Wilson Beaver, Ka’Von Johnson
If you thought your college cafeteria was overpriced and underwhelming, think again. That might feel like fine dining compared to the meals now served in military dining facilities (DFACs), a downgrade fueled by an accounting issue that emerged under the Biden administration and has quietly persisted ever since.
DFACs are supposed to provide service members with solid, healthy meals on behalf of their service branches. In part, these meals are funded by service members themselves, who see $460 taken from their paychecks each month—a significant financial burden for junior enlisted service members who earn roughly $30,000 a year.
Given that burden, one would hope that the meals provided fit the bill when it comes to nutrition and quantity. But unfortunately, DFACs have recently made the news both for providing inadequate service and for not being transparent about how they’re spending their money.
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A 2024 investigation by Military.com revealed significant discrepancies within the $225 million deducted from Army personnel’s paychecks to support the DFAC system. Financial records from 11 of the Army’s largest installations reviewed as part of the investigation raised serious concerns, even drawing scrutiny from state senators in Colorado.
Of the $225 million collected, over $151 million was redirected into what has been vaguely described as “a pool of Army funds.” In other words, $151 million never reached the DFAC, and no one seems to know where it went.
This money’s mysterious disappearance is taking its toll on the quality of the food and services provided to our troops.
At Fort Carson in Colorado, an anonymous barracks and dining review app has seen a surge in complaints from frustrated soldiers. One review described the DFAC as lacking adequate protein options, serving warm sushi, and even offering a meal consisting of lima beans and toast. » Read More
https://www.heritage.org/defense/commentary/where-soldiers-pay-going-and-why-are-dining-halls-empty