Army Installation Management Command, Exchange Partnering to Strengthen Military Communities

DALLAS – The Exchange and Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM) are intensifying cooperative efforts to strengthen support of Soldiers and their families.

Three key initiatives—the launch of a Digital Garrison app, creating a Quality-of-Life task force focused on improving services at austere locations and mission-essential services —are at the forefront on the IMCOM/Exchange partnership focused on further improving Army recruiting, retention and readiness efforts.

“IMCOM and the Exchange are going all in to make our Nation’s Army communities the No. 1 place to live and work,” said Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull. “Partnering on these will be key to accomplishing this objective.”

Initiatives include:

• Digital Garrison app. The app, which launched this month, puts information regarding all Quality-of-Life services at each installation in the hands of Soldiers and their families. Adaptive technology provides a seamless interface for Soldiers and families as they PCS or visit other installations.
• Quality-of-Life task force. Forts Irwin, Polk and Wainwright are part of a pilot program to improve the quality of life for Soldiers and their families at austere locations. Senior leaders visited installations and plan upgrades to main stores and Expresses, on-post dining as well as Wi-Fi infrastructure while extending job opportunities to military spouses.
• Mission-essential services. The Exchange works closely with IMCOM leadership in times of natural disaster or crisis. Exchange senior leaders, regional and local management teams are fully nested with command teams to protect the forces, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“IMCOM and Exchange benefits have long been interconnected,” said IMCOM Commanding General Lt. Gen. Douglas M. Gabram. “These new efforts build on this long-standing partnership to drive needed improvements for Army families.”

Shopping the Exchange supports Quality-of-Life programs as 100% of Exchange earnings are returned to the military community. In 2019, the Exchange achieved $217 million in dividend-eligible earnings, with $126 million generated for critical Army programs including Child, Youth and School Services; Armed Forces Recreation Centers and more. In the last 10 years, the Exchange has contributed $2.2 billion to morale, welfare, and recreation programs integral to Army and Air Force recruiting, readiness and resiliency.