The Marine Corps West Coast Commissary Complex: an ex post evaluation

Abstract

The Marine Corps West Coast Commissary Complex was established in 1979 in response to Congressional and Department of Defense pressures to improve the efficiency of commissaries in all military services. The Complex consolidated the functions of personnel management, procurement, accounting, and distribution of non-perishable goods in support of six previously independent stores, and incorporates a system of automated communication and data processing. This study evaluates the advantages of consolidation, which include economies of scale, enhanced management, and improved inventory and cash flow management and customer service. The performance of the Complex is compared with other military commissary systems and with commercial food retailers, and suggestions are made for further improvements in commissary operations.