For our next installment of the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot – Learning the Lingo Series, we are going to take a look at some of the buildings at your duty station!

Oh, and don’t stress if the numbering system for building numbers makes ZERO SENSE to you…it’s a military thing! So, totally expect a Bldg. 1500 near a Bldg. P61, which is across the street from Hanger A. Don’t try to make sense of it, just roll with it! HA! IYKYK, right?

Military Shopping:

• AAFES – Army and Air Force Exchange Service
• BX – Base Exchange
• CGX – Coast Guard Exchange
• Class 6 – Store that Sells Alcohol (usually part of Express or Shoppette)
• Commissary – Military Grocery Store
• Concessionaires – Vendors that Sell Their Goods on Base (usually in or near Exchange facilities)
• DeCA – Defense Commissary Agency (See Commissary)
• Exchanges – Military Department Stores
• Express or Shoppette – Convenience Store & Gas Station
• Food Court – A Variety of Restaurants (usually in or near Exchange facilities)
• MCX – Marine Corps Exchange
• Military Clothing Sales – Store for All Military Clothing Needs
• NEX – Navy Exchange
• PX – Post Exchange

Other Places on the Installation:

• APO – Army Post Office (overseas)
• ARC – American Red Cross
• Armory – Weapons Building
• CDC – Child Development Center
• DFAC – Dining Facility
• DPO – Diplomatic Post Office (overseas)
• FPO – Fleet Post Office (overseas)
• HAWC – Health and Wellness Center
• HQ – Headquarters
• MTF – Military Treatment Facility
• PSC – Postal Service Center
• TLF – Temporary Living/Lodging Facility

While you may still say, “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot” when it comes to their buildings numbers, hopefully this helps you get started with many of the names and acronyms of some of the more popular places on an installation! Please note that some of these places could vary by duty station and branch, and that not all locations will have all of these buildings!

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