The on post GameStop located at Fort Jackson is scheduled to close abruptly with little notice to the military community. This decision will have a significant negative impact on Soldier morale accessibility and quality of life on one of the largest training installations in the United States Army.

Fort Jackson supports a constantly rotating population of trainees permanent party Soldiers families and civilian employees. Many trainees and junior Soldiers do not have personal vehicles or reliable off post access. For these Soldiers on post retail and recreation options are not conveniences they are necessities.

Beyond its retail function the Fort Jackson GameStop has become a morale and community hub particularly for the trading card community including Pokémon. On release days Soldiers from across the rank spectrum trainees noncommissioned officers officers and senior leaders regularly gather at this location. These gatherings foster positive morale mentorship and community cohesion in an otherwise restrictive and high tempo training environment.

The availability of GameStop exclusive products on post is especially meaningful. For many trainees this store represents their only opportunity to participate in these morale boosting activities. Having a shared and positive outlet helps Soldiers decompress build connections and maintain resilience during training.

The abrupt nature of this closure without advance communication or a transition plan creates the perception that Soldier quality of life considerations were secondary to administrative or contractual decisions. On a training installation of this size that perception matters.

If this closure decision originated with GameStop corporate leadership we respectfully request that Army & Air Force Exchange Service advocate on behalf of the Soldiers and families of Fort Jackson. If AAFES holds decision authority we respectfully ask that this closure be paused reviewed or reconsidered.

We ask for consideration of reasonable alternatives such as reduced operating hours seasonal or training cycle aligned operations relocation within the Exchange footprint or a delayed closure while a full review is conducted with installation leadership.

AAFES and GameStop both play important roles in supporting the military community. The Fort Jackson GameStop serves a unique function that extends beyond retail and its loss would have a disproportionate impact on morale for Soldiers with limited alternatives.

We respectfully request that this decision be paused reviewed and reconsidered with Soldier morale and accessibility as the priority.