Thoughts on the New "deployment" to Korea? Is it right for them to take Soldiers BAS in return for a meal card?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 05:23:42 -0400

Response by CSM Michael Chavaree made Apr 1 at 2016 5:45 AM

CSM Michael Chavaree — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 05:45:37 -0400

If they are fed 3 squares a day... Then yes

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Apr 1 at 2016 8:00 AM

SSG Robert Webster — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 08:00:11 -0400

It depends. In one of the other discussions, it has been brought out that the chain of command has not been fulfilling their responsibilities to support the soldiers in this regard about this very same subject. However, for an Infantryman in an Infantry unit in Korea, this should not be a problem. For Aviators and some of the other support units where their DFAC is not near their place of duty, this becomes a greater issue and problem.

Response by Cpl Jon Westbrook made Apr 1 at 2016 8:09 AM

Cpl Jon Westbrook — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 08:09:56 -0400

Dude I never even had an option to have anything other than a meal card. We only got Com Rats if we were married. The point is, eat at the damn chow hall. Its not that bad lol.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2016 8:46 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 08:46:25 -0400

Doesn't matter if they are getting BAS or meal card. Bottom line is they are getting fed. I mean not such a bad world.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Apr 1 at 2016 10:13 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 10:13:21 -0400

BAS- Basic Allowance for Subsistence It is not provided for, never has been for any other purpose than putting food in the service member's mouth. It is not a "benefit" it is not in part in any way for your spouse. It was not, never intended to figure into compensation provided (as in pay an benefits)
It is to put food in your mouth ..if said food is provided to you, no BAS is authorized.
All that said...if a commander chooses not to stop BAS when a SM is otherwise being provided substance, I have no issue with it. Often missed meals, in between meal snacks and the like mean DFAC 3 times a day is not always a realistic substitute.

Response by SSG Javier Antonsanti made Apr 1 at 2016 10:16 AM

SSG Javier Antonsanti — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 10:16:21 -0400

I understand that some Soldiers, BAS is a financial need because of the families they leave behind, but sticking to a budget helps through the financial shortfall.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Apr 1 at 2016 10:28 AM

MCPO Roger Collins — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 10:28:18 -0400

c. Limitation. Soldiers are authorized only one type of BAS rate. Authorization of BAS cannot cover retroactive periods. Basic Allowance for Subsistence can be paid from the time an oral authorization is given by the approving authority. The oral approval must be confirmed in writing within 5 working days under normal circumstances using DA Form 4187, Personnel Action. Soldiers are not authorized BAS when furnished meals or issued a meal card.

Response by SFC William Adamek made Apr 1 at 2016 1:04 PM

SFC William Adamek — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 13:04:31 -0400

I guess the military has changed more than I thought if it is an option for commands not to take BAS away if they are providing meals. I would think that choosing not to pull the BAS while providing the meals would be a knowing theft of government funds and punishable under UCMJ. Having been in commands with remote sites, I understand that there are exceptions. but those exceptions were based on non-availability of a dining facility

Response by SFC Thomas Howes made Apr 1 at 2016 2:28 PM

SFC Thomas Howes — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 14:28:29 -0400

When I was there back in 1998 I was still on my BAS they didn't even offer a meal card

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2016 4:02 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 16:02:23 -0400

Yes. If the chow hall is open then you eat there unless you want to pay out off pocket. We are under new management gents and ladies. We have to tighten our belts and do what is right under regs to free up training money. BAS was never an option in Germany when I was there for single soldiers living in quarters.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2016 5:11 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 17:11:44 -0400

When I was stationed there the meal card was all everybody got, unless they were on an accompanied tour. So, is it "right"? I ask, when did the policy change? Thats a lot of money the military spent that it didn't have to spend.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Apr 1 at 2016 6:05 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 18:05:13 -0400

Considering that almost all of these Soldiers will be living in barracks on post (officers included) with a DFAC readily available, then yes, it is appropriate.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2016 6:09 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 18:09:33 -0400

dependent on if one is a single soldier or not, if you're married, and the only income is yours, you may have to have an allotment set aside just for your meals. Which would be prudent. IF you still get BAS that is, if you get a meal card, well then it's kind of moot you get no bas and have to adjust your spending throughout the month accordingly.

Response by SPC James Dollins made Apr 1 at 2016 6:11 PM

SPC James Dollins — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 18:11:11 -0400

As it was explained to me a long time ago... BAH is for your family, (if you have one) BAS is for the soldier if they aren't required to eat in the chow hall, due to being married, or it not being available. Sorry for your luck.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2016 12:03 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Apr 2016 12:03:27 -0400

This happened in 2007 as well; my BN "deployed" to Korea on TCS orders. "Right" or "Wrong", in our case each Soldier lost money for a year to be away from family.

Add rotational Bns into a BDE with Soldiers on PCS orders (at the time getting AIP bonuses) and there was a lot of "have" vs "have nots".

Response by CW4 Angel C. made Apr 20 at 2016 9:43 AM

CW4 Angel C. — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 09:43:57 -0400

Well not if it's a "deployment"

Response by Jo W. made Feb 1 at 2017 1:19 PM

Jo W. — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 13:19:03 -0500

If the meal card is being used, yes, by all means, take the BAS. Something nobody seems to be clarifying for the families though: Is the BAS being taken even when the soldier is NOT using the DFAC? IF my husband, for instance, spends less than his BAS on groceries for himself over the course of the month, cooks or prepares his meals in room (or eats at his desk as he often works through lunch), is he still being charged against his BAS at the DFAC? The current rotations are nine months, not a year, but nobody can shed light for the families whether or not the Army would be "double charging" soldiers for food when they purchase groceries in lieu of using the DFAC. This would be a concern for any family who needs to budget during the deployment and doesn't want to risk losing more money than necessary. Any insights?