Action Line #91108 -- BX/Commissary for Retirees

Published Dec. 29, 2009
By 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Complaint:

I was wondering why retirees do not have BX and Commissary privileges on Incirlik.

Response:

Thank you for your interest in this matter that affects many people in Turkey.

The NATO Status of Forces Agreement is the treaty that governs our presence in Turkey. In accordance with the NATO SOFA, DoD personnel and their dependents must be assigned to Turkey or on temporary duty (on orders) to shop at the BX/Commissary. Anyone who is not on official duty in Turkey, whether they are visiting Turkey or living in Turkey, is not authorized to shop at the BX/Commissary. US contractors may have access depending on their specific contract. US contractors having access to these facilities have the privileges listed on their badge or on a separate access letter, which must be carried with them.

All other personnel normally authorized access to BX/commissary facilities in the US, such as retirees and active-duty/reserve component members on leave Turkey, are prohibited from purchasing goods in the commissary, BX and shoppette.