Director/CEO
After a record-setting 2025 (forecast earnings are expected to be the highest in the Exchange’s history), Team Exchange is ready to build on its momentum in 2026.
The Exchange’s 2026 strategic priorities are aligned with the goals set for military resale by the Office of the Secretary of War. Every member of Team Exchange plays a role in accomplishing these goals, which are designed to further enhance the critical support we are so honored to provide Warfighters and their families.
Strengthen Military Resale: Since 2019, the Exchange has participated in a Joint Buying Alliance with the Navy Exchange Service Command, Marine Corps Exchange, Coast Guard Exchange and the Defense Commissary Agency. This purchasing alliance, involving retail merchandise and other items sold by two or more of the organizations, has created greater efficiencies and added additional value for authorized exchange and commissary shoppers.
In 2026, the Exchange and its military resale partners will expand joint negotiation efforts, focusing on high-impact categories and strategic vendor opportunities to maximize the buying power, generate stronger earnings and deliver superior value for our Nation’s military community.
Propel Modernization: Resources allocation will be prioritized in the coming year to capture positive returns on investment, particularly in technology. Artificial intelligence and advanced analytics will be key to streamlining processes to lower costs and drive additional earnings and dividends for critical military Quality of Life programs.
Advance Logistics Delivery: The Exchange took a big step toward improving logistics efficiency with the launch of the goods-to-person automation system in the fall at Dan Daniel Distribution Center. Shuttles and conveyor systems bring merchandise to associates, saving the time needed to physically move throughout the warehouse to gather items for orders. This results in less physical strain and a more optimized workflow.
The Exchange will continue to enhance distribution operations through goods-to-person and through upgrades to the warehouse management system at the West Coast Distribution Center to increase accuracy and productivity.
The Exchange and its partners will also work together to reduce costs by improving joint transportation efficiencies.
Reach More Patrons: To further enhance the customer experience, the Exchange will advocate for regulatory and policy changes to modernize the delivery of hard-earned Quality-of-Life benefits. Prioritized efforts include expanded acceptance of the MILITARY STAR card off-installation and amending outdated merchandise restrictions that constrain the selection and savings authorized personnel receive when using their Exchange benefit.
Champion Customer Experience: In the spring, the Exchange will launch the My Exchange app, which will offer mobile shopping, price checking and digital offers as well as notifications for order updates and promotions.
The Exchange will expand on its longstanding commitment to ensuring that Warfighters and families have better-for-you options by increasing partnerships with emerging restaurant brands. This will help diversify our offerings and add even more healthy choices to our broad fast-food portfolio. The Exchange will also work with installations to address food-security challenges and opportunities.
These priorities are focused on strengthening customer loyalty and increasing support to our military community while optimizing resources and improving efficiencies. As always, the Exchange will be there for service members and their families, no matter where our Nation’s military mission goes.
We are better together. It is truly an honor to serve those who serve with you.
We Go Where You Go!
Very best,
Tom
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