Groups Question Exchange-Commissary Merge Plan

April 3, 2019

A coalition of 27 military and veteran organizations have asked leaders of the House and Senate armed services committees for more congressional review before a proposed DOD move to merge the military’s commissary and exchange programs.
In a March 8 letter to the congressional committees the Military Coalition wrote, “We are very concerned that the proposals to merge the various elements of the defense resale system may [pose] a threat to its continued viability,” the Military Times reported.
As On Base reported, then-Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan created a merger task force last year to explore the business case for consolidating the exchange and commissary stores. In January the task force recommended merging the stores into a single organization, while keeping specific grocery functions separate.
“Given the varying opinions about the advisability of the recommendation, we believe an independent review by the Government Accountability Office would be appropriate,” the coalition wrote.
The Military Coalition, which represents 5.5 million veterans, service members, their families, and survivors, is also asking for a congressional hearing to examine the recommendations.
 
Photo by Army & Air Force Exchange Service

April 3, 2019

Recent News

DCIP Now Accepting Project Proposals

DCIP Now Accepting Project Proposals

The DOD Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation is accepting proposals for the fiscal year 2024 Defense Community Infrastructure Program, according to a Thursday announcement. The full opportunity is listed on Grants.gov. DCIP is designed “to assist state and...

Report: Space Force Will Start Onboarding Reservists this Summer

Report: Space Force Will Start Onboarding Reservists this Summer

Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman told Guardians the Space Force will begin bringing full-time reservists into the force this summer, Military.com reported, citing an internal memo. Saltzman said the process will take time. “We want all reserve space...

Snap of the Week

Snap of the Week

Spectators tour a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 91st Air Refueling Squadron March 28 during the Tampa Bay AirFest practice show at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. Tampa Bay AirFest features a variety of aerial performance and static aircraft displays aimed at...

Three Leaders Named Defense Community National Champions

Three Leaders Named Defense Community National Champions

The Association of Defense Communities named three local leaders as national Defense Community Champions: Jana Evans, San Antonio Area Manager, Soldiers’ Angels, Alamo–San Antonio Region Elizabeth Hartman, Commander, American Legion Post 539, Eastern North Carolina...

Corvias Joins Certification Program for Healthy Homes

Corvias Joins Certification Program for Healthy Homes

Corvias is now the largest participant in a new certification program from the International WELL Building Institute that helps identify and measure ways that homes can support residents’ health and resilience, through factors such as air, water, light, thermal...

PAST STORIES