A commissary is a type of store that primarily sells food and supplies. These stores are often located at military outposts and other strategic locations, offering a range of goods at reduced prices to qualified individuals, such as active-duty military personnel and their families. The main feature of a commissary is that it is typically subsidized by a governing body, which allows it to charge lower prices than commercial retail outlets.
Historical Context
The concept of the commissary dates back to the Roman Empire, where these stores initially started as a system to distribute supplies to soldiers. Over time, commissaries evolved and expanded, becoming integral parts of military infrastructure in various countries, notably the United States.
Types of Commissaries
- Military Commissaries: Found on military bases and run by the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) in the United States. These cater specifically to military personnel, retirees, and their dependents.
- Corporate Commissaries: Some corporations maintain commissaries to provide their employees with everyday essentials at subsidized prices.
- Institutional Commissaries: Found in large institutions like universities or correctional facilities, providing necessary supplies to residents or students.
Key Features of a Commissary
- Subsidized Pricing: Reduced prices on essential goods due to subsidization by governmental or corporate bodies.
- Authorized Patrons: Access is often restricted to a specific group of qualified clientele, such as military members or institutional residents.
- Product Range: Typically offers a range of groceries, household items, and sometimes, specialty goods relevant to the patron base.
Applicability and Usage
Commissaries serve numerous purposes beyond just providing goods at reduced prices:
- Combat Readiness: On military bases, they ensure that personnel have ready access to essential supplies, contributing to overall combat readiness.
- Economic Relief: By offering goods at lower prices, commissaries provide considerable financial relief to their patrons.
- Support and Welfare: They also serve as a support mechanism, reinforcing the welfare of those who serve or reside in specific institutional settings.
FAQs
Q: Who can shop at a military commissary? A: Generally, active-duty military personnel, military retirees, and dependents with appropriate identification can shop at military commissaries.
Q: Are commissaries open to the public? A: Most commissaries are not open to the general public and are restricted to authorized patrons.
Q: How are commissary prices set? A: Prices in commissaries are typically set based on cost, with a minimal surcharge added, and are substantially lower than commercial retail prices due to subsidies.
Related Terms
- Post Exchange (PX): A retail store found on military bases that also serves military personnel and their families but offers more general merchandise than a commissary.
- Subsidization: Financial assistance provided to lower the cost of goods and services.
- Supply Chain: The network involved in the production, handling, and distribution of goods.
References
- Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA): https://www.commissaries.com
- “The Economic Impact of the Military Commissary System,” RAND Corporation, 2019.
- Historical analysis of military supply chains, Journal of Defense, 2020.
Summary
A commissary is a specialized retail environment designed to provide essential goods at reduced prices, primarily located in military settings but also found in institutional and corporate contexts. Subsidized by governmental or organizational bodies, commissaries offer significant economic and welfare benefits to a restricted clientele. Their evolution from ancient Rome to modern-day applications underscores their continuing importance in supporting various communities.
