Are businesses allowed to open on military bases?
Sarah Duran
Published Mar 22, 2026
Like any other place you want to run a business, there are limitations to running a home business on a military base. All in all, it is possible to have a business on base if you do some advance research and be sure to follow all the associated rules and regulations.
How do businesses get on military bases?
To open a restaurant on a military base, contact the local military base’s commanding officer to see if there is an opening for a new business. If so, you will apply through the Exchange on the base, either the AAFES, NEX, MCX, depending on the branch and location.
What are the stores on military bases called?
One of the many benefits of military life is discounted shopping on base. While the on-base department store is known as the “exchange,” the on-base grocery store is known as the commissary.
Who is allowed on military bases?
Yes, civilians can spend the night on a military base when visiting as a sponsored guest or family member of a service member. However, civilians cannot sleep in the barracks. The rules vary from one base to the next, but visitors typically need to leave designated areas by 10 PM.
Who owns the Post Exchange?
As of Veterans Day, 11 November 2017, military exchanges started offering online exchange shopping privileges to an estimated 15 million honorably discharged veterans….Army & Air Force Exchange Service.
| Type | Department store, Government agency |
|---|---|
| Parent | United States Department of Defense (1947–present) |
| Website |
How do I become a military vendor?
Checklist: Necessary Steps to Becoming a Military Supplier
- Obtain a D-U-N-S: Your first step is to obtain a free, 9-digit Dun & Bradstreet number for each location of business involved in manufacturing for the military.
- Confirm Your Taxpayer ID: All suppliers must have a valid IRS taxpayer ID number.
What does an Army PX sell?
You can find electronics, tactical gear, clothes, small and large appliances, bath and personal care items, cellphones and computers, fitness equipment and food gifts at your exchange.
Can a 9 year old watch a 5 year old?
What ages can a 9-10 year old babysit? You can babysit children age five and up if you are mature and responsible.
How long are military contracts?
The Army offers enlistment contracts of two years, three years, four years, five years, and six years. Only a few Army jobs are available for two and three year enlistees (mainly those jobs that don’t require much training time, and that the Army is having a hard time getting enough recruits).
What does PX stand for?
| Acronym | Definition |
|---|---|
| PX | Pixel |
| PX | Post Exchange (US Army base retail store) |
| PX | Prefix (Morse Code abbreviation) |
| PX | Pressure (engine) |
What PX stand for?
PX means “Part Exchange.”
Is military commissary cheaper?
Does the commissary save you more money than civilian stores? The answer is yes… and no. Generally, consumers save 30% when they shop at the commissary compared to civilian stores-assuming they shopped like the average shopper. But on occasion you’ll find the same items cheaper at civilian stores.
So what is a commissary? Commissaries are basically your neighborhood grocery store, located on military installations worldwide. The commissary sells food and household items at prices that are often below other grocery stores.
Who is eligible to live on base?
- Active Duty military and families.
- Guard and Reserve military and families.
- Federal civil service employees.
- Retired military and federal civil service.
- DoD contractors.
- The general public.
Can I babysit on base?
Each military service has an in-home childcare provider program that allows home-based babysitters both on base and off to be certified through the service. Those home-based centers accept a smaller number of children than traditional daycares. Fees for these providers are often the same as they are for the CDCs.
United States Department of Defense
As of Veterans Day, 11 November 2017, military exchanges started offering online exchange shopping privileges to an estimated 15 million honorably discharged veterans….Army & Air Force Exchange Service.Type Department store, Government agency Parent United States Department of Defense (1947–present) Website Do you need a military ID to shop on base?
Who can shop at the commissary? The commissary, like most of the services on base, is reserved for certain people as a benefit of serving. You must have your ID card with you to buy your items. All kinds of military IDs are accepted at the commissary — active duty, Guard and Reserve, dependents and retirees.
Where can I open a business on a military base?
Another place that can help family members who wish to start a business in military housing is the Army Community Services, Navy Family Services Center or Air Force Family Support Center. These places are geared towards providing all sorts of information to help military families in many different situations.
Are there military bases in the United States?
Information about business opportunities with military bases (Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps) and Department of Defense (DoD) organizations across the United States. Each entry includes:
What can you do on a military base?
Some of the types of jobs that are allowed to operate while you are living in military housing include: Childcare. Bookkeeping. Craft business. Sewing and tailoring. Graphics. Sales such as toys, Tupperware, Pampered Chef, etc. Food such as cakes, catering or specialty foods.
Is it good to start a military defense business?
If you have any idea whatsoever about security or the military defense coupled with a sharp business acumen of an entrepreneur, then you are good to start a business. There are several lucrative ideas in this field, however only 50 will be listed. All businesses require study and a bit of investment.
