DRAWSKO POMORSKIE, Poland – Soldiers at the Drawsko Combat Training Center (DCTC) now have improved access to everyday essentials with the opening of a new Direct Operation Exchange – Tactical (DOX-T), reinforcing the Exchange’s commitment to supporting military readiness.
Exchange associates joined U.S. Army Garrison Poland leaders in July for a ribbon-cutting celebrating the long-awaited store, which replaces the previous mobile field Exchange (MFE) with around 430 square feet of space with an upgraded 3,840 square-foot shopping experience designed to better serve Soldiers participating in multinational training exercises.
Command Sgt. Maj. Alejandro Romar and Deputy to the Garrison Commander Matt De Pirro joined Exchange leaders and associates in commemorating the milestone, marking the completion of a project years in the making.
The new DOX-T offers an expanded selection of food; beverages; snacks; health and hygiene products; over-the-counter medications; military uniform items; and other everyday necessities, providing Soldiers with convenient access to the products they need while training away from permanent installations.
“The DOX-T offers far more than convenience; it sustains readiness, boosts morale and ensures Soldiers have reliable access to the everyday necessities they need to stay focused on the mission,” said Alex Mamaril, general manager of the Grafenwoehr/Poland Consolidated Exchange. “That’s what the Exchange is here to do, no matter where our service members serve.”
The project reflects years of planning and coordination. Although the facility was originally expected to open ahead of major training events, construction and project delays extended the timeline. Bringing the store to completion required collaboration among Exchange Information Technology, Logistics, Real Estate, Merchandising, Store Operations and Sembach Plans teams, along with dedicated support from the local Grafenwoehr and Poland Exchange teams.
“From the beginning, our goal was simple: provide Soldiers training at Drawsko with the same level of Exchange support they would expect at any major installation,” Mamaril said. “Reaching this milestone took years of planning and the teamwork of associates across multiple Exchange departments, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished together. This store represents an investment in our Soldiers and in the mission they perform every day.”
Soldiers responded enthusiastically to the DOX-T on opening day, embracing the expanded selection and improved shopping experience. The successful debut highlighted the Exchange’s ongoing commitment to delivering the products and services military communities need wherever they serve.
Exchange Europe, Southwest Asia and Africa Region Senior Vice President Stephanie Burns said the opening reflects the Exchange’s unwavering commitment to serving military communities.
“This has been a long time coming, and seeing this project become a reality is incredibly rewarding,” Burns said. “Our Soldiers and Army leaders have been looking forward to this upgrade, and it’s exciting to deliver a modern retail facility that better supports their daily lives while they’re focused on the mission.”
Burns also credited the teamwork behind the project.
“Projects like this don’t happen without exceptional collaboration,” she said. “Countless people worked together to overcome challenges and deliver this important capability. Their dedication reflects the Exchange’s promise to serve those who serve.”
Located in northwestern Poland, the Drawsko Combat Training Center is one of the country’s premier military training areas, regularly hosting U.S., Polish and allied forces during large-scale multinational exercises that strengthen readiness, interoperability and NATO partnerships.
As the Exchange celebrates 131 years of serving those who serve, the new DOX-T at Drawsko Combat Training Center reinforces its commitment to improving the Quality of Life for service members by ensuring they have access to the products and services they need, wherever duty takes them.
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