Stateside Military Installation Privileges
Retirees, eligible family members, and un-remarried surviving spouses are authorized the use of various morale, welfare, and recreation facilities on military installations when adequate facilities are available.
The availability to accommodate retirees varies widely at different installations. The local installation commander determines whether these facilities may be used by retirees. This determination is usually based on whether the facilities can accommodate retirees without creating hardships for active duty members. Retirees and family members are authorized use of commissary and Post Exchange facilities in the United States regardless of store adequacy.
Your military ID card is sufficient proof of eligibility.
Overseas Military Installation Privileges
Many retirees who have traveled overseas have been disappointed to learn that they are not permitted to use the service facilities of an overseas U.S. military base -- a privilege to which they normally would be entitled within the United States. Uniformed Services regulations regarding exchange and commissary privileges for retirees are applicable overseas only to the extent agreed upon by the foreign governments concerned, better known as Status of Forces of Agreement (SOFA). Sometimes certain facilities are so limited in an overseas area that their use cannot be extended to retirees. Medical facilities in some foreign countries are designed and staffed only for active duty soldiers and their eligible family members, and use by retirees and their family members must be severely limited.
Before traveling overseas, contact officials at the overseas location to determine the privileges available. Retirement Services Officer (RSO) can provide their current address.
