MREInfo.com

The "Exchange" is often referred to as a PX (Post Exchange) or BX (Base Exchange) although that name is now history. There are three types; the Exchange (run by AAFES, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service), NEX (Navy Exchange), and CGX (Coast Guard Exchange). Depending on the size of the installation, they can be anywhere from a small convenience store (or a tent or trailer on an overseas post) up to a large mall with a Target-like store as an "anchor" along with other smaller shops and food vendors. On large posts, there can be multiple locations including gas stations and a "class six" liquor/convenience store. All of the shops are managed by AAFES, but the smaller shops that have their own branding can be run by concessionaires on contract. This includes some major US chains such as Taco Bell, Starbucks, Subway, Baskin-Robbins, Burger King, and many others. By regulation, they are required to be within a certain percentage of local prices, so as not to provide unfair competition to local vendors outside the base, however they are exempt from any local taxes. Profits made from the operation of AAFES storesgoes into the MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) fund, and other infrastructure and improvements to the installations on which they are located.

The commissary is only found on the larger installations, and is a subsidized grocery store for military members, retirees and dependents that does not sell any alcohol or tobacco products. Products are sold "at cost" with a surcharge, and any proceeds go back into the system for upkeep and upgrades. Depending on where they're located, they can save you a fair amount of money compared to buying on the local economy. Because of the subsidy, they are much pickier about who they sell to, so if you're headed there make sure whoever is taking you has their proper ID on hand.

I can chime in with everybody as far as finding MRE's in the commissary. At Ft. Bliss in TX, you can go to the commissary and find a small section of MRE singles to full cases.

Though I question the pricing on them. Here on post the singles go for as much as $9.75 and $119.00 for a case and the dates are totally random.

Seems the pricing on MRE's varies wildly at different commissaries not to mention you can't find any other rations for sale.

At my BX there are only TOTM, no legit milspec MREs. Don't get your hopes up. You're probably better off hitting up a surplus store in a major city. We usuually just order MREs through GSA which is about $120 a case.

Commissary is a grocery store, PX is like a reg Walmart with a food court. No groceries

kwiklot wrote: Commissary is a grocery store, PX is like a reg Walmart with a food court. No groceries

That photo looks so bizarre to me but in a good way.

Nice .... MRE's right next to the junk food!

Synthpeter wrote:

kwiklot wrote: Commissary is a grocery store, PX is like a reg Walmart with a food court. No groceries

That photo looks so bizarre to me but in a good way.

Same here. Looks like the dollar store or something

Commissaries do sell tobacco, at least cigarettes.

In not too long separated (non card carrying) veterans will soon be able to shop online with AAFES at least!
This could be a good thing!