The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) operates grocery stores on military installations for service members, retirees, and their families. Because commissaries are federal facilities on military bases, the age requirements for working there often differ from standard civilian grocery stores. Understanding these specific minimum age rules and mandatory base access procedures is necessary for this career path. This article clarifies the minimum age and eligibility requirements for commissary employment.
Minimum Age Requirements for Commissary Jobs
The standard minimum age for direct federal employment with the Defense Commissary Agency is 18 years old. This requirement applies to permanent, full-status positions within the federal workforce, which include the benefits and responsibilities of a federal civil service employee.
Federal regulations permit exceptions, allowing individuals as young as 16 to be hired if they meet certain criteria. These criteria include having graduated high school, completed a formal vocational program, or being enrolled in secondary school and working part-time under a formal student employment program. DeCA sometimes uses the Pathways Programs to promote opportunities for students and recent graduates in the federal workforce.
The age requirements are significantly different for bagger positions, which are not federal jobs. Commissary baggers are self-employed licensees, not employees of DeCA or the federal government, and they earn income solely from customer tips. While the minimum age for baggers is often 16, some military installations may allow individuals who are 15 or even 14 years old to serve in carry-out or cart-pushing roles, often as part of youth employment programs. This minimum age can vary based on the specific military branch or the installation’s commanding officer, especially for overseas locations.
Mandatory Eligibility Requirements for Working on a Military Base
Working at a commissary requires meeting mandatory eligibility criteria that go beyond typical job qualifications because the workplace is a secure federal installation. The most fundamental requirement is obtaining base access, which is necessary for daily work. Individuals who do not possess a valid military ID card, such as a dependent or retiree ID, must be sponsored for an installation pass.
Sponsorship necessitates a background check against federal databases, like the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), to ensure the applicant is not a security risk. Federal employees require a more thorough background investigation to determine suitability for federal employment. Depending on the position’s sensitivity, applicants may need to complete the Standard Form 85 (SF-85) or the SF-85P to determine trustworthiness and reliability.
The investigation process establishes the applicant’s suitability for the position, which is a required condition of employment for federal jobs. Applicants must disclose information regarding their history, including residences, employment, and any criminal conduct. A final determination of suitability is made by the federal agency and is distinct from a security clearance, which is only required for positions needing access to classified information.
Typical Entry-Level Positions at the Commissary
Commissaries offer a variety of entry-level positions that align with minimum age requirements for younger workers. These roles provide valuable retail experience while serving the military community. Common federal positions include Store Worker roles, which involve tasks like shelf stocking and receiving shipments.
Federal positions typically require the minimum age of 18, or 16 through specific student programs. These roles include:
Cashier Positions
Cashiers handle customer transactions and money, requiring attention to detail and good customer service skills.
Deli or Produce Clerk Roles
These roles focus on preparing and merchandising perishable goods, requiring adherence to strict food safety guidelines.
The bagger position remains the most common entry point for the youngest workers, as they are not federal employees. Baggers are not paid wages; they offer carry-out services and rely solely on tips from patrons. This structure provides a service while offering employment opportunities to military dependents who may be under the age for federal civil service.
Navigating the Commissary Job Application Process
The application process differs depending on whether the position is a direct federal job or a non-federal licensed role like a bagger. All direct federal positions with DeCA are formally advertised and processed through USAJOBS.gov, the official employment site for the U.S. federal government. Applicants must create a detailed profile on USAJOBS and submit their application documents through the portal.
For federal positions, the job announcement explicitly states the minimum age, citizenship status, and any educational or experience requirements. Reading the announcement thoroughly ensures specific eligibility criteria for that location and job title are met. Required documentation includes proof of age, evidence of eligibility to work in the U.S., and any military affiliation documentation if applying under a specific hiring preference.
Applications for non-federal positions, such as baggers, are not handled through USAJOBS. Individuals interested in these roles must usually apply directly to the specific commissary store or through a third-party contractor. Contacting the store director or the head bagger at the local commissary is necessary for specific instructions and application forms for these non-federal opportunities.