. My kids were lactose intolerant and cans of formula were $1.00 to $1.50 cheaper at the Commissary.

At Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, at least for the Dix part, there is 1 Acme within a 25 minute drive. It has a so so selection of meat and produce. Losing the Commissary will hurt there.

This government will not check to see if people should be getting any type of entitlement. They spend money on green energy like crazy, getting very little back in return. The military being forced to buy electric/green cars at twice the price of a regular model. Have they stopped that program?

Letting Union members work 4 ten hour days, thinking you are saving money. Look at the Navy finding the kickbacks to high ranking officers. cut the waste/fraud/abuse/ before you cut things that effect the lives of families of the Soldiers.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 3 at 2013 10:43 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 10:43:41 -0500

Meat, diapers, and formula at Sams Club, everything else at the Commissary...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2013 11:41 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 11:41:31 -0500

I use and will continue to use the Commissary where ever I am sent. Sure there are crowds, but I do not do in there to "window shop". I know what I need and I get what I need (plus or minus a few things). I childs lunches are 100% from there. The only thing that I am not a fan of is when the prices get moved around due to the demand.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2013 4:39 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 16:39:35 -0500

In a word, Yes. I am stationed overseas, and find that it is easier and more comfortable to shop at the commissary. That doesn't mean that I don't do a little grocery shopping on the economy every now and then, but for the most part, I get what I need for a reasonable price without having to convert my money to Euro...

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Dec 3 at 2013 6:10 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 18:10:27 -0500

Hold on...at the commissary now. Will get back to you. ;)

Response by 1SG Johnny Carter made Dec 3 at 2013 6:14 PM

1SG Johnny Carter — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 18:14:03 -0500

I love the Commissary!!! Has everything I need and more! I just make sure I don't go on pay day!! Very packed on those days!!

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Apr 10 at 2014 1:44 PM

SSG Ed Mikus — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 13:44:34 -0400

I Love the Commissary!

Response by SFC Stephen P. made Apr 10 at 2014 2:11 PM

SFC Stephen P. — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 14:11:52 -0400

I can't recall shopping at one in the last 12 or so years. I probably have, but not with any frequency.

What no one seems to understand is that eliminating DeCA does not preclude the sale of groceries on the installation. We can just as easily get bread and milk from AAFES or NEX without the threat of closure when congress neglects to pass a budget.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2014 2:24 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 14:24:52 -0400

They might have that one item that I need that i can't find much place else, but i try not to go there on a regular basis as I hate the lines there; always have. I'd love to see a study where it shows that Commissary funds growing were attributed to growing budgets post 9/11 and are therefor a problem of current bloated budgets and not just a slowly dwindling benefit that has already been subject to cuts over the years.

Response by SFC Gerald Kirk made Apr 10 at 2014 2:49 PM

SFC Gerald Kirk — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 14:49:25 -0400

I use the commissary also, it is on average about 30% cheaper then any of the grocery stores out there and about 10 to 15 percent cheaper than Costco and Sam's and the such.

I think it would be a travesty to take it away from the younger and lower ranking enlisted, they are already at the poverty level if they have a family and the wife is not working.

But really what choice do we have if they decide to cut it from the budget we have no say, at least anymore the military in general has no big corporation to speak for it, or any lobbyists, we use to have organizations behind our military but now they have grown weak, and don't hold the clout they use too.

I'm sure they could make them more cost affiant or ran better, but that would mean over hauling the system and updating it with newer better software if ran correctly it would not cost the government one cent and actually turn a profit. There are to many holes in it to run any better the way it is with out costing money for sure.

But if they privatize the commissary then there goes the whole purpose of it, and that is to save the military personnel money!

Yeah let the military and the veterans take another one for the team! They won't be happy until they destroy everything this country was founded on!!! Big Government that is! Just to give more to the non working blood suckers of society!

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Apr 10 at 2014 3:10 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 15:10:09 -0400

Used the Commissary regularly while on active duty, and as a retiree, we still use it as our primary for groceries. It would be a shame to loose it. Most recently AAFES has released a statement that they are studying the viability of stepping in should Congress discontinue funding. Prices would increase (no more federal subsides), but they may be able to keep them below the average in their respective markets.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Apr 10 at 2014 3:49 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 15:49:22 -0400

With the exception of a few items I can get cheaper elsewhere, and I do mean a few, I shop at the commissary for my full shopping, you can't beat the prices even at WallyWorld. I just try not to shop there on payday, or at least I don't take the other half with me on those days.

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Apr 10 at 2014 7:27 PM

MSgt Keith Hebert — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 19:27:37 -0400

We use the commissary about once a month at ft Polk (due to distance) and usually save a good bit.
Taking that away would hurt and just erode more of the want for people to make a career or even join.
Bet they would never cut the class six

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made May 31 at 2014 5:52 PM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Sat, 31 May 2014 17:52:20 -0400

I just did about 30 min ago. Bought a few items for under $7

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2014 6:31 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 31 May 2014 18:31:03 -0400

Yes, we do all our shopping at the commissary. It seems that despite the numerous comments comments and praises from politicians stating that the military is a priority due to our sacrifices, yet they are the same ones that look right to cutting our benefits (increased co pay, cutting pay and bonuses, getting rid of commissaries, BRAC) when the economy gets rough. How about trimming other fat from the budget before hitting the military, like by not sending money to bail out other countries, or spending millions in tax payers dollars by sending politicians on extravagant trips and vacations.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2014 7:07 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 19:07:24 -0400

The Good Idea Fairy strikes again!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2014 11:15 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 11:15:47 -0500

I do. Once every week I do my grocery shopping.

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Mar 10 at 2016 4:12 PM

PO3 Donald Murphy — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 16:12:17 -0500

Yes I do. Patrick AFB Commissary.

EDIT:

Not any more. Found a cheaper local joint that is beating even Walmart with both price and quality. Commissary is 30 minutes from me and this local place is a mere 5 minutes. So a better deal for me.

Response by SFC Marcus Belt made Apr 20 at 2016 1:37 AM

SFC Marcus Belt — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 01:37:30 -0400

My wife and I used it more before the kids moved out, much less so now. Meat and dairy prices are WAY better, at least in and around Fayetteville, NC, and the produce is priced competitively, but far fresher than most local supermarkets.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Nov 7 at 2016 2:51 PM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 14:51:44 -0500

I still shop once in a while at the Commissary at Hanscom AFB, MA The base however is about a 40 minute drive from My house so i only go if I need enough items to make the trip worthwhile. Saving money is a big reason for making trips there plus its a large Commissary and seems to have all the things I need. other smaller Military bases in the area of course use that store as they have nothing to compare. I find the deli and the meat dept at the Hanscom AFB, Commissary are outstanding and the staff in the store is great !.

Response by SSG Carl Keene made Sep 26 at 2017 5:36 PM

SSG Carl Keene — Tue, 26 Sep 2017 17:36:40 -0400

The BX/PX/Commissary have been one of the few perks of being in the military for many years. When AAFES was forced to match local economies, because local stores couldn't compete with their prices, not to mention being sales tax free, I saw that as a loss to military members. I retired in 2007, and use both the PX/BX and Commissary to this day. To allow civilian companies on post is just another loss to our members, not to mention those employees who work the commissaries. Many of whom are retired/former military.
Keep civilian employers off post, and let's go back to the days of AAFES not having to raise their prices to match local prices. It's hard enough to survive on a military income.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Mar 16 at 2018 11:46 PM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 23:46:35 -0400

I tend to use the Commissary only if I have a lot of items to pick up as the closest Military Commissary is a 40 minute drive to Hanscom AFB, MA. As to Military Exchanges one 15 minutes drive away is a small PX at the US Army Natick Labs, Natick, MA. The closest large Exchange is at Hanscom AFB, MA

Response by CW5 John M. made Mar 17 at 2018 12:15 AM

CW5 John M. — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 00:15:24 -0400

Growing up in the old military “non-profit” commissary/px system, my mom exclusively shopped in those places. When my brother became a teen, he worked as a “bagger” at our local commissary (for tips). Those were the days when the military was substantially underpaid compared to their civilian counterparts. There came a day when things started to change (sometimes in the late 70s-80s as I recall). That was when the military “pulled out” from subsidizing the PX/Commissary system. They now had to be able to make enough profit to pay for buildings, repairs, and wages. Prices rose considerably, making costs similar to what you could purchase off base, the only “perk” being tax-free. The quality of merchandise stayed high, but unless you could justify shopping there economically, many families (mine included) started making more and more purchases off base. Class VI stores were and remain the exception, and still have high value today compared to off base. The “killer” to the commissar/px system was the rise of all the civilian neighborhood discount stores, like Costco, Sams Cub, Walmart, etc.

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Jul 31 at 2020 6:08 PM

LTC Charles T Dalbec — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 18:08:34 -0400

Sad that the Senior Defense Individuals closes Forts McPherson and Gillem and screw more than 250,000 veterans and family members out of commissary and PX shopping privileges!!!

Response by MGySgt Rick Tyrrell made Nov 24 at 2022 1:51 PM

MGySgt Rick Tyrrell — Thu, 24 Nov 2022 13:51:23 -0500

We shop there all the time and save a bundle of money compared to off base stores.