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

SFC Michael Jackson, MBA — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 15:08:09 -0500

With the massive cuts to the DECA budget, Commissaries are struggling to keep their doors open. From my experience, commissaries are essential overseas and must be priority. For CONUS, would private businesses be a viable option? Why or Why not?

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 9 at 2014 3:39 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 15:39:06 -0500

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.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2014 6:27 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 18:27:14 -0500

I never understood why almost all of the items have to be name brand. Could be an agreement they have with General Mills and the rest? I'd be happy buying generic brands if it meant saving money.
I'm not opposed to private business, but it could open a new can of worms regarding profit margins if they're not careful. Especially for the overseas commissaries, if a private business takes over they own the market and could set the price unless measures were taken to ensure it doesn't get out of hand.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Dec 10 at 2014 11:26 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 11:26:44 -0500

OCONUS Commissaries should most definitely be the priority, and while I would hate to see the CONUS based commissaries close (we do all of our major grocery shopping at the commissary) I don't see any advantage to moving a private store onto installations. Their pricing would be on par with their stores off installation and most families live off post anyway.

Response by SFC Olivero Rodriguez made Dec 10 at 2014 11:30 AM

SFC Olivero Rodriguez — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 11:30:06 -0500

no, no , no, private companies are a way for congress to say we don't care about soldiers, we just care for the money privates companies make us. If you are rich you do not care, if you make good money you care less, but those families that are struggling will suffer more. What they need to do is cut the head of the company down, CEO's, Vice Presidents, region managers, area managers, district managers, general managers, store managers should take a pay cut of at least 10%, and I bet you the economy will go up instantly.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Dec 10 at 2014 11:41 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 11:41:43 -0500

There was a time when the PX/BX and Commissary were the place to shop...but I think your question has merit here in CONUS, especially if a WalMart/Target?ETC was given a tax break on the installation...the tax break was the only thing the Commissary and PX have going for them now?

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Dec 10 at 2014 12:09 PM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 12:09:22 -0500

I grew up on Army bases and I can say the Commissary was THE place to shop on the big bases. Recently however you have a better selection and comparable prices (even after taxes) at Wal-Mart vs the commissaries and the PX. I think OCONUS should be the priority and bring in a local, privately run store that is tax free on the bases. Let them worry about making their profits while still assisting the soldiers.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2014 4:49 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 16:49:20 -0500

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.

Response by SSG Nathan Bryant made Dec 10 at 2014 5:06 PM

SSG Nathan Bryant — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 17:06:32 -0500

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.