On military bases around the world, there are stores (known through the military community as exchanges) that serve as convenience and department stores for active duty personnel and their dependents. The stores offer tax-free merchandise and some high-end merchandise is even discounted at rates not seen in other stores. Revenue from the exchange also benefits the Morale, Recreation and Welfare programs on each base.

Learn more about the base exchanges and the recent decision to open up exchange access to veterans.

Honorably Discharged Veterans to Have Access to Base Exchanges

Until now, online and store access to the exchange has been reserved for active duty members and their families, Guard and Reserve members and their families, military retirees and their spouses, 100% service-connected disabled veterans, Gold Star families, and Medal of Honor recipients.

Now, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) has announced they will allow all honorably discharged veterans to shop online.

Starting November 11, 2017, all qualified veterans were able to shop online. To be qualified, veterans must submit an application to VetVerify.org, an organization that verifies the military service of each person. After being accepted, users are able to shop online at AAFES, the Coast Guard Exchange, the Marine Corps Exchange and the Navy Exchange.

Nearly 13 million veterans qualify for the benefit. The benefit does not give veterans access to military bases, allowing them to shop in-person at an exchange or a commissary. It also does not include alcohol, military uniform purchases or tobacco purchases.

Written by Alissa Sauer