A military grocery store is typically referred to as a “commissary. ” Commissaries are designed to provide quality food and household items for members of the military and their families at substantially lower prices than available at civilian stores.
These stores typically carry a wide variety of items, including everything from fresh produce and meat to household needs and snacks. Commissaries also typically offer services such as floral arranging, deli catering, and bakery items tailored specifically to military members.
Commissaries are owned and operated by the Department of Defense as a benefit of service to members of the military and their families.
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What does PX mean in military?
PX stands for Post Exchange in the military, which is a large store that sells a variety of items, including clothing, food, electronics, and other goods. Generally, PX stands for the main “on-base” store, while the BX and NEX stand for the bigger stores “on-base” and “off-base” respectively.
Items are usually discounted thanks to military discounts provided by the Department of Defense. Traditionally, the PX has been a ‘one stop shop’ that combines the convenience of a department store, a hardware store and a grocery store.
PXs are often found on military bases as well as military posts, camps, and stations. Aside from the discounts, military personnel are not taxed for items purchased at the PX, which can make shopping more affordable.
Items can range from cosmetics and clothing to books, appliances, furniture, and TVs.
Can you shop at the PX as a civilian?
Yes, civilians are allowed to shop at the PX (Post Exchange). However, it is important to note that there are some eligibility requirements that must be met in order to gain access and make purchases.
Generally, you must be a military dependent, military retiree, or active duty service member to be eligible. Some PX locations may have additional specific requirements. Generally, anyone who is eligible must have valid military Military ID or other valid proof of identification in order to gain access and make purchases.
Additionally, some locations may offer limited access to some members of the general public as well. It is important to check with a specific PX location for further details on who is eligible to shop at that location and what information is needed in order to gain access.
What is PX in US Army?
PX stands for Post Exchange in US Army. It is a retail store, similar to a department store, for members of the military, retirees, and their families. It is located on military installations and offers a wide variety of merchandise including clothes, electronics, and food at competitive prices and tax free.
PXs are operated by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, in conjunction with collaborating exchanges such as the Marine Corps Exchange and Coast Guard Exchange, and they provide a variety of services and outstanding customer support, including online or telephone shopping, and home delivery.
PXs also offer an experience of familiarity and comfort where members of the military and their families can shop without having to travel to a civilian shopping center. In addition, PXs offer services such as banking and credit unions, order cuts, and food courts.
Can you wear gym clothes in the PX?
No, wearing gym clothes in the PX (Post Exchange) is generally not permitted. The PX is a military store that offers discounted goods, services, and other items to military members, their families, and retirees.
It’s important to maintain a certain level of etiquette while visiting the PX, so it’s not appropriate to wear gym clothes during your visit. Appropriate dress typically includes something more professional, such as business casual attire.
This dress code is in place to ensure that customers are comfortable and that their shopping experience is a pleasant one. It also sets the standard for respect and appreciation for those who serve our country.
Can all veterans use the PX?
No, not all veterans can use the PX. The PX, or Post Exchange, is a type of military store on bases operated by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES). The store requires customers to show authorized military identification, meaning only current active duty, reservists, retirees, dependents of these groups, or service-disabled veterans can shop there.
Unfortunately, most veterans who were not disabled during their service or did not serve long enough to retire will not be able to shop at the PX. However, there are benefits offered by other organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Veterans that might be available to veterans with certain conditions.
Can a civilian shop at the commissary?
Yes, civilians can shop at the commissary. It is a part of the Department of Defense, but authorized patrons can use the stores. The authorized patrons are active-duty military personnel and their families, retirees, and other eligible patrons.
Other eligible patrons include reserve and National Guard members, survivor benefit plan recipients, and medal of honor recipients. In some cases, other individuals may be authorized as a special exception, such as active duty personnel stationed overseas who are awaiting administrative separation from their branch of service.
To shop at the commissary, authorized patrons must present a Department of Defense Identification Card when they check out.
Is AAFES open to civilians?
Yes, AAFES (Army and Air Force Exchange Services) is open to civilians, although there are some restrictions. Civilians are allowed to shop at AAFES stores on military installations, with some items limited to military ID holders.
However, civilians can purchase items from the official AAFES website. This is a great option for those who may not have access to an AAFES store on a military installation. AAFES offers a host of discounted items to civilians ranging from clothing and electronics to auto parts and even recreational items.
Additionally, AAFES offers online and in-store specials that extend civilian discounts on select items. In order to take advantage of these discounts, you must sign up for an AAFES Exchange account, which is free and available to civilians.
Are things cheaper at the PX?
Yes, things are generally cheaper at the PX than they are in most stores. The PX (or post exchange) is operated by the U. S. military and offers a wide range of merchandise to active duty personnel and their families.
They typically carry items such as electronics, appliances, clothing, food, health and beauty products, and much more. Prices at the PX are often much lower than those of similar products outside the military community due to exclusive access to many items, which allows them to get lower prices.
Additionally, for active duty personnel, there are extra discounts and savings available on items like clothing, footwear, and appliances.
Why is it called a commissary?
The word “commissary” comes from the Latin word “commissarius,” which means someone assigned to manage the provision of supplies, food, or other goods. Although the term originally referred to a person, in modern usage its meaning has evolved to refer to a place of business in which food and other goods are stored and sold.
The term is commonly used to refer to military commissaries, which are found on military bases, as well as stores operated by correctional facilities, hospitals, universities, and other government-related entities.
Another reason why this term is used is because it is associated with the ordering of goods and their use for commercial purposes. For example, inmates at a correctional facility may order food and medical supplies from a commissary, while a military base might order uniforms and other supplies from their commissary.
What is the history of commissary?
The history of commissary goes back hundreds of years. The term “commissary” originated in the 15th century, when it was used in reference to the person who provided food, supplies and equipment to a lord or other heads of household.
In the military, the term was first used to refer to a military officer who was in charge of supplies. The commissary was responsible for providing food, clothes, and other basic items for the military personnel.
The modern version of commissary dates back to the early 1800s and the American Civil War. The Army Commissary System was designed to provide rations and other supplies at reduced cost to those in the military.
This system later evolved into the Post Exchange in the early 1900s, which allowed members of the military and their families to purchase items at reduced cost.
Today, commissaries are run by the Defense Commissary Agency, which is responsible for supplying food and other grocery items to military personnel and their families. The system is seen as a benefit for members of the military, providing them with food and other items at a lower cost than they would normally be able to find elsewhere.
The system is also used to help keep morale high among military personnel.
Do military bases still have commissaries?
Yes, most military bases still have commissaries. A commissary is a store where military personnel and their families can purchase food and other household items at discounted prices. The items are purchased from the government and are then resold to personnel at reduced cost, sometimes as much as 30% less than prices in local stores and supermarkets.
Commissaries are normally located on military bases or near large population centers that have a large military presence. Shopping at a commissary helps military members and their families by providing basic necessities at a discounted price, which reduces the financial strain associated with military service.
Additionally, military personnel overseas can access commissaries to get items not available to them in the area. The commissary also serves as an important morale-boosting benefit for military personnel and their families, providing them access to a familiar retail experience, with an array of food items and supplies.
Do commissaries make money?
Yes, commissaries do make money. The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) operates a worldwide network of commissaries that sell groceries and household goods to active duty, Reserve, National Guard, and retired members of the military, as well as their families.
Although commissaries are part of the military system, they operate similarly to civilian supermarkets. They purchase brand name products, such as canned goods and other grocery items, at competitive prices and then resell them to their customers at a lower price.
This reduces their costs and allows them to generate income.
In addition, commissary stores earn money by charging a 5% surcharge on all goods they sell. This is the Commissary Surcharge that is used to offset some of their operating costs.
DeCA also generates revenue from promotional activities. DeCA participates in promotions with food companies, consumer goods companies, and other partners to create value for customers.
Overall, commissaries generate a substantial amount of money every year and are an important part of the military’s overall system.
What is the difference between a cafeteria and commissary?
A cafeteria and commissary are two different types of foodservice establishments, each with distinct features and purposes. A cafeteria is a type of restaurant offering a wide selection of prepared foods that customers select and then pay for at the end of their meal.
Cafeterias usually feature an inviting dining area with open seating, often featuring glass doors and windows that allow customers to view the variety of foods being prepared and served. A commissary, on the other hand, is a type of foodservice establishment specifically designed to prepare and serve food to large groups in a centralized location.
Commissaries typically have limited seating, and while they may offer some prepared dishes, they are most commonly used to prepare and serve food to hospitals, schools, and military personnel. Additionally, commissaries often allow customers to order food in bulk, providing cost savings when large quantities of food are needed.
What is the old name of jail?
The term “jail” is a relatively modern one and has generally been used to refer to the often unpleasant holding places for those awaiting trial, or sometimes those sentenced to short term sentences. The word has come to replace many older, more regional terms such as “gaol”, “tholsel”, “lockup” and “calaboose”.
Gaol, for example, is derived from an old French term for a law-enforcing official (“jaille”) and eventually came to refer to the place where this official held offenders and those awaiting trial. Gaol was in common usage across Britain and its colonies until the 19th century and was even adopted by authors like William Shakespeare.
The term tholsel has its roots in the Dutch language and primarily refers to the administrative offices and prisons of cities in Ireland. It also carries with it connotations of a tollgate, where travelers had to pay a toll to pass through.
Lockup was a particularly commonplace term throughout the United States during the early 19th century, more so than any other of these older terms. It referred to a holding place for accused criminals to be kept at night and was derived from the requirement to ‘lock up’ the local prison.
Finally, calaboose (often spelled ‘calabozo’, from the Spanish term) was a generic term which was used to refer to any type of holding place in the Southern United States, usually built out of wood or other basic local materials.
Calaboose was in common use until the late 19th century, when it was largely replaced by the term jail.
