DoD pushing to consolidate military stores, sources say

Pentagon officials have called military resale officials to Washington next week to discuss consolidation of the commissary and exchange systems — and the emphasis seems to be more on “how” rather than “if,” according to numerous sources.

It is unclear just how far the consolidation idea has gone to date, but the sources said Defense Department leaders want to push forward on the concept, which was recently recommended by the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission.

One source said his understanding is that exchange officials are being called to Washington to review DoD’s plans for implementing the commission’s recommendations for combining exchange and commissary operations.

Virtually all those interviewed, all of whom spoke on condition of anonymity, said they believe DoD leaders have made the decision to consolidate. “Why are they having these meetings, if no decision has been made?” one source said. “In our opinion, DoD leadership has decided it will happen.”

Continue reading at http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/benefits/on-base/2015/04/09/consolidating-military-stores/25538977/