Legal Definitions - DECA

DeCA stands for the Defense Commissary Agency.

DeCA is a United States government agency responsible for operating a worldwide chain of commissaries. These commissaries are essentially grocery stores provided exclusively for active-duty military personnel, retired service members, and their authorized family members. The primary purpose of DeCA is to provide these eligible patrons with groceries and household goods at significant savings, typically at cost plus a 5% surcharge, and free from sales tax. This benefit helps to enhance the quality of life and reduce living expenses for military families.

• Example 1: A young family, whose parent is an active-duty Air Force pilot stationed at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, relies on the local DeCA commissary to purchase their weekly groceries. They appreciate the substantial savings on everyday items like milk, bread, and fresh produce, which helps their budget stretch further while living overseas.

  Explanation: This example illustrates DeCA's role in providing essential grocery services and financial benefits to active-duty military families, especially those stationed internationally, by offering tax-free and discounted goods.

• Example 2: After serving 25 years in the Navy, a retired chief petty officer continues to visit the commissary near his home in San Diego every two weeks. He uses his military ID card to access the store and consistently saves money on bulk items and pantry staples compared to commercial supermarkets.

  Explanation: This scenario demonstrates that DeCA's services extend to military retirees, allowing them to continue enjoying the benefit of discounted groceries long after their active service, highlighting the agency's long-term support for the military community.

• Example 3: During a congressional hearing on military family support programs, a representative questions the Secretary of Defense about DeCA's budget allocation and its plans to modernize older commissary facilities to improve the shopping experience for patrons.

  Explanation: This example highlights DeCA as a government agency subject to oversight and funding discussions, emphasizing its operational aspect and its continuous efforts to maintain and improve the vital service it provides to eligible military personnel and their families.