Varying levels of exchange support available to entire military community Published May 20, 2010 By Cati Fulford Army and Air Force Exchange Service PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Bring a contractor, family member, Department of Defense civilian or other visitor onto Peterson and the first words out of their mouth typically are, "who can shop the exchange?" While authorizations governing who can buy merchandise and services at the base exchange often apply to a chosen few, the doors to Army and Air Force Exchange Services' fast food and convenience stores, including Taco Bell, Starbucks, and Shoppettes are open to anyone looking for a quick bite to eat. In fact, DoD policy allows all federal government employees, and even installation visitors, to dine at AAFES restaurants as long as their orders are consumed on the installation. Furthermore, anyone can purchase single-serve consumables from a Shoppette, an option that is especially valuable late at night considering the Shoppette is open 24 hours. "The 'Snack Avenue' inside most AAFES Shoppettes offers a robust selection of single-serve consumables," said Ladda Thomas, Peterson shopette manager. "Candy bars, soft drinks and even hot dogs can be picked up by just about anyone with business on the installation." Exchange service authorization begins with the House Armed Services Committee and ultimately ends with the Peterson AFB commander. The guidelines, as prescribed by Army Regulation 215-8/Air Force Instruction 34-211 (I) and the Armed Services Exchange Regulations, Department of Defense Instruction 1330.21, require proper identification of authorized customers, including uniformed personnel and members of the Reserve components and family members, applicable DoD civilians, exchange associates, retirees and their dependents who possess a basic exchange purchase privilege authorization card. Anyone who believes they may qualify for exchange benefits, including access to the main exchange can contact Cati Fulford at 576-6174 for additional guidance as well as information regarding possible exceptions at the Air Force Academy.