Starting tomorrow, Department of Defense civilian employees will be allowed to shop at military exchange stores in the U.S. and its territories. And by mid-October, online exchange access will also be available for both active and retired DoD civilian employees.

According to a release from the U.S. Naval Base Public Affairs Office, shopping access does not include the purchase of military uniforms, tobacco products or alcohol.

DoD civilian employees will have to present a valid DoD Common Access Card at point of sale. If they don't have a CAC card, they must present other valid proof of employment.

According to the release, NEX, in coordination with Installation Commands, reserves the right to limit quantities of merchandise if NEX anticipates stock levels to be strained by excessive buying and/or supply chain issues.

Also, DoD contractors are not included in and are not authorized to shop at base exchanges.