In a startling revelation, financial data reviewed by Military.com has uncovered that the U.S. Army is repurposing more than half of the money it collects from junior enlisted soldiers for food. This diversion of resources is occurring at a time when troops are struggling to find nutritious food on base.
The money in question comes from the Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), which is meant to cover food costs for service members living in barracks. Roughly $460 per month is automatically deducted from these soldiers’ paychecks. For junior enlisted personnel earning about $30,000 annually, this deduction represents a significant financial burden.
According to 2024 financial records from 11 of the Army’s largest bases, over $151 million of the $225 million collected from soldiers was not spent on food. Given that the Army operates 104 garrisons, the total unspent funds could be much higher.
At Fort Stewart, Georgia, soldiers contributed $17 million, yet only $2.1 million was used for food, meaning 87% of the funds were redirected. Similarly, Schofield Barracks in Hawaii collected $14.5 million but spent just $5.3 million on food, leaving 63% of the money unaccounted for.
Most bases left over half of the food money unspent. Only two—Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, and Fort Bliss, Texas—spent a more substantial portion, with 41% and 49% of funds unspent, respectively.
The Army has not disclosed where the unused funds are being allocated. Major expenses such as dining hall infrastructure and food service worker salaries come from separate funding sources, and Army officials declined to provide further financial data when pressed by Military.com.
The issue of feeding soldiers properly has been a growing concern. In 2023, Fort Cavazos, Texas, the Army’s largest base, struggled to maintain its food services, with only two of its ten dining facilities open during the summer months. This left many soldiers without access to regular meals.
The US Army recently introduced kiosks as a cheap alternative to traditional dining facilities. However, Military.com’s review of kiosk menus found that they offer mostly sugar-heavy, low-protein options, making it nearly impossible for soldiers to maintain proper nutrition. Efforts to improve food quality—such as former Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston’s push for healthier meals, including fresh protein shakes—failed due to bureaucratic hurdles.
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The mismanagement of food funds has drawn strong criticism from lawmakers.
“Stealing food money from our soldiers is not how we achieve military readiness,” said Rep. Jill Tokuda, D-Hawaii, whose district includes Schofield Barracks. “The fact that at least $151 million was collected from soldiers and not spent on food as required demands not just an immediate investigation, but swift accountability.”
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With growing scrutiny and mounting frustration among service members, pressure is increasing for the Army to provide transparency on where the missing funds have gone and to take immediate action to ensure soldiers receive the sustenance they are entitled to.
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