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US Army Accused of Misusing Millions in Food Funds
A report has revealed that the US Army diverted $151 million in food funds meant for soldiers, leaving them with subpar meals and sparking calls for investigation and accountability.
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN 11.25.2010 Photo by Staff Sgt. Ashlee J.L. Sherrill 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division
A shocking report has revealed that millions of dollars collected by the United States Army for a food program were spent on unrelated expenses, leaving soldiers with limited access to quality meals. According to the report, of the $225 million collected from junior enlisted soldiers as part of the Basic Allowance for Subsistence program, only $74 million was actually spent on food.
The remaining $151 million was redirected to other projects, with some bases showing egregious examples of misallocated funds. Fort Stewart, Georgia, for instance, collected $17 million from soldiers but spent only $2.1 million on food, leaving 87% of the funds unaccounted for. This trend was consistent across most bases, with all but two reviewed leaving more than half of the allocated funds unspent.
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The Basic Allowance for Subsistence program is intended to help enlisted soldiers cover food costs, with $460 deducted monthly from their paychecks. However, the report suggests that the program has been mismanaged, with soldiers facing food shortages and subpar meal options. Fort Carson, Colorado, for example, experienced widespread food shortages, leaving soldiers to dine on lima beans and toast.
Service members have consistently reported poor food quality, citing undercooked meat, unseasoned meals, and unhealthy menu options. The report's findings have sparked outrage, with Rep. Jul Tokuda (D-Hawaii) calling for immediate investigation and accountability. "Stealing food money from our soldiers is not how we achieve military readiness," Tokuda said.
