Army redirecting millions collected from soldier BAS pay meant for food services elsewhere: report

The U.S. Army has come under scrutiny for redirecting millions of dollars intended to support soldiers’ food costs, raising concerns about how military funds are being allocated. According to an investigation by Military.com, the Army has been diverting a significant portion of the Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) pay collected from enlisted soldiers living in barracks. The BAS is a monthly stipend provided to soldiers to help cover their food expenses, but instead of being used for that purpose, a substantial amount of the funds are being pooled into general Army funds and spent elsewhere. This practice has sparked outrage among lawmakers and advocates, who argue that taking money meant for soldiers’ meals undermines their well-being and military readiness.

The BAS program is designed to provide enlisted soldiers with financial support for food, as those living in barracks do not have access to meal services like their counterparts in other living situations. On average, enlisted soldiers receive approximately $465 per month as part of their BAS. However, the investigation revealed that at 11 of the Army’s largest bases, $151 million out of the $225 million collected from soldiers’ BAS pay in the past year was redirected away from food services. This diversion effectively acts as a “tax” on soldiers, taking money that was intended to help them afford meals and using it for unspecified purposes. An anonymous Army official confirmed that the redirected funds are being absorbed into the Army’s general budget, with no clear explanation of how they are being utilized.

The investigation highlighted that most of the bases examined were diverting more than half of the BAS funds away from food services. Only two bases—Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska and Fort Bliss in Texas—did not exceed the 50% threshold. The lack of transparency about where the money is being spent has raised questions and concerns. Rep. Jill Tokuda, D-Hawaii, called for an immediate investigation and accountability, stating, “Stealing food money from our soldiers is not how we achieve military readiness.” She emphasized that the $151 million redirected from soldiers’ food allowances demands swift action to ensure that funds are being used as intended.

The issue of misallocating BAS funds is not new. In 2020, Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, raised the matter during a budget hearing with then-Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy, suggesting that either the Army was wasting half of the food funds or diverting them to other purposes. However, the issue was not pursued further, and the problem appears to have persisted. The Army has struggled in recent years to provide adequate meals for soldiers, further complicating the situation. For example, Fort Cavazos in Texas, one of the Army’s largest bases, was operating only two of its 10 dining halls in the summer of 2023. Similarly, Fort Carson in Colorado resorted to serving soldiers meals of just lima beans and toast in November of the same year.

The quality and availability of food for soldiers have been a growing concern. Many bases have turned to serving prepackaged meals from kiosks as a cost-cutting measure. These meals are often high in sugar and low in protein, raising nutritional concerns. Soldiers have frequently complained about the poor quality of dining hall food, citing issues such as undercooked meat, a lack of fresh ingredients, and unseasoned meals. This has led to a decline in the use of dining halls, with many soldiers opting to buy their own food instead. Army officials have justified the reduction in meal services by citing lower demand, but critics argue that the root of the problem lies in the mismanagement of funds meant for food services.

The diversion of BAS funds and the resulting decline in food quality have serious implications for soldier morale and readiness. As the Army continues to grapple with these challenges, lawmakers and advocates are pushing for greater accountability and transparency in how military funds are being used. The issue serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring that resources intended to support soldiers’ basic needs are used for their intended purpose. Until then, many soldiers will continue to bear the burden of inadequate food support, raising questions about the Army’s commitment to their well-being.