Army & Air Force Exchange Service

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 mission to provide quality merchandise and services to active duty, Guard and Reserve members, military retirees, and their families at competitively low prices.

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

These facilities offer a wide range of products and services such as electronics, apparel, beauty products, sporting goods, furniture, and household items. Additionally, AAFES operates over 1,600 restaurants, including popular chains like Subway, Qdoba, Panera, Panda Express, Burger King, Freshens, Popeyes, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Charleys Philly Steaks, and Starbucks.

While shopping at Exchange stores is limited to authorized patrons, anyone can dine at Exchange restaurants.

A significant portion of AAFES earnings is reinvested into the military community. In 2024, shoppers generated $295 million in dividends for military quality-of-life programs. This funding supports various initiatives, including military readiness, resiliency, and the construction and renovation of facilities, all without creating additional financial burden for taxpayers.

In recent years, AAFES has expanded its services to include online shopping privileges for honorably discharged veterans, disabled veterans, Purple Heart recipients, and certain caregivers.

As of 2021, Department of Defense and Coast Guard civilians are also eligible to shop at military exchanges, both in stores and online.

Locations

• Las Vegas, NV
• Alexandria, VA
• Houston, TX
• Newport News, VA
• Offutt Air Force Base, NE
• Anchorage, AK
• Lawton, OK
• Redstone Arsenal, AL
• Hoopes Landing, VA

These facilities provide a variety of services and products to support the military community across the United States.