The commissary has a long history of serving the military community. The idea of purchasing goods at-cost came about in 1825 to help Army personnel. It provides a huge relief to the service member when it’s tough to get necessities at a decent price.
The commissary we’re used to today began in 1867, which means the commissary has been operating for almost 150 years, offering groceries and other household goods to military members.
Overseas commissaries started at the end of the 19th century in the Philippines and China. Of course, it’s since multiplied to other OCONUS locations. In addition, the benefit now includes all branches of the military including Guard, Reservists and their family members in addition to retirees. In 1990, the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) was founded, which consolidated the commissary program. By forming DeCA, it allows for a streamlined and unified way to supply all commissaries.
The commissary benefit has helped military families generation after generation. My parents still shop at the commissary and my father joined the Air Force in 1979. They manage to get lots of different items at reasonable prices and my husband and I also benefit from shopping at the commissary. I have to mention my grandparents too. Between the three generations, my family encompasses Navy, Air Force and now Army ties!
Savings for military families average at about 30% compared to civilian grocery stores. That percentage offers a pretty substantial discount over brand name products. Although the commissary provides lower prices, big-box stores like Walmart and Super Target can be competitive when compared to the commissary. Another argument is that the commissary doesn’t offer generic goods.
My husband and I tend to stick to the commissary mostly because the grocery goods we commonly get are priced cheaper there. Also, we’re still a relatively small family, so the bulk goods we purchase are all economical. Not to mention when we buy during a case lot sale, we don’t need certain items for months and months! There are so many other reasons why I prefer the commissary. MilitaryShoppers has an awesome list of reasons why you should shop at the commissary.
One of my favorite reasons for shopping at the commissary is the international aisle. It’s one of the only local locations that offer Filipino cuisine, so I can get my cultural fix. My parents drive to their local commissary in Texas for the same reason to stock up on the different Filipino groceries because it’s priced well. It’s difficult to find certain items sometimes! No matter where you’ve been stationed, I’m sure there is a good representation of it at your commissary. I love that there is a chance to try international food without having to be stationed there too.
The commissary continues to modernize by incorporating online resources to help families get the most out of their commissary experience. Military families can sign up for the commissary rewards card and app. The commissary rewards card gives you the capability to redeem coupons online. In addition, they have the Click 2 Go program for select commissaries that allows military families to buy goods online and pick them up at a later date. It saves time and is convenient.
Despite its age, the commissary is still a wonderful resource for the military community. That’s why I keep shopping trips to the commissary on my agenda.
The commissary is one benefit that is truly a blessing for the military both active and retired. Nothing comes close to it, Walmart or any big chain store. The anti military congressman and women have been taking our hard earned benefits one little thing at a time, look at healthcare, never had to pay before now we do. They need to keep their greedy hands off of the Commissary and Exchange. The service men and women deserve it.
Retired and disabled, I find my Commissary to be the best benefit for social living I have. My Commissary is spacious allowing me to get around in a motor cart or with my cane. The prices are very competitive with the local civilian community. At the Commissary everyone, Staff or Shoppers try hard to be courteous and friendly. What do I like best? I can get Regional USA product without a problem. Getting a jar of mustard, a pack of the brand you like the best hot dogs, loving how you remember growing up with certain brands, and being able to continue to get products like these in areas where if you try to get them in your Station ares from the civilians all you get is a blank stare and a huh? My Commissary “Rocks”. It fits right in with my feelings about my Exchange and the Quick Mart.. This is part of the benefits I worked to attain. I consider that they are part of my contract with my Government and with all the members of our society. Just because I decided on military service does not mean that every time someone needs to cut they should remove benefits that I was assured I would have because political opponents want to use me to advertise their own agenda. My Commissary should be changed only for the better. Never downgraded or removed.
Thank You.
Bill Hoover
RVN ’67 – ’69.
USCG ’66 – ’73.
retired AF
commissaries are a blessing as tri care..much needed
DECA IS NOT FUNDED BY THE GOVERNMENT; IT IS FUNDED BY THE 5% SURCHARGE WE PAY AT CHECKOUT.
The Commissaries and Exchanges used to be a great deal when I was on active duty. In the past 5 years or so the prices have risen so much that they are almost no longer a bargain. You can find better deals at Krogers or Walmart on many items without paying an additional surcharge. Tobacco products prices keep rising also which are not supposed to be taxed to the military so explain the price hikes? The prices are getting closer and closer to any civilian store. When the prices for the items in the Commissaries and Exchanges are not cheaper than the civilian stores why would people continue to drive hundreds of miles to shop there? Also it is a shame when the gas station prices are higher than off base competitors by as much as 17 cents per gallon as I saw at Barksdale AFB this last week. Lowest I saw was $1.77, average was $1.89 and on base $1.94. This is not a good way to keep customers on base for any of our three benefits
I retired from the navy in 1979 and returned home to ashford Alabama. I shop at the commissary located at the fort rucker army base. I have shopped their twice a month for 37 years and I can only think of how many thousands of dollars I have saved.