DefCom Australia is a loyalty card purchasing scheme for: regular and full-time Reserve members of the Australian Defence Force; certain 'Protector' organisations, such as firefighters, ambulance and emergency response personnel including the Wireless Institute of Australia's emergency response amateur radio personnel, etc.; and (fee may apply): Defence civilian staff; family members of the above (fee may apply); and certain other categories of people similar to these. History The Government of Australia established the scheme instead of establishing an organisation similar to the United States' Base/Post exchange shops. The Defence Force Discount Buying Scheme commenced operations in April 1990. Known as the Defence Force Privilege Card scheme, it was developed by Defcom Pty. Ltd. (private enterprise) and is designed to give ADF members, their families and former members of the ADF the opportunity to buy a wide range of goods and services at discount rates. Later, the organisations and people participating as members was opened up to 'protector' organisations. Scheme DefCom establishes discount relationships with franchise groups and individual businesses in areas of high concentration of Defence and similar personnel. Members use an annually issued directory, or the scheme web site, to find a participating business selling the item they require. The member presents the membership card at the time of purchase and claims the discount. Haggling may follow this. Merchandise and services Merchandise offered includes: Accommodation Cars — New & Used Credit Cards (MasterCard and Visa card) Holidays Finance and Investment services Leisure & Theme Parks Merchants — Local Traders in each area, State and National Companies, Online marketing Wine club See also Department of Defence (Australia) Base exchange References External links DefCom official site Customer loyalty programs in Australia Military pay and benefits Marketing companies of Australia Australian Defence Force