The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) is a United States Department of Defense (DoD) agency that provides retail services to U.S. military personnel and their families. AAFES employees are technically federal civilian employees, but they are not considered government employees for the purposes of most federal laws and regulations. This is because AAFES is a non-appropriated fund (NAF) activity, which means that it is funded by revenue from sales rather than by taxpayer dollars. As a result, AAFES employees are not subject to the same civil service rules and regulations as other federal employees, and they are not eligible for the same benefits, such as the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan (FEHB) or the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) History
The Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) is a United States Department of Defense (DoD) retail and service organization that provides a wide range of products and services to U.S. military personnel, their families, and other authorized patrons.
AAFES was founded in 1895 as the Army and Navy Cooperative Society (ANCS). In 1948, ANCS was renamed the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES).
AAFES is a non-appropriated fund (NAF) instrumentality of the U.S. government. This means that AAFES is not funded by taxpayer dollars, but rather by the profits it generates from its operations.
AAFES is a worldwide organization with over 3,000 retail stores and other facilities located in 30 countries. AAFES employs over 50,000 associates worldwide.
AAFES Mission
The mission of AAFES is to provide a high-quality shopping and service experience to the U.S. military community.
AAFES accomplishes its mission by providing a wide range of products and services to its patrons, including:
- Groceries
- Clothing
- Electronics
- Hardware
- Services (e.g., gas stations, car washes, restaurants)
AAFES also provides a variety of special programs and services to its patrons, including:
- Military Star Card (AAFES credit card)
- AAFES Rewards (loyalty program)
- AAFES Travel (travel agency)
AAFES Impact
AAFES has a significant impact on the U.S. military community.
- AAFES provides a convenience to military personnel and their families by providing a wide range of products and services in one location.
- AAFES helps to improve the quality of life for military personnel and their families by providing access to affordable goods and services.
- AAFES contributes to the economic vitality of military installations by providing jobs and generating revenue.
AAFES Facts and Figures
| AAFES Facts and Figures | |
|---|---|
| Number of stores | 3,000+ |
| Number of countries | 30 |
| Number of associates | 50,000+ |
| Annual sales | \$15 billion+ |
Benefits of Working for AAFES
AAFES (Army and Air Force Exchange Service) is a non-appropriated fund (NAF) instrumentality of the Department of Defense. AAFES is not a government job, but it offers many benefits that are similar to those offered by government jobs. These benefits include:
- Competitive salaries
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Retirement savings plan
- Paid time off
- Tuition assistance
- Employee discounts
AAFES also offers a number of other benefits that are not typically offered by government jobs, such as:
- Free membership to the AAFES Military Appreciation Program
- Discounts on movie tickets and other entertainment
- Access to exclusive AAFES products and services
Overall, AAFES offers a competitive benefits package that is attractive to both military members and civilians.
| Benefit | AAFES | Government |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | Competitive | Competitive |
| Health insurance | Yes | Yes |
| Dental insurance | Yes | Yes |
| Vision insurance | Yes | Yes |
| Retirement savings plan | Yes | Yes |
| Paid time off | Yes | Yes |
| Tuition assistance | Yes | Yes |
| Employee discounts | Yes | No |
| AAFES Military Appreciation Program membership | Yes | No |
| Discounts on entertainment | Yes | No |
| Access to exclusive AAFES products and services | Yes | No |
AAFES Organizational Structure
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) is a non-appropriated fund (NAF) instrumentality of the United States Department of Defense.
AAFES Organizational Structure
- Headquarters: Dallas, Texas
- Regions: Four regional headquarters
- Posts/Bases: 150+ posts/bases worldwide
- Employees: Approximately 40,000 worldwide
AAFES Organizational Structure
| Region | Headquarters |
|---|---|
| East | Virginia Beach, Virginia |
| West | San Antonio, Texas |
| Pacific | Honolulu, Hawaii |
| Europe | Wiesbaden, Germany |
AAFES: A Vital Part of the Military Community
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) is a non-appropriated fund instrumentality of the Department of Defense (DoD). It is a membership organization that provides a wide range of products and services to active-duty military personnel, retirees, and their families.
AAFES Contribution to the Military Community
- AAFES provides essential products and services to military communities, including groceries, clothing, electronics, and entertainment.
- AAFES generates revenue that is used to support military morale, welfare, and recreation programs.
- AAFES employs over 40,000 people, providing jobs and economic stability to military communities.
AAFES is a vital part of the military community, providing essential products and services, generating revenue for military programs, and employing thousands of people.
AAFES Employee Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Paid Time Off | AAFES employees receive paid time off for vacation, sick leave, and holidays. |
| Health Insurance | AAFES employees are eligible for comprehensive health insurance coverage. |
| Retirement Plan | AAFES employees are eligible to participate in a retirement plan. |
| Tuition Assistance | AAFES employees may receive tuition assistance for college courses. |
That’s a wrap folks! I hope you found all the info you needed on the burning question: “Is AAFES a government job?”. Remember, AAFES is a non-appropriated fund instrumentality of the Department of Defense. While it’s not technically a government agency, it’s also not a private company. It’s sort of like a military version of Walmart, but it’s more than just a store. AAFES provides a wide range of services to military members and their families. So, if you’re ever shopping at AAFES, remember you’re supporting a good cause. Thanks for joining me, and be sure to drop by again for more military-related content!