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!
What we are asking of AAFES, with regards to our "
Call to AAFES", is to follow the pro-family example of Wal-Mart - especially with M-rated video games (for 17 or older).
FixAAFES.org commends AAFES for not selling A-rated video games (for adults), but we stress that the lack of a plan for M-rated games is unsatisfactory.
The following information about what Wal-Mart is doing to police up the video game industry was taken from
ICCR.org. Wal-Mart is currently doing the following:
1. Wal-Mart forbids the selling of A-rated games. AAFES does also.
2. Wal-Mart has cash register prompts reminding cashiers that they must verify the age of a customer purchasing M-rated games. AAFES doesn't.
3. Wal-Mart formally trains its cashiers about video game ratings. AAFES doesn't.
4. Wal-Mart has empowered its stores to take disciplinary action. AAFES hasn't.
5. Wal-Mart displays signs with ESRB Ratings and Meanings. AAFES doesn't.
6. Wal-Mart has a policy that prohibits the selling of M-rated games to those under seventeen years of age. AAFES doesn't.
Wal-Mart gets 6 thumbs up. AAFES gets only 1 thumbs up and 5 thumbs down. Our Military and their children deserve better than that.
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