The Realization
AAFES (The Army Air Force Exchange Service) is not a store for everyone, although by design it is supposed to be. It is only a store for adults who do not mind being bombarded with sexually explicit slogans and images throughout the store. Additionally, AAFES has no policy that prevents children from purchasing CDs with explicit lyrics, movies that are rated R (Restricted), and or video games that are rated M (Mature). Because of this, we are asking AAFES to incorporate policies that are very similar to what Wal-Mart has already put in place. We call this standard "the Wal-Mart Standard". In time, we hope that AAFES rises to the challenge and adopts this standard as the norm so that children and principled adults can shop for supplies in a family-friendly environment.
Our Mission
Our mission is to help AAFES make sensible changes to its current policies that result in every AAFES establishment becoming family-friendly.
A Call to AAFES
1. Incorporate a pro-family stance into the AAFES Mission Statement reflecting the values of the people AAFES serves - military families.
2. Develop, publish, and implement a family-friendly policy. The following must be included in this policy:
2a. Stop selling all pornography (e.g. Playboy) and publications that appeal to prurient interest (e.g. Maxim, FHM, Stuff, Cosmopolitan, Heavy Metal).
2b. Do not position any publications that might be interpreted as offensive in areas where the customer is a captive audience (e.g. checkout aisle, store entrance, restroom hallway).
2c. Stop selling all music labeled "Explicit Lyrics".
2d. Post a sign clearly visible at each register and enforce a policy that states no rated "M for Mature" games and "R for Restricted" movies will be sold to anyone less than 18 years of age.
Contact AAFES
Anyone can call (1-800-527-6790) or email them at commander@aafes.com. You can also fill out an online comment form if you are in the military. They always send a response, so let them know what you think about this important issue!
When the First Infantry Division deployed to Iraq, the Commanding General, MG John Batiste, issued General Order #1. The purpose of this order is to "identify conduct that is prejudicial to good order and discipline while deployed in the Iraqi Theater of Operations."
One of the items identified as prohibited in this order is the use of pornography. Apparently, according to MG Batiste, pornography (to include sexually explicit images and words) affects "good order and discipline" in the ranks of the 1st ID while serving in Iraq. Below are the exact words dealing with sexually explicit items.
4. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES:
c. Possession, transfer, sale, creation, or display of any pornographic or sexually explicit material.
5. DEFINITIONS:
d. Pornography: Any depiction (either by writing or picture) of erotic behavior intended to cause sexual excitement.
Now what does all this mean to AAFES? AAFES is to support the mission of the military. The military is not a career or job, it is a profession. Within this profession, there is a seperate standard - a seperate mission. AAFES' sole job is to support the men and women of the Armed Forces. According to this, their products should be in line with the military mission.
How can Soldiers, who train to fight wars, switch from buying pornography and sexually explicit materials at their local government store (AAFES) and then deploy and be expected to immediatly do away with it altogether? The bottom line is Service Members shouldn't have to. AAFES should be supportive, in-touch with the mission, and make the adjustment.
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