Debates over the privatization of services on U.S. military bases have resurfaced once again. From housing and security to childcare and recreation, many aspects of base life have been handed to private corporations over the years. The next major target? The food military families buy in commissaries.
On Friday, September 19, the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) issued a Request for Information (RFI) to the grocery industry, exploring the possibility of privatizing 178 commissaries across the U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. This move could mark a historic shift in how service members and their families access affordable groceries.
Why the Pentagon Is Considering Commissary Privatization
Currently, commissaries receive $1.4 billion annually in government funding to cover operating costs. This subsidy ensures that military families save an average of 23.7% compared to civilian grocery stores. That discount is not optional—it’s required by law.
If commissaries are privatized, private grocery corporations would need to provide the same 23.7% savings without government subsidies.
The RFI even suggests extending the discount to existing commercial grocery chains instead of running commissaries on base.
For the Department of Defense (DoD), this could translate into significant taxpayer savings—but at what cost to military families?
What Privatization Could Look Like
The RFI requires interested vendors to:
- Guarantee the 23.7% savings benefit for commissary patrons.
- Propose solutions to address a $2.4 billion maintenance backlog at commissary facilities.
- Submit ideas for either a one-time investment or assume long-term upkeep responsibilities.
Responses to the RFI are due by October 21. If viable, the Pentagon may issue a formal Request for Proposals (RFP), opening the door to commercial grocers and investment firms to take over commissary operations.
The Potential Impacts of Commissary Privatization
Analysts warn that privatization could create serious challenges:
- Financial sustainability: Can private companies really maintain the 23.7% discount while turning a profit?
- Mission readiness: Commissaries are part of broader quality-of-life benefits for service members. Outsourcing them could affect morale and readiness.
- Past problems: In 2018, contractors providing food for commissaries in Asia overcharged military families for produce, raising concerns about oversight.
Military and Veterans’ groups have already expressed skepticism. While some argue that privatization could boost efficiency and reduce costs, others believe it risks diminishing core military benefits that support service members and their families.
What’s Next for Military Commissaries?
The debate over commissary privatization highlights a broader push by the Pentagon to expand private sector involvement in non-combat military services.
Commissaries are more than just grocery stores—they’re a key quality-of-life benefit for the armed forces community.
Whether privatization will enhance efficiency or erode military family support remains to be seen.
But one thing is clear: the outcome of this decision will directly impact hundreds of thousands of service members, Veterans, and their families who rely on commissaries every day.
Key Takeaways
- 178 commissaries across the U.S. may be privatized.
- Commissaries currently save families 23.7% on groceries—a benefit required by law.
- Privatization could eliminate $1.4 billion in government subsidies but risks undermining affordability.
- Military families and advocacy groups remain divided on the potential benefits and risks.
Suggested reads:
