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What Are Military Commissaries?
For members of the U.S. military community, the commissary represents more than just a grocery store; it’s a significant benefit designed to enhance quality of life and support financial well-being. Operated by the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), these on-installation stores offer groceries and household items at considerably lower prices than typical civilian supermarkets.
Regular commissary shoppers, including military personnel, retirees, and their families, can save thousands of dollars annually on their purchases. This benefit is considered a core element of military family support and a valued part of the overall military compensation package.
Savings can average over 25 cents on the dollar compared to other retailers’ prices. Understanding who is eligible, what savings to expect, and how to use this benefit is key to making the most of it.
The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA)
Mission and Purpose
The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), headquartered at Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia (formerly Fort Lee), operates a worldwide chain of nearly 240 commissaries. Its core purpose is clearly defined by its official mission and vision statements.
DeCA’s Mission is to: “Deliver a vital benefit of the military compensation package that improves quality of life and readiness by providing grocery items at significant savings.”
Its Vision is: “To be THE grocery provider of choice for our eligible patrons – delivering a vital benefit exclusively for our military community and their families.”
These statements emphasize that the commissary is an earned benefit, integral to military compensation, focused on providing substantial savings, enhancing quality of life, and supporting the readiness of the U.S. military community. DeCA provides groceries and household goods in a safe and secure shopping environment.
The agency aims to deliver mandated savings levels, currently targeting average savings of over 25 percent compared to commercial grocery stores. The focus on serving the “military community and their families” exclusively reinforces the restricted, privileged nature of this benefit.
DeCA’s operation relies partly on significant funding appropriated by Congress. Its ability to secure this funding is directly linked to fulfilling its mission, making performance metrics like patron savings rates crucial for demonstrating its value to DoD leadership and Congress.
History of Commissaries
The modern commissary system evolved over nearly two centuries. Its origins trace back to 1825 when Army officers at certain posts were first allowed to purchase goods at cost from Army subsistence warehouses for personal use. This privilege was extended to officers’ families in 1841.
A pivotal moment came on July 1, 1867, when enlisted men gained the same at-cost purchasing rights, marking the beginning of the modern commissary benefit available to all ranks.
The initial purpose was to provide wholesome food beyond standard rations, supplement military pay through savings, and allow the Army to “care for its own” by taking retail functions away from civilian post traders. The benefit gradually expanded: military retirees gained access in 1879.
As the U.S. military’s global role grew, commissaries followed, opening overseas in the Philippines and China around 1899-1900, and later in the Caribbean and Panama.
Other military branches adopted the concept, establishing their own commissary systems: the Navy and Marine Corps in 1909-1910, and the Air Force inheriting Army Air Forces stores in 1947-1948. By the mid-1970s and 1980s, each service operated its own independent commissary agency with differing procedures.
Recognizing inefficiencies, Congress in 1989 directed the DoD to study these separate systems. The resulting report from the Jones Commission recommended consolidating them into a single agency to improve service and save money. This led to the establishment of the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) on May 15, 1990. DeCA officially assumed control of all military commissaries on October 1, 1991. As a ‘purple’ agency, DeCA serves all branches of the armed forces, standardizing operations and delivering the benefit across the entire DoD.
This history illustrates two key points. First, DeCA’s creation was a direct response to a need for greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness in delivering this valued benefit. Second, the history reveals a consistent trend of gradually expanding eligibility over time, reflecting an evolving understanding of who constitutes the “military community” deserving of this support – a trend continuing even today.
Commissary Eligibility
Core Patrons
Commissary access is a privilege determined by specific criteria defined primarily by DoD Instruction 1330.17 and relevant U.S. laws. DeCA itself does not determine eligibility but enforces the established rules. If you believe you are eligible but lack the proper ID, you should visit your local installation Pass and ID office.
The foundation of the commissary patron base includes:
Active Duty Members: All members of the U.S. Uniformed Services currently on active duty.
National Guard and Reserve Members: Since November 2003, following the 2004 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), members of the Guard and Reserve components, including the Ready Reserve (Selected Reserve, Individual Ready Reserve (IRR)), and Inactive National Guard, have unlimited access to commissaries in the United States, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
Military Retirees: Members retired from active duty or the Guard/Reserve are eligible. This includes “Gray Area” retirees – Guard/Reserve members who are eligible for retirement pay but have not yet reached age 60. They also have unlimited access in the U.S., Guam, and Puerto Rico.
Medal of Honor Recipients: Veterans who have received the Medal of Honor are granted full commissary privileges.
Family Member Eligibility
Family members generally derive their commissary privileges from their eligible sponsor:
Eligible Dependents: Authorized family members (spouses, eligible children) of active duty, Guard/Reserve members, military retirees, Medal of Honor recipients, and veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating are typically eligible to shop. They must possess the appropriate DoD-issued family member ID card (e.g., Next Generation USID, formerly DD Form 1173). Their eligibility is directly tied to the sponsor’s status.
Surviving Family Members: Unremarried surviving spouses and eligible children of deceased active duty members, retirees, Medal of Honor recipients, and 100% disabled veterans may retain commissary privileges.
Important Limitation: Family members of veterans who gained eligibility solely through the 2020 expansion (e.g., veterans with 0-90% disability, Purple Heart recipients who aren’t also retirees or 100% disabled, former POWs) are generally not granted commissary privileges based on that veteran’s status. In these cases, the benefit extends only to the eligible veteran, unless the family member qualifies independently or the veteran sponsor also falls into a category like retiree or 100% disabled veteran that traditionally grants dependent privileges.
Expanded Access for Veterans
A major expansion of commissary privileges took effect on January 1, 2020, enacted through the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115-232, Section 621), now codified in Title 10, U.S. Code, Section 1065. This law granted commissary, military exchange, and access to certain Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) retail facilities to several new categories of veterans:
Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities: This includes all veterans with a VA-documented service-connected disability, regardless of the disability rating percentage (from 0% to 100%). This was a significant change, as previously, only veterans rated 100% disabled (or Medal of Honor recipients) had commissary access.
Purple Heart Recipients: Veterans who were awarded the Purple Heart are eligible, regardless of their disability rating.
Former Prisoners of War (POWs): Veterans who are former prisoners of war are eligible, regardless of their disability rating.
This 2020 law dramatically increased the potential commissary user base by millions, shifting access policy beyond the traditional active/reserve/retired/100% disabled populations. This expansion, however, necessitated new identification and base access procedures, as many in these groups lack traditional DoD ID cards. Consequently, the VA’s Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) became the primary credential, requiring specific enrollment steps at military installations.
Caregiver Access
Eligibility was also extended to certain caregivers:
PCAFC Primary Family Caregivers: Individuals who have been formally assessed, approved, and designated as the primary family caregiver for an eligible veteran under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) are authorized commissary, exchange, and MWR privileges.
Specificity is Key: It is critical to note that this benefit is only for primary caregivers approved under the intensive PCAFC program. It does not extend to caregivers participating in the VA’s Program of General Caregiver Support Services or other informal caregiving arrangements. Understanding the specific VA program requirements is essential for caregivers seeking this benefit.
Other Authorized Shoppers
Beyond the core groups and recent veteran/caregiver expansions, some other individuals may have commissary privileges, often depending on location and specific circumstances:
Overseas Civilians: DoD and Coast Guard civilian employees serving overseas under service agreements generally have access. Certain full-time employees of non-federal entities assigned to work on U.S. military installations overseas may also be eligible. However, access for civilians overseas is often subject to Status of Forces Agreements (SOFAs) and may require being on official duty or under transportation agreements.
U.S.-Based Civilians: Generally, DoD civilians working in the U.S. do not have commissary privileges. However, federal civilian employees who reside on military installations in the U.S. or territories may be granted access.
Other Categories: Other potential patrons include certain military members of foreign nations, wage marine personnel of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) (active and retired), DeCA employees, and authorized agents shopping on behalf of eligible patrons facing hardship.
Eligibility for these less common groups is often highly dependent on specific circumstances, location (overseas vs. U.S.), and governing agreements like SOFAs, making blanket rules difficult.
Quick Reference: Eligibility and ID Summary
The following table provides a quick overview of key eligibility categories and the primary identification typically required for commissary access and purchases. Note that base access procedures, especially for first-time visitors using non-DoD IDs, may involve additional steps at the Visitor Control Center.
| Category | Primary Required Credential(s) for Shopping | Key Source/Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Active Duty Military | Uniformed Services ID Card (CAC) | DoDI 1330.17 |
| Guard/Reserve (Active Status/Drilling) | Uniformed Services ID Card (CAC) | DoDI 1330.17, 10 USC 1063 |
| Military Retirees (Active Duty or Guard/Reserve) | Uniformed Services ID Card (Next Gen USID/Legacy DD Form 2) | DoDI 1330.17 |
| Medal of Honor Recipients | Uniformed Services ID Card OR VHIC marked ‘MEDAL OF HONOR’ | 10 USC 1065(b), DoDI 1330.17 |
| Veterans with any Service-Connected Disability (0-100%) | Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) marked ‘SERVICE CONNECTED’ (or VA H623A + acceptable ID like REAL ID if no VHIC) | 10 USC 1065(d), DeCA/VA Guidance |
| Purple Heart Recipients | VHIC marked ‘PURPLE HEART’ (or VA H623A + acceptable ID like REAL ID if no VHIC) | 10 USC 1065(a), DeCA/VA Guidance |
| Former Prisoners of War | VHIC marked ‘FORMER POW’ (or VA H623A + acceptable ID like REAL ID if no VHIC) | 10 USC 1065(c), DeCA/VA Guidance |
| 100% Disabled Veterans | Uniformed Services ID Card (Next Gen USID/Legacy DD Form 2765) OR VHIC marked ‘SERVICE CONNECTED’ | DoDI 1330.17, 10 USC 1065(d) |
| Authorized Family Members (Sponsor is Active/Retired/100% Disabled/MoH) | Uniformed Services ID Card (Next Gen USID/Legacy DD Form 1173) | DoDI 1330.17 |
| PCAFC Primary Family Caregiver | VA Eligibility Letter + Acceptable Credential (e.g., REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, U.S. passport) | 10 USC 1065(e), VA Guidance |
| Remarried Surviving Spouses | Uniformed Services ID Card (Next Gen USID/Legacy DD Form 1173) | 10 USC 1062 (as amended by P.L. 118-31) |
| DoD Civilians (Pilot Locations Only, thru Dec 2025) | DoD CAC / DoD ID | DeCA Pilot Guidance |
Required ID for Commissary Access
Standard Military IDs
Possessing the correct identification is essential for both gaining access to the military installation where the commissary is located and for making purchases at the checkout counter. The type of required ID varies depending on the patron’s eligibility category.
For the majority of traditional patrons, a DoD-issued Uniformed Services Identification Card is the standard credential:
Common Access Card (CAC): Used by active duty service members, members of the Selected Reserve and National Guard, DoD civilian employees, and eligible DoD contractors.
Next Generation Uniformed Services ID (USID) Card: This card is replacing the older, color-coded legacy ID cards for other eligible groups. It is issued to retirees, dependents, members of the Individual Ready Reserve and Inactive National Guard, 100% disabled veterans, and other eligible individuals. Legacy cards (like the tan DD Form 1173 for dependents, blue DD Form 2 for retirees, or DD Form 2765 for 100% disabled veterans) remain valid until their expiration date, but the transition to the Next Gen USID is ongoing, with legacy cards potentially no longer accepted after 2026.
Requirement: Authorized shoppers must possess and be prepared to show their appropriate Uniformed Services ID card at the installation gate and at the commissary checkout. Family members need the specific DoD-issued family member ID card. Obtaining these cards requires enrollment in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and visiting a Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification System (RAPIDS) site.
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
For veterans granted access under the 2020 expansion (those with any service-connected disability, Purple Heart recipients, former POWs), the primary identification credential for commissary access is the Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) issued by the VA.
Crucially, the VHIC must display the veteran’s specific eligibility status printed below the photo on the front of the card. The required designations are:
- “SERVICE CONNECTED”
- “PURPLE HEART”
- “FORMER POW”
- “MEDAL OF HONOR” (can also be used by Medal of Honor recipients)
A VHIC without one of these specific designations is generally not sufficient for commissary access under this authority. The VHIC must also be current and not expired. Veterans obtain a VHIC by enrolling in VA health care.
If an eligible veteran cannot obtain a VHIC (e.g., not enrolled in VA healthcare but otherwise eligible), the VA Health Eligibility Center Form H623A indicating placement in VA health care priority group 8E, presented along with an acceptable government-issued photo ID (like a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or U.S. passport), may be accepted as an alternative.
Caregiver Credentials
Primary family caregivers designated under the VA’s PCAFC program do not receive a specific ID card for commissary access. Instead, they must use documentation provided by the VA:
VA Eligibility Letter: The VA’s Office of Community Care mails an official eligibility letter to approved PCAFC primary family caregivers. These letters are typically sent annually or shortly after approval into the program.
Acceptable Photo ID: The caregiver must present this VA letter along with an acceptable form of government-issued photo identification, such as a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a U.S. passport, to gain installation access and make purchases.
Lost Letter: If the eligibility letter is lost, caregivers can contact the VA at 1-877-733-7927 to request a replacement.
First-Time Base Access Procedures
Veterans using a VHIC and caregivers using a VA letter face an additional step compared to those with standard DoD IDs when visiting an installation for the first time. They must typically enroll for access:
Visit the Visitor Control Center (VCC): On the initial visit to each DoD installation, these patrons must go to the VCC or Pass and ID office, usually located near the main gate.
Present Credentials: Show the required credential (VHIC with appropriate marking, or VA letter + acceptable photo ID like REAL ID) to establish identity.
Background Check: Submit to a basic, on-the-spot background check (screening for criminal history, warrants, terrorism links). Access may be denied based on adverse findings.
Eligibility Verification: An electronic process may be used to verify eligibility for on-installation benefits.
Recurring Access: Once successfully enrolled (the VHIC or REAL ID is registered in the base access system, like DBIDS), the patron can typically proceed directly to the gate on subsequent visits, presenting the same enrolled credential for scanning. Enrollment validity varies (often 1-3 years) and requires re-enrollment if the ID expires.
This initial enrollment process is a necessary security measure but means newly eligible patrons should plan extra time for their first visit to any given installation. While the benefit access has been granted by law, physical access to secure military installations remains controlled by standard security protocols.
Understanding Commissary Savings
How Much Do Patrons Really Save?
The primary draw of the commissary benefit is the potential for significant savings on groceries and household goods compared to commercial retailers. DeCA actively tracks and promotes these savings.
DeCA’s stated goal is to provide patrons with average savings of at least 25 percent compared to prices at commercial grocery stores in the local market.
According to DeCA’s Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Financial Report, the agency exceeded this target, achieving an average global savings rate of 25.5% for the year, providing an estimated $1.6 billion in savings directly to patrons. DeCA’s public-facing Patron Savings page (accessed April 2025) reported a slightly different global average of 25.1%, with a U.S. average of 22.8% and an overseas average of 36.2%.
It’s important to understand that these are averages. Actual savings vary significantly by geographic region due to differences in local market prices and cost of living. Recognizing this, DeCA now calculates and reports savings regionally, comparing prices (including the commissary surcharge) against local commercial grocers (including sales tax). For example, the DeCA savings page showed regional U.S. averages ranging from 19.9% in the South Central region to 32.7% in Alaska/Hawaii. This move towards regional reporting, prompted partly by Congressional requirements, aims for greater transparency about the benefit’s value in different locations.
However, calculating these savings is complex. A 2022 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report raised concerns about DeCA’s methodology, particularly for overseas (OCONUS) locations where calculations relied partly on Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) rather than purely on market price comparisons. The GAO found that savings rates within the continental U.S. (CONUS) were consistently lower than the target and that the global target was often met only by relying on the higher, potentially less reliably calculated, OCONUS savings rates.
Despite these complexities, the commissary consistently provides substantial savings, often amounting to thousands of dollars annually for regular shoppers.
The 5% Surcharge
Patrons will notice a 5% surcharge added to their total bill at the commissary checkout. This is not sales tax (commissary purchases are generally tax-free) but a separate charge mandated by Congress since 1952 and set at 5% since April 1983.
The revenue generated from this surcharge is specifically earmarked and used to fund the construction of new commissary facilities and the modernization, maintenance, and equipping of existing stores. In essence, the surcharge is how patrons directly contribute to maintaining and improving the physical infrastructure that delivers their benefit, reducing reliance on taxpayer appropriations for these capital costs.
Recent Price Reduction Efforts
In late 2022, commissary patrons saw prices drop further thanks to a DoD initiative called “Taking Care of Service Members and Families”. As part of this effort, DoD increased DeCA’s appropriated funding. This additional funding eliminated the need for DeCA to generate profit margin through higher shelf prices to cover certain operating expenses.
The direct result was that DeCA lowered prices on most grocery items by approximately 3-5%, with a particular focus on staples like bread, eggs, and milk. This action was specifically intended to help push the overall average patron savings to the benchmark of at least 25%. This demonstrates a direct link between high-level DoD policy decisions aimed at improving the economic security of military families and the actual prices paid by patrons at the commissary register.
User Fees for Card Payments
There is another fee, distinct from the 5% surcharge, that applies only to patrons who gained eligibility solely through the 2020 veteran and caregiver expansion law (10 U.S.C. § 1065). This “user fee” was mandated by the same law that granted them access and is intended to offset the costs incurred by the U.S. Treasury for processing credit and debit card transactions made by this specific group.
- The fee is applied to the total transaction amount when using commercial credit or signature debit cards. According to DeCA’s website, the rate is 1.43%.
- For transactions using PIN debit cards, the fee is 0.36%.
- This user fee does not apply to payments made with cash, SNAP EBT cards, or eWIC cards.
- This fee is charged in addition to the standard 5% surcharge.
Traditional patrons (active duty, retirees, dependents with standard DoD IDs, etc.) and those eligible under other authorities are not subject to this specific user fee when using credit or debit cards.
Planning Your Shopping Trip
Finding Your Nearest Commissary
With nearly 240 stores worldwide, DeCA provides an online tool to help patrons find locations. The official DeCA website, commissaries.com, features a comprehensive store locator.
Official Store Locator: Patrons can find specific commissary locations, addresses, phone numbers, and other details by visiting the DeCA Store Locator.
Checking Store Hours
Operating hours can vary significantly from one commissary to another, and some stores have recently adjusted or expanded their hours. It is essential to check the specific hours for your intended store before heading out.
Finding Hours: The most reliable way to find current operating hours is through the official DeCA store locator at https://corp.commissaries.com/shopping/store-locations. Clicking on a specific store will provide its hours of operation.
CLICK2GO Hours: Note that hours for Commissary CLICK2GO® curbside pickup may differ from regular store hours (e.g., often Monday-Friday, 11 am – 6 pm, but varies by location).
Because hours are location-specific and subject to change, always verifying through the official DeCA website is the best practice.
The Shopping Experience
What Can You Buy?
Commissaries sell a wide range of groceries and household supplies necessary for patrons and their families. The selection is intended to be similar to commercial grocery stores.
Product Range: Depending on the store’s size and local sourcing, commissaries may offer between 12,000 and 25,000 different items.
Categories: Available products span perishable and non-perishable foods, fresh produce, meat, dairy, frozen foods, bakery items, seafood, deli items, health and beauty products, and general household goods. International food sections (e.g., Asian, Indian, Kosher) may also be available.
Brands: Commissaries stock familiar national brand name items alongside DeCA’s own private label products (Commissary Store Brands), which offer comparable quality at potentially even greater savings.
Health Focus: Many commissaries feature dietitian-approved shelf labels, recipes, and “fueling stations” offering nutritious grab-and-go meal options.
Restrictions: Note that the purchase of alcohol and tobacco products may be restricted for certain eligible groups (like DoD civilians participating in the pilot program) and requires the purchaser to be of legal age.
Commissary CLICK2GO Online Ordering
Reflecting modern shopping trends, DeCA offers an online ordering and curbside pickup service called Commissary CLICK2GO® at its locations. This service represents a significant modernization effort, providing convenience comparable to civilian grocers.
How it Works: Eligible patrons register for an account on the shop.commissaries.com website or via the CLICK2GO mobile app (available on Google Play and iOS App Store). They select their desired commissary, browse and add items to their virtual cart, and choose a pickup time slot. Orders generally require a minimum lead time of six hours and can be placed up to six days in advance.
Product Availability: The vast majority of items sold in the physical store are available for online ordering. Substitutions for out-of-stock items may occur but can be reviewed and rejected at pickup.
Payment: Payment for most orders is now collected online at checkout using major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express), debit cards, or the Military Star Card. For patrons using EBT/SNAP, WIC vouchers, or Commissary Gift Cards, payment is processed in-store or at curbside during pickup. Final totals may vary slightly from the online estimate due to weighted items (like produce or meat) and price changes effective on the day of pickup.
Fees and Minimums: There is currently no service fee for CLICK2GO pickup orders (the previous fee has been waived) and no minimum order requirement.
Pickup Process: Patrons drive to the designated CLICK2GO parking area at their scheduled time, call the posted number, and a commissary employee brings the groceries out to their vehicle. Valid military/authorized ID is required at pickup. Digital and paper coupons can be applied at pickup. Commissary employees are not permitted to accept tips.
Home Delivery: DeCA has also been piloting and expanding home grocery delivery services at select locations.
Important Commissary Rules
Guest Policy
Authorized commissary patrons are generally permitted by DoD regulations to bring guests with them while shopping. However, there are strict rules and potential limitations:
Patron Responsibility: The authorized patron is responsible for the conduct of their guest(s) while inside the commissary.
No Guest Purchases: Guests are not authorized to make any purchases. Furthermore, the authorized patron is strictly prohibited from making purchases on behalf of their non-eligible guest(s).
Local Commander Authority: Crucially, the local installation commander has the authority to restrict or prohibit guest access to the commissary, regardless of the general DoD policy. This potential conflict between DoD allowance and local control means patrons cannot assume guest access is always permitted.
Recommendation: Because local rules vary, it is strongly recommended that patrons planning to bring a guest call the specific commissary’s management beforehand to verify the current guest policy at that location. Contact information is available via the store locator on commissaries.com.
VHIC Holders: Note that guidance suggests veterans accessing the installation using only a VHIC generally cannot escort guests onto the base.
Overseas Shopping Rules
Commissary access and shopping rules outside the continental United States (OCONUS) operate under a different framework:
Governing Agreements: Privileges in overseas locations are primarily determined by international agreements between the U.S. and the host nation, such as Status of Forces Agreements (SOFAs), Visiting Forces Agreements, or other treaties.
Varying Rules: These agreements dictate who is considered part of the U.S. “force” eligible for tax- and duty-free privileges, including commissary access. The rules differ significantly from country to country. Some may impose minimum stay requirements for eligibility.
Potential Restrictions: Eligibility categories established for the U.S. (like the 2020 veteran expansion based on VHIC) may not be recognized under certain SOFAs. Access for DoD civilians and contractors is also often more restricted overseas and dependent on specific agreements or authorizations.
Verification Needed: Due to this complexity, patrons planning to shop at an overseas commissary must contact the Pass and ID office at that specific installation to determine their eligibility and any specific rules or restrictions under the governing international agreement. SOFAs take precedence over standard DoD eligibility policies in these locations.
Recent Policy Changes
The 2020 Veteran and Caregiver Expansion
As detailed earlier, the most significant recent change was the implementation on January 1, 2020, of the Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018 (part of the FY19 NDAA, Public Law 115-232, Section 621, codified in 10 U.S.C. § 1065). This law granted commissary, exchange, and certain MWR access to all veterans with service-connected disabilities (any rating), Purple Heart recipients, former POWs, and designated primary family caregivers under the VA’s PCAFC program.
New Access for Remarried Surviving Spouses
A more recent significant policy shift occurred with the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31) on December 22, 2023.
Change: Section 633 of this law amended Title 10, U.S. Code, Section 1062.
Impact: It now allows surviving spouses of deceased members of the armed forces to use commissary stores and MWR retail facilities regardless of the surviving spouse’s marital status. This effectively removes the previous restriction where surviving spouses often lost commissary and other benefits if they remarried before age 55.
Significance: This change eliminates a long-standing financial penalty associated with remarriage for younger surviving spouses and aligns policy with the goals of survivor advocacy groups. Eligible remarried surviving spouses should be able to obtain the appropriate DoD ID card (Next Gen USID) reflecting their entitlement.
DoD Civilian Access Pilot Program
Another recent development involves testing expanded access for DoD civilian employees, but on a limited basis:
Pilot Program: DeCA is running a pilot program granting commissary shopping privileges to DoD civilian employees (both appropriated and non-appropriated fund employees).
Locations & Duration: Access is restricted to 16 specific commissary locations within the continental U.S. The pilot, initially scheduled to end in April 2025, has been extended through December 31, 2025. The participating locations span several states including Alaska, California, Georgia, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Virginia.
Requirements & Limitations: Eligible civilians must present their DoD identification (like a CAC). The pilot program excludes family members, retired DoD civilians, the purchase of alcohol or tobacco products, and the use of the Commissary CLICK2GO® online shopping service.
Purpose: The objective is to test the feasibility of expanding commissary access to DoD civilians nationwide, with the expectation that increased sales volume could lead to lower prices and better promotions for all patrons. This exploratory program suggests a potential future strategy to bolster commissary operations by broadening the customer base, but it is not a permanent change at this time.
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