The Army & Air Force Exchange Service, commonly known as AAFES or simply “the Exchange,” is a vital part of the United States military support system. Founded in 1895, AAFES has a long-standing mission: to provide quality goods and services to active-duty service members, retirees, reservists, National Guard personnel, and their families, wherever they are stationed. Operating both domestically and overseas, AAFES is more than just a retail organization—it is a morale and welfare lifeline for military communities.
AAFES functions under the Department of Defense aafes and is the oldest and largest of the military exchange services. With thousands of retail outlets in more than 30 countries, it includes department stores, base exchanges (BXs and PXs), convenience stores, food courts, barber shops, and gas stations. Its online shopping platform, ShopMyExchange.com, ensures that even those living far from a base can access affordable products and exclusive deals.
One of the main advantages AAFES provides is tax-free shopping. Products sold through AAFES are exempt from state and local sales taxes, making everyday items more affordable for military families. Additionally, the Exchange offers competitive pricing on a wide variety of merchandise, from electronics and home goods to clothing and personal care items. This price advantage supports military families who often face unique financial challenges due to frequent relocations and deployments.
Unlike commercial retailers, AAFES operates under a different financial model. Profits generated are not paid to shareholders or investors but are reinvested into military communities through Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs. These funds support a wide array of services, including fitness centers, libraries, youth programs, and recreational facilities that enhance the quality of life for service members and their families.
AAFES also demonstrates its commitment during times of military conflict or humanitarian crisis. It has a long history of supporting troops in remote and dangerous environments by setting up mobile field exchanges and providing access to personal care items, snacks, electronics, and even phone cards to help troops stay in touch with loved ones. This forward-deployed service capability plays a critical role in maintaining morale among deployed personnel.
In recent years, AAFES has expanded its reach by extending online shopping privileges to all honorably discharged veterans. This initiative allows millions of former service members to continue benefiting from AAFES’s offerings, regardless of their proximity to a military base. The Exchange has also modernized its operations with a focus on sustainability, digital transformation, and customer service to better serve today’s tech-savvy military families.
AAFES is also one of the largest employers of military spouses and veterans, offering stable job opportunities with potential for advancement. This hiring preference helps strengthen the bond between AAFES and the communities it supports while addressing the unique employment challenges faced by military families.
For more than a century, AAFES has been an integral part of military life, helping service members and their families feel supported and connected. Whether through retail services, online convenience, or direct support during deployments, AAFES continues to uphold its mission: to go where soldiers, airmen, and their families go, delivering quality, value, and a touch of home wherever duty calls.