By the Numbers: 8 February 2021

By the Numbers: 8 February 2021

Research Update Icon

236

The number of stores operated by the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) "worldwide, including in 13 countries and 2 U.S. territories," according to a recent Congressional Research Service Defense Primer -- Military Commissaries and Exchanges. The DeCA employs more than "12,000 civilian full-time equivalents (FTEs)."
 
As a defense agency, DeCA reports to the Office of the Secretary of Defense and has a board of directors composed of members from each of the military services. DeCA provides subsidized groceries and household goods at cost plus a 5% surcharge. This surcharge is used to fund new commissary construction and store-level refurbishment, maintenance, and equipment.