Should the military allow privatized grocery stores on post instead to take their place in the U.S.?

They need to concentrate on keeping the stores overseas open for business. That is where they are needed most. It is insanely expensive in Europe and other places abroad.

This is definitely a good topic of discussion. I appreciate you (SFC Jackson) for posting the article:

http://www.military.com/military-report/proposed-aafes-and-deca-merger

If the budget concerns continue to move toward change, then I definitely feel that the OCONUS facilities must remain in place. As for CONUS, if the DECA/AAFES merger is not foreseen or otherwise proven to be beneficial FOR THE SERVICE MEMBERS (key words), then the establishment of an 'outside business' may become necessary. I'm curious as to whether it would be better for a single corporation (Wal*Mart?) to get a DoD contract or would it be more beneficial to allow the establishments local to each installation? There is so much to be considered.

In the end, as long as the BEST INTEREST OF THE SERVICE MEMBERS is not lost, then I support whatever decision(s) are made in the future.

The price difference btw commissaries and private grocery stores is significant. I know the big chains have been lobbying for years to get into military bases and stop the commissaries from out competing them on price. I would hate to see this happen.