The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) operates a worldwide system of grocery stores known as "commissaries" that provide quality groceries at the lowest possible cost to active-duty military members, retirees, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and their families. This valued part of the military's compensation package enhances quality of life, aids in retaining qualified people on active duty, helps maintain morale and fulfills prior commitments made to military retirees.

DeCA Headquarters is located at Fort Lee, Virginia, from which it oversees a worldwide system of commissaries. The agency employs about 18,000 people to manage and operate its system of more than 290 commissaries whose annual sales total $5 billion. The agency was established on October 1, 1991, consolidating duties and functions previously administered by the systems of the four individual branches of the military. Because the agency is a civilian organization, you do not have to join the military to work for DeCA.

DeCA offers several employment opportunities for students: