AAFES

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), also known as The Exchange, is a non-appropriated fund instrumentality of the U.S. Department of Defense. Established in 1895, AAFES has a longstanding history of providing quality, tax-free retail services and merchandise to active duty, Guard and Reserve members, military retirees, and their families.

With over 5,500 facilities worldwide, including main stores, convenience stores, military clothing stores, and theaters, AAFES operates in more than 30 countries and four U.S. territories.

Headquarters and Services

Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, AAFES offers a wide range of products and services. These include department stores, convenience stores, restaurants, military clothing stores, and theaters.

Authorized patrons can shop for tax-free goods, including name brands such as Sunglass Hut, Old Navy, Gap, Aerie, and American Eagle. In 2023, AAFES partnered with The Home Depot to offer tax-free appliances on ShopMyExchange.com and select physical stores.

Additionally, the Exchange has agreements with various fast-food chains, including Subway, Qdoba, Panera, Panda Express, Burger King, Freshens, Popeyes, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Charleys Philly Steaks, and Starbucks. These partnerships provide a diverse selection of dining options for military personnel and their families.

Financial Model and Contributions

AAFES operates on a self-sustaining model, with 100% of its earnings reinvested into the military community. Approximately 60% of these earnings support military quality-of-life programs, while the remaining funds are used for new store construction and facility costs at no expense to the federal government.

In 2024, Exchange shoppers generated $295 million for installation quality-of-life programs.

Online Shopping and Veterans

In recent years, AAFES expanded its services to include online shopping privileges for honorably discharged veterans. Starting on Veterans Day, 11 November 2017, all honorably discharged veterans became eligible to shop tax-free online at military exchanges, extending the benefit to an estimated 18 million veterans.

Locations

AAFES operates numerous facilities across the United States, providing a wide range of retail and dining options to military personnel and their families.

• San Antonio, TX, USA
• Oklahoma City, OK, USA
• Abilene, TX, USA
• Dayton, OH, USA
• North Las Vegas, NV, USA
• Colorado Springs, CO, USA
• Columbia, SC, USA
• Anchorage, AK, USA
• Fairbanks, AK, USA
• Columbus, GA, USA
• El Paso, TX, USA
• Cheyenne, WY, USA
• Pearl City, HI, USA

These locations ensure that military members and their families have access to quality goods and services wherever they are stationed.