To be fair, AAFES combats this through a program called "We'll Match It." If an AAFES customer finds an identical item in the local community selling for a price lower than AAFES, the Exchange will match the price.
As with the commissaries, there is no sales tax charged at the Exchanges, and this can add up to a significant savings over time, or when you are buying more expensive items.
A common complaint about the exchanges comes from junior enlisted members and their families. While the exchanges may offer discounts on "name-brand" items, their selection of "non-branded" items leaves much to be desired. Many low-ranking enlisted folks can't afford Dooney & Bourke® handbags, no matter how high the savings. They would rather buy a "no-brand" name purse from Wal Mart at 1/2 the price.
On the other hand, I took a civilian friend with me shopping at the Keesler Air Force Base exchange a couple of years ago. I call this lady a "professional shopper," because she has a keen sense of what is in fashion and what is not, and what women's clothing and accessories should cost. She was thrilled with the selections and prices in the "BX." (That one shopping trip cost me several hundred dollars, however).
AAFES is also responsible for the operation of on base service stations and Class VI (liquor) stores, as well as base theaters and food franchises (such as Burger King). Don't expect any super-savings in this area. To establish gas and liquor prices, AAFES periodically surveys the local area, and attempts to set their prices just slightly below the off-base average. Because of this system, it's not difficult to find off-base service stations to buy gas cheaper, and finding beer and liquor at lower prices is no trouble at all. Your Whopper hamburger will cost you the exact same price it does downtown.
AAFES is also a major source of employment for members of the Army and Air Force family. Approximately 25% of the 52,400 AAFES associates are military family members. Many associates have worked for years with AAFES as they've moved from one installation to another with their military sponsors. Another 3% of associates are military members who work part time in exchanges during their off duty hours.
The exchanges and commissaries are important benefits, and provide millions of dollars each year toward the service's MWR programs. However, monetary savings from shopping at these facilities are modest, at best.
Continued in Part 14 - Morale, Welfare, & Recreation (MWR) Activities
Other Parts to this Series:
- Part 1 -- Choosing a Military Service
- Part 2 -- Meeting the Recruiter
- Part 3 -- The Enlistment Process and Job Selection
- Part 4 -- Enlistment Contracts and Enlistment Incentives
- Part 5 -- Military Pay
- Part 6 -- Housing, Housing Allowance, and Barracks
- Part 7 -- Chow Halls and Food Allowance
- Part 8 -- Education Programs
- Part 9 -- Leave (Vacation), and Job Training
- Part 10 -- Assignments
- Part 11 -- Promotions
- Part 12 -- Military Medical Care
- Part 14 -- Morale, Welfare, & Recreation (MWR) Activities
