Aafes Management and Leadership Paper

The Army and Air Force Exchange Services (AAFES) is an agency of the US Department of Defense but it is not financially subsidized by the government. It operates more than 3,100 facilities such as retail stores, fast food restaurants, and movie theaters worldwide, in more than 30 countries, 5 U.S. territories and 49 states. AAFES mission are to provide quality merchandise and services to military families worldwide at competitively low prices to generate earnings to be used to supplement United States Army and Air Force Morale, Welfare, Recreation (MWR Program), building new stores and to renovate existing facilities. (AAFES, 2007). AAFES motto "We Go Where You Go" supports the men and women in Armed Forces all over the world by providing them services whether during war time or peace. (AAFES, 2007). AAFES headquarters is located in Dallas, Texas and is commanded by a Brigadier General.

AAFES management and leaders always take a close look with their culture and evaluate the company's strengths and weaknesses, the customers, and the outside competition. The company form a list of core values in which it describe the desired behavior of each associates. These important values are; integrity, trust, accountability, teamwork, empowerment, compassion, risk taking, and creativity. To be honest and to have an open communication were practiced in the organization; they have confidence, consistent in making rules, and able to handle adversity without blaming or destroying the morale of others. Establishing integrity for their customers is show on their knowledgeable people, being in stock on advertised specials and to have the best price. As part of an integrity issue, trust is built with each other by delegating important matters to others and trusts that they will meet the commitments and provide a quality work. AAFES associates take responsibility for their actions, if things go wrong they will be willing to admit it and learn from it. Teamwork shown in the contribution of each members and achieving the same goals. AAFES associates are given the right training, responsibility, authority and resources that needed in order to respond effectively to any situations. Compassion is also practice in the organization; as a service company for the military people they always demonstrate genuine care and concern to their customers and also with employees. AAFES management are encouraging their leaders and associates to be a risk taker, they want