Exchange shopping approved for more than half a million DoD, Coast Guard civilians 3 hours ago DoD and Coast Guard civilians will soon be able to shop in exchange stores in the U.S. DoD civilians stationed outside the U.S. have exchange shopping privileges. (AAFES) More than half a million Defense Department and Coast Guard civilian employees with a Common Access Card will be able to shop in military exchange stores by mid-May, according to a new Department of Defense directive. The directive extends in-store and online exchange shopping privileges to appropriated fund and non-appropriated fund civilian employees who work in the U.S., and in U.S. territories and possessions, according to the memorandum signed by Virginia Penrod, acting under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness. It was effective April 12, and within 30 days, these shoppers will be allowed in Army and Air Force Exchange Service stores, Navy Exchange stores, and Marine Corps exchanges.