The Exchange

Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service has gone where Warfighters and their families go to provide quality, tax-free merchandise and services military communities need – regardless of location, risk or challenge. The Exchange supports Warfighters at the tip of the spear, bringing necessities and a taste of home to remote locations and war zones where traditional retailers can't operate. Wherever our troops are, the Exchange is there: Since 9/11, more than 4,900 Exchange associates have deployed to serve in conflict situations. As the Department of Defense's largest retailer, the Exchange offers this tax-free shopping benefit to 33.5 million eligible active-duty military; retirees; military family members; National Guard members; Reservists; Purple Heart recipients; former prisoners of war; Veterans with service-connected disabilities; caregivers of eligible disabled Veterans designated by the Department of Veterans Affairs as primary family caregivers; non-disabled, honorably discharged Veterans (online only); authorized Public Health Service associates; authorized National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration associates; Coast Guard members; and DoD and Coast Guard civilian employees who hold Common Access Cards (DoD and Coast Guard civilian retirees have online-only privileges). The Exchange is a major employer of military families, with 85% of Exchange associates connected to the military. Approximately 45% of the Exchange's U.S. workforce comprises Veterans, military spouses and dependents. The Exchange gives active-duty military spouses first consideration for open positions, and the continuity program lets military spouses transfer to an Exchange when their family has a permanent change of station. For military families, an Exchange career means benefit retention, retirement opportunities and stability. The Exchange operates over 5,000 facilities in over 30 countries, 50 states and four U.S. territories. We go where you go!