Fort Carson, often referred to as “The Mountain Post,” has come under scrutiny for the state of its dining facilities (DFACs). While soldiers once praised the post for its excellent food and self-service policies, recent reports paint a starkly different picture of limited portions, unappetizing meals, and morale-eroding practices.
A recent Reddit post from a disgruntled soldier described being served little more than “brick-hard toast and dry lima beans” at the Robert C. Stack Dining Facility (DFAC) around 30 minutes after 5 pm. When they questioned why more food wasn’t available, the response was to come earlier—a solution that left the soldier feeling unheard and frustrated.
A Fall from Grace
Fort Carson DFACs weren’t always in such dire straits. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the dining facilities were praised for their innovative “Fueling the Soldier Athlete” program. One soldier reminisced:
“They would tell you to ‘take what you need to fuel yourself,’ and the serving utensils were on the customer side of the line. If you wanted double protein or an extra helping of a side, there was no haggling with a cook over your portion size; you just helped yourself.”
This forward-thinking approach prioritized nutrition and flexibility, allowing soldiers to tailor their meals to meet their individual needs. The program resonated with soldiers, emphasizing empowerment and readiness. However, these policies have since been replaced with stricter portion controls and limited menu options, leading one commenter to lament, “How did it fall so far in just a couple of years?”
Investments in All the Wrong Places?
One criticism is the perceived misallocation of funds. Fort Carson boasts custom dining trays emblazoned with “The Mountain Post,” a touch meant to foster pride and unity. However, one soldier pointedly remarked:
“If only they invested as much money into the food as they did those custom trays…”
The juxtaposition of flashy aesthetics with subpar food quality highlights what many soldiers feel is a misalignment of priorities. Dining facilities, they argue, should focus less on appearances and more on delivering consistent, quality meals.
COVID-19 and the Changing Landscape
The pandemic undeniably disrupted operations at military installations worldwide, and Fort Carson was no exception. Social distancing protocols, staffing shortages, and budget cuts led to a shift in DFAC practices, with many bases streamlining services or adopting stricter portion controls. However, as life has normalized, the lingering effects of these changes remain, leaving soldiers asking why pre-COVID standards haven’t returned.
The Bigger Picture: Food and Morale
Dining facilities play a critical role in soldier morale and readiness. Soldiers spend long hours training, working, and maintaining operational readiness; for many, DFAC meals are their primary source of nourishment. Subpar meals can erode trust in leadership and make soldiers feel undervalued.
Leaders at Fort Carson and beyond face a critical challenge: how to balance budgets and operational constraints while ensuring soldiers receive the quality and quantity of food they need. Restoring the principles of programs like “Fueling the Soldier Athlete” could be a key step toward rebuilding trust and morale.
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