A shocking new report reveals that over $151 million meant for soldier meals at 11 major Army bases has been diverted elsewhere. As a result, food insecurity among junior enlisted soldiers continues to rise. Many struggle daily to access nutritious meals on base.
Financial Mismanagement Exposed
These funds come from service members’ Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS)—a $460 monthly stipend meant to cover food expenses. However, instead of ensuring proper nutrition, a significant portion has been redirected elsewhere.
For junior enlisted personnel earning around $30,000 per year, this deduction creates a serious financial burden. Although the Army collected $225 million at 11 bases, only $74 million actually funded meals. Consequently, the total misused funds across all 104 Army garrisons could be substantially higher.
Lack of Transparency Raises Concerns
Despite growing concerns, the Army has refused to disclose where the unspent funds have gone. Since dining hall maintenance and food service salaries come from separate budgets, officials should have clear answers. Yet, despite repeated inquiries, they have provided none.
When pressed for details, the Army vaguely stated that food expenditures depend on dining facility attendance. However, this explanation does not clarify why most BAS funds remain unaccounted for.
How Meal Funds Were Spent (FY 2024)
According to Military.com, financial data from Fiscal Year 2024 (October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024) shows stark discrepancies between BAS funds collected and actual food expenditures:
| Base | Collected | Spent on Food | % Unaccounted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Stewart, GA | $17M | $2.1M | 87% |
| Fort Drum, NY | $18.2M | $3.9M | 79% |
| Fort Carson, CO | $22M | $5M | 77% |
| Fort Riley, KS | $19.1M | $5.1M | 73% |
| Fort Bliss, TX | $22M | $11M | 50% |
| Fort Cavazos, TX | $42.5M | $11.7M | 72% |
| Fort Bragg, NC | $34.6M | $16.6M | 52% |
| Fort Campbell, KY | $18M | $5.1M | 72% |
| Schofield Barracks, HI | $14.5M | $5.3M | 63% |
| Fort Wainwright, AK | $9M | $3M | 67% |
| Fort Richardson, AK | $7.5M | $4M | 47% |
Misuse of Funds Across Bases
At Fort Stewart, GA, 87% of meal funds were redirected elsewhere. Likewise, Schofield Barracks, HI retained only 37% for food. Given these figures, it is unclear how leadership justifies these spending decisions.
Growing Calls for Accountability
With millions of dollars vanishing from meal budgets, calls for transparency and accountability continue to grow. Junior enlisted soldiers already struggle with food insecurity, yet their leadership fails to provide answers.
Unless the Army addresses this financial mismanagement soon, both trust in leadership and soldier well-being will continue to decline.
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