Of the $225 million collected by the U.S. Army for the food program for soldiers last year, only $74 million was $74 million, according to the report.
investigation Report From Military.com, we found that $151 million in funds collected from the Basic Allowance (BAS) program for enlisted soldiers were not on the plate.
“It's just returned to the big Army Fund pool and is using other locations,” an official told the outlet.
The money collected is essentially a “tax on the military,” and according to the report, it comes from a BAS payment of about $460 a month. That money is automatically deducted from the salary of a service member who lives in the barracks and helps to cover food costs. The report notes that “costs can be a result” for the lower-level troops, which earn around $30,000 a year.
The investigation report analyzed records from the 11 largest military bases in 2024, revealing the gap between money collected for food and what was actually spent on soldiers' food.
“Given the Army operates 104 risons, the true amount of funds that are not up to date is likely much higher,” the report said.
Fort Stewart, Georgia, for example, won $17 million from soldiers, but spent only $2.1 million on food. That means 87% of food was redirected to other projects. In another case, Hawaii's Schofield Barracks collected $14.5 million, but only spent $5.3 million.
The report found that only two of the 11 locations remain for more than half of the food, including the joint base in Elmendorf Richardson, Alaska and Fort Blis, Texas.
“Stolen food money from our soldiers is not a way for us to achieve military preparation,” Sen. Tokuda (D-HI) told the outlet in July. “The fact that at least $151 million has been collected from soldiers and not spent on food as a necessary request is not just an immediate investigation, but quick accountability.”
The investigation report continues in another one Report Due to the food shortage in Fort Carson, Colorado, some soldiers said they had to eat a dinner consisting of lima beans and toast.
Service members said that in addition to a lack of fresh, high quality ingredients, they are often served unhealthy, seasonal meals and undercooked meats. Substandard foods have led to fewer soldiers eating at facilities, and then, according to the report, there has been less money spent on food.
