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Air Shows Are Back: Thunderbirds and Blue Angels Schedule in 2022

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2022 is the year of all things. Movies are back in theaters. Travel is back and booming. And military orders are back to being delayed at normal proportions. One of the best things about 2022 for the lovers of aerial flyers is that the Air Shows are back!

The Thunderbirds and Blue Angels Official 2022 Air Show Schedule is here!

These military air shows have a lot to offer. Outdoor fun, gathering space, entertainment, and aerial skills. Military base air shows often come at the low cost of free, which makes them even better!

Thunderbirds 2022 Air Show Schedule

The Thunderbirds will perform in 31 locations shows this season from March to November. While some dates have passed, there are still plenty of opportunities to see the Thunderbirds throughout the rest of their season.

2022 Schedule:

March 26-27: Columbus AFB, Mississippi

April 2-3: Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina

April 9-10: Lakeland, Florida April 23-24: Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas

April 30-May 1: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

May 14-15: Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington

May 21-22: Dover Air Force Base, Delaware

May 25: Colorado Springs, Colorado

May 29: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indiana

June 4-5: Fort Wayne, Indiana

June 11-12: Ocean City, Maryland

June 18-19: Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota

June 25-26: Hill Air Force Base, Utah, North Dakota

July 2-3: Battle Creek, Michigan
July 16-17: Duluth, Minnesota

July 23-22: Great Falls, Montana

July 27: Cheyenne, WY

July 30- July 31: Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska

August 6-7: Abbotsford, Canada

August 20-21: McMinnville, Oregon

August 27-28: Avoca, Pennsylvania

September 3-4: New Century, Kansas

September 10-11: New Windsor, NY

September 17-18: Joint Base Andrews, Maryland

September 24-45: McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas

October 1-2: Huntington Beach, California

October 15-16: Edwards Air Force Base, California

October 22-23: Fort Worth, Texas

October 29-30:  Sanford, Florida

November 5-6: Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada

For more information on the USAF Thunderbirds, show locations and dates, visit their website at www.afthunderbirds.com. It is recommended to check their website and the location of the show for the most up to date information on scheduling.

Blue Angels 2022 Air Show Schedule

The Blue Angels have flown over the 75 years! 2021 was the first show season flying the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet. In 2022. the Blue Angels will fly in over 30 shows from March to November ending at their home base of Pensacola, Florida. While some dates have passed, there are still plenty of opportunities to see the Blue Angels throughout the rest of their season. If you are local to one of their planned performances, it will surely be worth the watch.

2022 Schedule:

March 12: NAF El Centro, CA

March 19-20: NAS JRB New Orleans, LA

March 26-27: MacDill AFB, Florida

April 2-3: NAS Kingsville, Texas

April 9-10: JB Charleston, South Carolina

April 23-24: Vidalia, Georgia

April 30: Vero Beach, Florida

May 1: Vero Beach, Florida

May 14-15: Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota

May 21-22: Dover Air Force Base, Delaware

May 25 and 27: US Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD

May 28-29: Jones Beach, NY

June 4-5: Eau Clairse, Wisconsin

June 11-12: Chesterfield, Missouri

June 18-19: Millington, Tenessee

July 2-3: Traverse City, Michigan

July 9: Pensacola Beach, Florida

July 16-17: Ypsilanti, Michigan

July 23-24: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

July 30-31: Dayton, Ohio

August 6-7: Seattle, WA

August 13-14: MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

August 20-21: Chicago, Illinois

September 3-5: Cleveland, Ohio

September 10-11: Knoxville, Tenessee

September 17-18: NAS Oceana, VA

September 24-25: MCAS Miramar, CA

October 1-2: Minden, Nevada

October 8-9: San Francisco, CA

October 22-23: NAS Jacksonville, Florida

October 29-30: Houston, TX

November 5-6: Peachtree City, Georgia

November 11-12: NAS Pensacola, FL

For more information on the USNA Blue Angels, show locations, and dates, visit their website at www.blueangels.navy.mil. It is recommended to check their website and the location of the show for the most up-to-date information on scheduling.

Pack up those noise-cancelling headphones, pack a picnic and find an airshow near you!

First Reactions to Top Gun Maverick

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While 2020 was the planned year for the release of Top Gun: Maverick, 2022 is the year it reigns supreme. The film opened officially on Memorial Day weekend and is shaping up to be the top hit for actor Tom Cruise who reprised his role as everyone’s favorite rogue Naval Aviator, Maverick. While the film opened up to the public for the long weekend, military bases played host to free advanced screenings the weekend before. From a World War II hangar in Hawaii to the theater on MCAS Miramar, the original home for the Top Gun school, military families were treated to the film and in some cases treats like meals courtesy of the Gary Sinise Foundation.  Other locations had question and answer sessions with behind-the-scenes personnel to provide an inside look into the film and filmmaking.

Hawaiian shirts and aviators were donned. The opening music felt familiar, and 131 minutes of storyline, reminiscence, and jet scenes played out for all those in the theater.

While the pilots, of course, found holes in the plotline (why are the masks off?) and the uniforms weren’t perfect, the film was enjoyed by all. The call signs were discussed – especially Bob. Without a spoiler, his call sign makes sense once the character is introduced.

For the Gen Xers who grew up watching the film on VHS and listening to the soundtrack on the classic cassette tape, it was validating to see “the old guy, the O6 who still has it” said another military member.

Many military members commented on the nostalgia it brought forth. One family member commented, “I laughed, I cried…pretty sure I was an emotional mess.”

The enjoyment of seeing the film amongst those military members and families who know and understand what it is to live that life led to clapping, laughing, and jeering altogether. Also, for those who enjoyed the 1986 Top Gun many times, the nods to the first film brought a chorus of awes. Also, it brings to mind the reality of intensity and loss in military life. As a military family member said, it brought “all the feels wrapped up into one movie.”

The reality of the film is that Naval Aviators were behind the scenes too. And while the pilots and their families and friends had to stay silent until the film came out, the entertainment of the film was brought to life with Hollywood magic and Naval Aviator skill. The training and talents of those pilots brought the power and beauty of flight to reality and to the screen for all to enjoy.  

Great Balls of Fire! Whether for nostalgia or to enjoy a new flick, the film was a hit. Several military families are going to watch the film again, and in IMAX or 4D to get more of the experience. Because they feel the need…the need for speed.

My PCS Unpacking Playlist

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It isn’t a surprise that PCS season is a stressful time for military families. While the stress increases and the ability to take personal time or breaks dwindles, it’s time to take the stress breaks how you can get them. One of those ways is through music. According to medical studies, music has the added benefit of lowering stress. So, while you are unpacking your boxes, and suitcases and rearranging your lives, blast these songs and sing aloud.

Bridgerton Soundtrack – Now don’t start watching the show because that will easily become a distraction, but the music is pleasant. The genre is classical meaning you won’t be singing out, but you will be able to hear children or the other adult in the house while unpacking if they found the coveted towels. Don’t forget to check out the Bridgerton covers – these are classic renditions of popular songs, and you might just be surprised by how much that song you didn’t enjoy previously sounds so much better.

Hawaiian Tunes – Who wouldn’t rather be on vacation in Hawaii on the beach with a sea breeze blowing through your hair. Choosing the sound of waves over the sound of tape coming off boxes may not be an option if you are unpacking from a PCS, but you sure as heck can pretend by listening to some island melodies.

Calypso – Well, if you can’t be on a tropical island, perhaps you can pretend you are on a cruise. All those boxes you are unpacking are souvenirs from your suitcase…okay, maybe not 100 times over, but this music is sure to boost your mood while unpacking. Feel free to dance along while you wrap and pack or label all the boxes.

Top Gun Soundtrack – The original, cannot comment on the new movie or if there will be one. The mix of ballads and power songs will boost morale, and, depending on your age, will bring up fun memories. Just remember not to play volleyball with the box of kitchenware – that’s breakable.

80s Rock – Even if you aren’t an 80s kid, chances are you have heard at least a few of these songs. They are great songs to belt out stress to. With classics like Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’, Queen’s Another One Bites the Dust (hopefully that isn’t a comment on your kitchen glassware) and Guns N’ Roses Sweet Child O’ Mine, you can’t go wrong.

Power Ballads – When you get to the end of packing hours or just need the motivation to get started, it’s time for some power ballads. Hootie and the Blowfish’s Let Her Cry, Bryan Adams’ (Everything I Do) I Do It For You, and Meatloaf’s I Would Do Anything for Love may feel pretty real as you unpack your home for the first or fourteenth time because the military gave your family order. Feel free to grab a spoon or hairbrush and sing along.

Your Favorite Movie Soundtrack – Maybe Top Gun isn’t your thing. Maybe you prefer the music of the swashbuckling genre, wizarding type, or more of the animated type that will make you giggle through the boxes. Choose your favorite movie, and it is sure to make at least 30 minutes of unpacking go smoothly and boost your mood as you decide where those books will go.

Your Favorite TV Show Soundtrack – Now, most shows don’t necessarily have a soundtrack, but some do. And if you enjoy British television, then check out their soundtracks. Often, the melodious tunes are played by an orchestra, adding an element of elegance to their songs. Shows like Downton Abbey, The Crown, Mad Men, Poldark, and Doctor Who have excellent soundtracks.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow – The ultimate, it will get better son is an excellent song by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. It is relaxing and happy. Kermit the Frog also makes an excellent version, and if you want to listen to renditions of this song all day, we won’t blame you.

Organizing, packing up, and labeling your belongings is a busy and stressful time, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add a little enjoyment to it with an amazing playlist.

How A Military Family Celebrates Memorial Day

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What does Memorial Day mean to you? According to History.com, Memorial Day was originally Decoration Day, which sprung from the Civil War as a way to pay tribute to those who lost their lives during that diving war. Memorial Day became an official holiday in 1968 when Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act designating Memorial Day as the last Monday in May and creating a three-day federal weekend in honor of it. Memorial Day became official in 1971. What Memorial Day is today is altogether different with sales ads in the mail, in the stores, on your social media.

We honor Memorial Day in two ways – to honor and celebrate those lives sacrificed.

In Honor Of

As we have moved around the world during my husband’s military career, we haven’t had a consistent place we honor those who have fallen. When we lived near Washington D.C., we would take our family up to the memorials to reflect on the past –  World War I, World War II, Vietnam. We recently went to the exhibit about September 11, 2001 and its impact on the military at the Marine Corps Museum at Quantico, Virginia. You don’t have to live near D.C. to honor the fallen. There are memorials worldwide, literally, where families can visit and reflect and honor the fallen.

If you are looking for a burial site near you, check out the American Battle Monuments Commission website.  There are memorials around the World from, Belgium to the U.S. special cemeteries are occurring at the ABMC sites for Memorial Day, check out their scheduled ceremonies here.

Normandy France

The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer is where around 9,388 service members are buried after the invasion of Normandy in World War II. Those living in Europe can visit the historic site to reflect on the history of the place and the lost lives to change the trajectory of World War II.

Washington DC

As the capital of the United States, Washington DC is host to many museums and memorials. World War I Memorial, World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial welcome veterans and visitors alike around Memorial Day. Arlington National Cemetery also is open to visitors.

If you are not living near a cemetery where someone you know is there, you can ask the local cemetery if they are doing anything in honor of Memorial Day. We have lived in many places where the local cemetery puts out small flags in honor of those who served, and you can help with that. It’s celebrating someone who may not have family nearby or someone who has no more living relatives.

In Celebration Of

Honoring the fallen doesn’t just happen at the graveside. If your fallen friends are not near where you can visit-remember the poem, they are not there….

It’s okay to have a barbeque. When veterans talk about their fallen friends, they reflect on the positive things that person did in their life for them. They review their impact on the people around them. Those people likely enjoyed a BBQ or two, and they would want you to. Memorial Day can be a time to try new recipes and gather with loved ones. The hope is that you remember the fallen as you enjoy a barbeque with friends and family. Reflect on the sentiment of remembering the fallen.

The reality is that America would not be what it is today without the wars that shaped us – the Revolutionary War that founded us, the Civil War shaped us, the World Wars that brought us into a new century and Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedoms – the war that many know personally. It is only fitting to gather with family and friends and celebrate what those battles brought us – freedom. Freedom is not free. And that is why we honor and celebrate Memorial Day.

Try These 6 Recipes for Your Barbeque Party This May

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Hosting a summer barbeque? Check out these recipes, and you will want to! Wow your family, friends, or maybe treat yourself to these fun and unique dishes.

Bacon and Egg Potato Salad

Picnic fare like potato salad is common at Memorial Day and summer picnics, add a little flair by using purple and red potatoes for the color and a flavor upgrade by adding bacon to the salad.

Boil one and one-half pounds of red and purple potatoes – making sure that the potatoes are similar in size, ready around the same time. Make sure to salt the water.  Boil until the potatoes are fork-tender. Bake or sauté bacon until it is ready while the potatoes boil. When the bacon is ready, crumble it up. Once the potatoes are ready, let them cool before cutting them into smaller pieces.  Also, cut up hard-boiled eggs. Mix together ¾ cup of Greek yogurt, 1 tsp of dry mustard powder, 2 tablespoons of apple cider or red wine vinegar with thinly sliced scallions, and chopped red onion to the amount you enjoy. Once mixed, mix in a tablespoon of honey and salt, and pepper together. To the mix, add the potatoes and egg and top with bacon. A different variety of a traditional dish is sure to please all.

Cucumber Salad

This vinegar-based salad is a light dish perfect for an accompaniment to a barbeque or picnic. Slice two pounds of cucumbers lengthwise first and remove seeds. If you want to keep the peel on, use English cucumbers. Once the seeds are removed, slice the cucumbers thinly. Mix cucumbers with sliced red onion, one tablespoon of white wine or red wine vinegar, one tsp of sugar, and one teaspoon of dried oregano. You can sub out oregano for dill or even mint to change up the flavoring of the salad. If there is not enough dressing to dress the cucumber onion, add a little more vinegar. Salt and pepper to taste.

Baked Beans

If you have a usual baked beans recipe, change it up by adding chopped different colored bell peppers and onion along with the beans, ketchup, and brown sugar. Mix one tablespoon dry mustard, one tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1-2 garlic cloves minced, one teaspoon chili powder, one teaspoon smoked paprika into equal parts ketchup and brown sugar to make a zingy sauce. Mix white beans, black beans, or kidney beans- whatever beans you want or have-together. If you are grilling, instead of baking them consider grilling them in a cast-iron skillet for a yummy dish. Add fresh sliced green onions for extra bite and color.

BBQ Short Ribs

Looking for amazingly delicious and tender short ribs? Look no further. Mix together 2/3 cup of brown sugar, one teaspoon smoked paprika, one teaspoon minced garlic, one tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 2/3 cup ketchup, one tablespoon dry mustard, and one tablespoon Worcestershire sauce together. This is the amazing sauce to pour over 2-5 pounds of ribs. Mix the ribs and sauce together, pour into a 13×9 baking dish, and cover with foil. Cook in the oven heated to 300 degrees F for about 3 hours.

Sparkling Lemonade

There are so many different varieties of lemonade and limeade that you can make a rainbow variety of different lemonades. Whatever your lemonade (pink, traditional, limeade, etc), elevate it by mixing in sparking water or soda water and mint simple syrup.

To make the simple syrup, mix equal parts water and sugar in a pot and simmer until the sugar is dissolved. Once all sugar is dissolved, remove the pot from the heat and add mint springs to steep for 10-15 minutes. Remove the leaves. Add as much simple syrup either to the pitcher or drink as you enjoy mint flavoring.

No Bake Smoresbars

Want something for your sweet tooth? The Pioneer Woman shared this recipe, and it is oh so good.  It uses all of the traditional smores fixings and adds some pizazz.

Melt four tablespoons of butter with 2/3 of a 10-ounce bag of mini-marshmallows. Once melted and combined, mix in one 12-ounce bag of chocolate chips until they are all melted. Mix in a pinch of salt and about five graham crackers broken up.

In a 9inch square baking pan lined with wax paper (and sprayed with cooking spray or shortening rubbed all along wax paper), pour the chocolate-marshmallow-cracker mix and press down, so it is an even base. On top, add the remaining marshmallows, 4-5 more graham crackers that are broken up, and ½ cup of chocolate-coated candies. Sprinkle with your favorite colored sprinkles and let cool for one hour before removing and cutting. They are a little slice of smores for all, without the need for a campfire or stove.

Four Ways to Organize Your Pack Out

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Packing up your belongings as you prepare to move is a process. It can be emotional, physically demanding and not a simple process. If you are joining the DITY/PPM movement, you are getting to ready to pack up your home. If you are doing it this moving season, or looking at it next season, get ready and organize your pack out in one of these four ways.

Organize By Room

This one is the simplest way to organize your pack out and typically how traditional movers pack up homes- packing up by room.  That is, all the living room items get packed together and all the kitchen items get packed together. This makes it easy to know where to put things in your new home and to find things when you are searching for them on the other end.

The downside with this process is that you can’t typically pack early on. You have to pack as you finish up using rooms. So maybe this would work if you have an extra bedroom that isn’t being used, but typically a family is using the kitchen until the last moment.

Organize By Season

This packing organization takes some planning ahead, usually a year in advance. Packing by season is just that- getting all the winter gear together, all spring items together, etc. As the fall season ends, you go through your items – decorations, costumes, seasonally appropriate clothing, etc. You pack up the items to determine what makes the next move and store them in the appropriate bins or boxes.

All hiking gear for the spring gets organized and packed together. All the winter boots and snow gear get packed together.

This is especially fun if you get color-coded bins. Red and green for the holidays, black for Halloween/fall, pastel for spring. This makes items easily visible when glancing around the room.

This makes it easy to find seasonally appropriate items. If you are moving to Hawaii but still want to keep some winter gear, you can easily identify it and make sure to put it in storage because that snowsuit will not be useful there.

Organize by Item Type

Are you a collector of books? Or maybe you are a coffee mug person. Pack up like items together. All those cookbooks go in one box together. All the books get sorted into bins or boxes. If you are sorting your items, this is especially helpful as you can sort and find what you want to donate or keep as you do it.

This one may be tricky as you get to smaller groups of items, but this may also help you organize or purge items that you may not necessarily need.

Organize By Person

Want to make it easier to find the baby’s clothes or where you put your favorite book? Pack and organize items by person. You can go the extra mile in getting a certain color bin or label for each person, so you know who has each box or bin.

If there are older children or just adults in the home, you can even have each person pack their own belongings. This allows the person to go through their items to determine what needs to be packed and what can be donated.

If you have young children, packing this way allows you to go through items slowly and determine what you need to pack and move with. If your last baby no longer fits the 6-month-old clothing, maybe it is time to pick out sentimental items and donate or sell the rest.

The tricky part comes in common spaces like the kitchen or living room where there may be overlap between people. This may lead to another box or label type for those common areas.

Packing up your belongings can be made simpler with organization. How will you organize your move?

Renaming Military Bases Expanded to 750 Names with Confederate Links

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In 2021, a bipartisan agreement listed the plan to rename bases across the military that were named after Confederate Generals, and a commission was formed. The 2021 National Defense Authorization Act outlined the commission’s goal to find new names for 10 Army bases. The list has now expanded in scope dramatically to potentially renaming 750 assets from street names to Naval vessels for Army and Navy assets around the world.

The Naming Commission is made up of eight individuals:

  • Admiral Michelle Howard, USN, Retired
  • Brigadier General Ty Seidule, USA, Retired
  • Lt. General Thomas Bostick, USA, Retired
  • Mr. Jerry Buchannan
  • General Robert Neller, USMC, Retired
  • Mr. Lawerence Romo
  • Dr. Kori Schake
  • U.S. Representative Austin Scott, Representative for Georgia

For instance, U.S. Army base Fort Gordon is being considered for name change in addition to their conference and catering center, bowling center, housing center and various signs, unit level signage and monuments within the cemetery on the installation. Fort Stewart also in Georgia has street names in reference to General Gordon, a general within the Confederate Army.

Beyond Army bases, the crest of the USS Shiloh and the USS Chancellorsville stationed out of Yokosuka are being assessed to rename as these vessels are named after Civil War battles. Both Maury Hall and Buchanan House at the U.S. Naval Academy are also being considered for renaming. Maury Hall is named after Commander Matthew Maury and Admiral Franklin Buchanan were in the Confederate Navy.

The Commission has been directed to provider their final report to Congress no later than October 1, 2022. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that there is an expectation that new names for current bases will be announced in 2023.

Read the entire list of 750 items here which includes the historical reference as to why the name is being considered for name change.  Check out more about the Congressional Commission at their website here.

Navy and Marine Corps Uniforms Get Overhaul

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Military uniform regulations have been present since the Revolutionary War. While the militia didn’t follow uniform regulations, the Continental Army did have specific uniform regulations. From the 1800s onward, as each service branch developed, military uniforms were made, and regulations became commonplace. As time moves forward, so do the uniform options and regulations.

Change in 2022 for the Navy

Facial Hair: Per NAVADMIN 0624/22, for those diagnosed with pseudofolliculitis barbae, beards may be outlined or edged, and a paper copy of the facial hair waiver treatment form is no longer required to be carried while in uniform.

Name Punctuation: Sailors whose legal names contain apostrophes, accent marks, tildes, and hyphens can be used in name tags or name tapes.

Heels: Uniform pumps are allowed up to 3 inches instead of the previous 2 and 5/8 inches.

Changes in 2022 for the Marine Corps

In March of 2022, MARDDMIN 134/22 was published and listed changes to uniform policy. It ranged from haircut changes to maternity uniform overhauls.

Manicures for Female Marines: in addition to clear and nude fingernail polish, French and ombre manicures are now authorized to wear with all uniforms.

Nametape Changes: Apostrophes, accent marks, tildes, and hyphens can now be included on the nametape as long as the space in the tape allows

Haircut changes: “edging up” undesirable hair that extends beyond the natural hairline is authorized as long as it provides a professional and natural appearance and the hair length has changed to 3 inches.

Boot socks: Both olive drab or black cushion socks may be worn with the Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform in addition to brown socks.

Maternity Uniforms: The maternity tunic, maternity short, and long sleeve shirts have both tab and non-tab options. A maternity undershirt is now available for purchase, and those who receive a uniform allowance will receive a supplemental allowance from purchasing two shirts.

A nursing undershirt is now available. Maternity physical training shorts will tentatively be available in the fiscal year 2023.

As the year progresses, more changes could occur to the regulations. These are the updates as of this writing.

TSP Updating in May 2022

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The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is the retirement savings and investment plan offered to federal employees and military service members. TSP is a contribution plan that uses income earned each pay period and invested into the account. A new service provider is taking over as part of the announcement that the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) would make a mutual fund available to TSP participants. 

As part of this transition, there are a few key dates to know.

May 16: Last day to access all forms, online tools or upload forms to TSP

– Last day to complete rollover or transfer request

– Last day to complete loan agreements

– Last day to complete withdrawal requests

May 16 to the first week of June: Expected transition dates from one service provider to the other

May 26: Last day to make investment changes

– Last day to reamortize (change the term and payment amount) the loan

– Last day to make profile changes or access online tools within your account – this is expected to occur throughout the day

May 26 to the first week of June: All transactions will be temporarily unavailable

First week of June: Full access is expected to be restored, and all transactions will be available

All contributions will continue as previously designated during the service provider change over. Any payroll contributions will continue as scheduled during the changeover, even if access is suspended.

When accounts reopen in June, there is expected to be a TSP mobile app in addition to online access.

After the update is complete, all users will need to update their login information upon accessing the new system for the first time. There will be prompts for identification verification in addition to updating contact information while signing into the account.

As part of the upgrade and change, it is expected that sometime in 2022 mutual funds option will be available for investment on the website.

Any specific TSP questions can be directed to the TSP phone number – 1-877-968-3778 from 7 am to 9 pm EST, Monday through Friday.

Merge of Military Commissaries and Exchanges Cancelled

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In both 2020 and 2021, the National Defense Authorization Act discusses combining the military commissary and exchange system. In August of 2019, Deputy Secretary of Defense David L. Norquist wrote a memorandum recommending the consolidation of the Defense Commissary Agency (DECA), the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), the Navy Exchange Service Command (NEX) and the Marine Corps Exchange (MCX). The movement to consolidate was financially motivated.  A 2018 study determined that “the benefits of consolidating the defense resale entities far outweigh the costs.” A Government Accountability Office (GAO) review reached a different conclusion.

Currently, the exchange system uses its profit to support on base programming. Overseas, the exchanges operate movie theaters, food outlets and provide school lunches. Across the world, the exchange profits are put back into programming that support the military members and their families on the bases. When the consolidation was first introduced, the concern was raised if these programs would be continued to be supported.

The military commissary provides tax-free grocery shopping to military families on items that are at lower costs than off-base stores. While the prices differ across the country, the commissary is a constant no matter what military base around the world the military family moves to.

Current Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks has rescinded the memorandum requesting consolidation and advised the Department of Defense (DOD) “to cease all efforts to consolidate the Defense resale entities.”  A reported from the DOD in later 2021 stated that the consolidation was no longer feasible.  The initial 2018 study stated that consolidation would save $700 million to $1.3 billion over a period of five years. New analysis in 2021 determined that consolidation would require $1.5 billion in costs.

While cost-savings is the reason for cancelling the consolidation, other concerns were raised by the National Military Family Association and Military Officers Association of America. The two organizations noted concerns that programming supported by the exchange would end if the consolidation would occur. In addition, the cost would be passed onto customer. There are already increased costs of items in some locations overseas due to the cost of shipping items overseas. Adding an extra cost to them could be significant for military families.

Current law prohibits consolidation of the commissaries and exchanges and with the move away from consolidation, the same services are to continue.