Commissary:

Commissaries are supermarkets usually located on military installations. The commissary sells food, sundry and cleaning products for cost plus a 5% surcharge.

Members of the Ready Reserve and the National Guard now receive unlimited use of the commissary effective 24 November 2003. Also former members who have attained 20 yrs of service and are eligible for retired pay at age 60 but who have not yet attained the age of 60 and possess a Uniformed Services Identification Card are also allowed unlimited access to the Commissary. A military spouse or other authorized dependent unaccompanied by the service member may use the commissary shopping benefit with proper military ID.

Exchange:

Post exchanges, base exchanges, Army and Air Force exchange service, Navy exchanges, Marine 'Corps exchanges, and shoppetts are all examples of military exchange stores. The exchange is the military department and drug store.

Guard personnel and their dependents have unlimited shopping privileges at any exchange. Remember that a military ID is required.

MWR:

MWR activities include arts and crafts facilities, bowling centers, golf courses, libraries, outdoor recreation, recreation centers, youth services activities and recreation membership clubs. Guard members and their dependents are entitled to use all class "C" facilities on the same basis as active duty personnel. Local installation and facility commanders do have the authority to establish priorities for MWR activities that are high demand and unable to accommodate all who desire to participate. Be sure to call ahead and confirm hours of operation and eligibility for the activity you and your family are interested in.

COMMISSARY LOCATIONS IN NEW JERSEY

• PICATINNY ARSENAL COMMISSARY (973-724-2918) Bldg. 3323, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ 07806-5000 Store Hours: Mon - CLOSED, Tue - 0930-1800, Wed - 0930-1800, Thurs - 0930-1800, Fri - 0930-1800, Sat - 0900-1700, Sun - Closed
• FORT MONMOUTH COMMISSARY (732-532-2023, 1260, 1483) Bldg. 1007 Alexander Avenue, Fort Monmouth, NJ 07703-5609 Store Hours: Mon - CLOSED, Tue - 1000-1900, Wed - 1000-1900, Thurs - 1000-2000, Fri - 1000-1900, Sat - 0900-1900, Sun 1100-1700 Early Bird Hours - Tuesday & Friday: 0730-1000 ****15 Items or less *****
• McGUIRE/FORT DIX COMMISSARY (609) 724-5859/2153 3453 Broidy Road, McGuire AFB, NJ 08641 Store Hours: Mon - 1000-1800, Tue - 1000-2000, Wed - 0900-1800, Thurs - 1000-2000, Fri - 0900-1800, Sat - 0900-1800, Sun - 1100-1700

PX LOCATIONS

• FORT DIX, NJ MAIN EXCHANGE Bldg. 3452 (609)723-6100 HOURS: Mon thru Sat 0900-2100 Sun - 1000-1900
• FORT DIX SHOPPETTE/CLASS SIX/GAS STATION Bldg 5359 (609)723-0469/0044/0055 Daily 0700-2200
• FORT MONMOUTH, MAIN EXCHANGE Bldg. 1000 Alexander Avenue (732) 542-7413 HOURS: Mon - Closed, Tues. & Wed. & Fri - 1000-1800, Thurs. 1000-1900 Sat - 0900-1800, Sun - 1100-1700

Verify store hours with individual commissaries. Additional locations may be found on the commissary web page: http://www.deca.mil/default.htm

COMMISSARY & BASE EXCHANGE:

The Commissary is a non-profit grocery store located on most military installations. This store offers the same brand name products found in most supermarkets. Shopping at the commissary can save an average of 30% or more over shopping at civilian grocery stores: coupons are honored and purchases are tax-free. National Guard members and their families (with valid ID cards) are entitled to shop the commissary and base exchange anytime they wish.