What is a BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence) in the Military?
The U.S. military provides Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to all members of the armed forces to help cover the costs of housing, regardless of where they are stationed or deployed. However, despite this allowance, military members are still responsible for meeting their own food expenses while serving. This is where Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) comes in.
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What is BAS?
Basic Allowance for Subsistence is a modest allowance provided to military personnel to help cover the cost of food while serving their country. The allowance varies based on the individual’s rank, pay grade, and duty status. Military personnel who are eligible to receive BAS include:
- Active duty members of all branches of the U.S. military
- members of the National Guard or Reserves who are entitled to pay and allowances from the federal government
- commissioned officers of the public health service and the medical services corps
How is BAS Computed?
BAS is computed at a flat rate per meal and is based on Rank and Pay Grade, with higher-ranking and commissioned officers receiving a higher allocation. The rates are recalculated annually to reflect the average cost of food consumed by military personnel. Effective October 1 of each year, the Basic Allowance for Subsistence rates are updated as follows:
| Rank / Pay Grade | Daily Rates |
|---|---|
| E-1 (Private) | $10.35 |
| E-2-E-4 (Private-Private First Class) | $11.12 |
| E-5-E-8 (Corporal – Sergeant) | $11.89 |
| O-1-O-2 (Second Lieutenant–Lieutenant) | $12.66 |
Note: These rates may be subject to change in the future.
Who is Eligible to Receive BAS?
Military personnel in pay grades E-1 to O-11, including commissioned officers of the public health service and the medical services corps, are eligible to receive the Basic Allowance for Subsistence. This includes:
- Actively serving members of all branches of the U.S. military
- Enlisted personnel and officers below the rank of O-11
- Commissioned officers of the public health service and the medical services corps
- Members of the National Guard or Reserves who are entitled to pay and allowances from the federal government
How is BAS paid?
Military personnel who are eligible for BAS receive the allowance paid bi-weekly, automatically deducted from their pay at the same time as other military pay and allowances, including Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), clothing allowance, and transportation allowance.
About BAS Rates
The Basic Allowance for Subsistence rates are based on Rank and Pay Grade, increasing with higher-ranking and commissioned officers. The rates range from $10.35 per day for lower-ranking personnel to $12.66 per day for commissioned officers and those in higher paygrades.
JTFSS (Joint Theatre Hospitality, Food Service & Services) and BAS.
The Defense Department’s Joint Task Force Support Services (JTFSS) provides full-scale food service support worldwide. When military personnel serve at a JTFSS site, they are fed through the Joint Force Pay Allowance (FP-12), while receiving BAS when serving in a non-self-supporting environment like field operations or remote military installations.
Conclusion and Importance of BAS
Bas (Basic Allowance for Subsistence) ensures that military personnel have resources to meet their food-related expenses while serving their nation. Understanding BAS fundamentals and rates is a crucial aspect of military administration and finance. This concept allows the military to adjust their allowance rates annually as needed, ensuring that funds are allocated effectively to facilitate personnel support.
Source: Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS): www.dfas.mil
