Now and then, an idea comes along to make you slap your
forehead in wonder that no one thought of it sooner.
Navy Exchange Service Command has hit on such an idea that may
take a lot of the hassle out of moving.
Anyone with exchange privileges can link to a new program through
the Navy Exchange home page at http://www.navytimes.com/www.navy-nex.com
and set up water, heating, power and other utilities, newspaper
delivery, phone lines and many other household services, all without
leaving his computer. In theory, you can arrange to have all those
services up and running the day you move into your new home.
For services offered by more than one firm in a given area, such
as phone service, users can mix features and compare prices to get
the best deal from among the different participating firms.
The program covers all Navy markets - and the many Marines,
airmen and soldiers in those markets. There are plans to expand it
via the exchange Web site to 10 big metropolitan areas by September,
blanketing about 80 percent of all stateside service members.
All of which raises the question: Where's the Army and Air Force
Exchange Service?
After all, this is a program that seems to have no downside. It
would ease greatly the logistical headaches of setting up a new
household. It's free to both service members and the Navy. And since
the exchange collects fees from participating companies based on the
number of people who sign up for services via its Web site, the
program also boosts Navy morale, welfare and recreation dividends.
Right now, members of other services who link to the program
through exchange indirectly support Navy MWR - hardly a savvy
business strategy for AAFES, whose dividend returns to military MWR
programs have plummeted in recent years.
In fact, this seems to be another argument for exchange
consolidation, to ensure all troops and all MWR programs benefit.
AAFES needs to think about getting aboard this train now.