Q: My question is concerning bringing guests on base. Someone in our office was told by security that if you bring someone on base, they cannot go into the commissary. This does not make any sense if they are allowed to accompany you into the Navy Exchange (NEX). I understand that we want to keep the savings for the military members, but the NEX has savings too. A person could very easily take someone into the NEX and buy something for them with their credit card or with cash and then give it to them once outside the doors. I think if you can patronize the NEX with someone you brought on base, then you should be able to go into the commissary as well.

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A: I want to thank you so much for taking the time to submit your concern regarding allowing guests into the commissary. You are correct by saying that the Navy Exchange (NEX) allows guests to enter their facility. However, the guests must be signed in by the sponsor and the sponsor must be with the guest at all times. The sponsor must ensure that their guests do not purchase any items while in the NEX facilities. Unfortunately, that is not the case with the commissary. The Armed Services Commissary Regulation, DOD Directive 1330.17 states that only authorized personnel will be allowed access into the commissary. The purpose of the commissary is to provide an income benefit through savings on food and household items to military members, authorized civilian personnel (overseas) and their family members for the inclusive period of compensated duty or service. The funding that is used to operate commissaries is appropriated monies (tax payer) and we are charged as stewards of the government to protect the commissary benefit, and ensure that only authorized personnel are allowed access into the commissary to make these purchases. We certai n l y apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause you and your guests. If you have any further questions, please bring it to the attention of the Store Manager, Mr. Sidney Conner, or you may contact the Store Director, Mr. Totolua Ripley at 243-7562.

Just browsing through the forums and stumbled upon this question. I never knew about that policy in regards to Commissary. Learn something new all the time through the Official Q & A's section on JB.