The Military has a wide variety of benefits ranging from complete health care to commissary and exchange shopping. A recent GAO review of active duty military benefits noted that when comparing the types of benefits offered by the military with those offered in the private sector, all the core benefits offered by most private sector firms-retirement pay, health care, life insurance, and paid time off-are offered by the military. In fact, the GAO review found that military benefits in some cases exceed those offered by the private sector.
For more detail on the benefits available to active duty, reserve and retired military members, click on Benefits for Service Members, which provides a listing of military benefits and a number of additional useful links.
Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA)
Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) with headquarters at Fort Lee, Virginia, operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of 30 percent or more on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings worth more than $2,700 annually for a family of four. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.
Army and AirForce Exchange Service
AAFES provides quality goods and services at competitively low prices and generates earnings to support MWR Programs.
Army MWR
Army MWR exists because the U.S. Army is committed to the well-being of the community of people who serve and stand ready to defend the nation.
Army MWR is a comprehensive network of support and leisure services designed to enhance the lives of soldiers (active, Reserve, and Guard), their families, civilian employees, military retirees and other eligible participants. Over 37,000 MWR employees worldwide strive to deliver the highest quality programs and services at each installation -- from family, child and youth programs to recreation, sports, entertainment, travel and leisure activities.
Their mission is to serve the needs, interests and responsibilities of each individual in the Army community for as long as they are associated with the Army, no matter where they are.
MWR contributes to the Army’s strength and readiness by offering services that reduce stress, build skills and self-confidence and foster strong esprit de corps. MWR services also help the Army attract and retain talented people. MWR is proof of the Army’s commitment to caring for the people who serve and stand ready to defend the nation.
