The Department of Defense announced on January 13, 2017 that online exchange websites for current military members will be open for use by honorably discharged veterans beginning November 11, 2017.
Jacob School, Standard-Examiner Staff
Jan. 13, 2017
Starting on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11, military veterans will be able to shop online at military exchange websites.
The Department of Defense announced Friday that online exchange websites for current members of the armed forces will soon be open for honorably discharged veterans to use.
While the provision does not allow for purchase of uniforms, alcohol or tobacco products, veterans will be allowed to shop in expansive retail websites like NEX and Exchange as early as Nov. 11. Website discounts are roughly 20 percent more than at departments stores and includes a military tax exemption on purchases.
As many as 19 million honorably discharged veterans could be eligible for the websites’ discounts, according to Stars and Stripes. The Department of Defense release stated that the move carries the possibility to double the current online exchange presence.
This expansion will not cost any taxpayer money, and the anticipated increase in shoppers and exchange profits is expected to bring in more money for military community programs, according to the Military Times. These programs, such as Navy Morale, Welfare, and Recreational activities, are meant to be a benefit to those who serve and their families.
Pentagon officials have been debating this move since 2014, when Army and Air Force Exchange Service CEO Tom Schull proposed the idea as an added benefit for those who have served in the past.
Department of Defense Extends Online Military Exchange Shopping Privileges to Veterans
Press Operations
Release No: NR-010-17
Jan. 13, 2017
The Department of Defense announced a policy change that will extend limited online military exchange shopping privileges to all honorably discharged veterans of the military.
The veterans online shopping benefit will be effective this Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
While shopping privileges exclude the purchase of uniforms, alcohol and tobacco products, it includes the Exchange Services’ dynamic online retail environment known so well to service members and their families. This policy change follows careful analysis, coordination and strong public support.
“We are excited to provide these benefits to honorably discharged veterans to recognize their service and welcome them home to their military family,” said Peter Levine, performing the duties for the under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness.
“In addition, this initiative represents a low-risk, low-cost opportunity to help fund Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs in support of service members’ and their families’ quality of life. And it’s just the right thing to do,” Levine added.
The online benefit will also strengthen the exchanges’ online businesses to better serve current patrons. Inclusion of honorably discharged veterans would conservatively double the exchanges’ online presence, thereby improving the experience for all patrons through improved vendor terms, more competitive merchandise assortments, and improved efficiencies, according to DoD officials.
“As a nation, we are grateful for the contributions of our service members. Offering this lifetime online benefit is one small, tangible way the nation can say, ‘Thank you’ to those who served with honor,” Levine said.