WHAT ARE THE 2024 BAS RATES?

Every year, the military sets the basic allowance for subsistence (BAS) to help service members cover the cost of eating while they’re dining at permanent duty stations. However, family members will still need to cover their own meals, as the 2024 BAS rates help cover the warfighter, specifically.

The reason military BAS rates are set each year is that this allowance is connected to how much it costs to eat. A figure that can change each year due to factors, such as inflation.

Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is used to determine how much these rates will be and in many cases, they do not increase similarly to other forms of compensation.

2024 BAS Rates

If you’re looking to cover the cost of your meals while serving, here are the 2024 BAS rates available each month:

• Enlisted: $460.25

• Officers: $316.98

• BAS II*: $920.50

*Keep in mind BAS II is only for enlisted service members who are living in government quarters lacking access to "adequate food storage or preparation facilities.” Your pay grade and dependent status do not factor in and compensation is non-taxable.

A Welcomed Increase

The increase to the 2024 military BAS rates was a welcomed change for military members who continue to push against increasing living costs.

Though the full 3.4% increase that was proposed didn’t come to fruition, it still came close and is helping cover the cost of food for warfighters.

Lightening the load comes in a year where inflation has finally cooled but the damage from previous years is undeniable.

Using data from the USDA food cost index, the military BAS rate in 2024 doesn’t cover groceries or restaurants specifically but rather gives service members the ability to better manage their finances as needed.

In addition to this compensation,  a cost-of-living allowance (COLA) payment may also be available to further help offset rising costs, for those stationed in areas where food costs are exceptionally pricey.

2024 BAS Rates Eligibility Restrictions

The 2024 BAS rates aren’t available to those who are still in basic or Officer training, unless you also have continuous prior enlisted service. In this case, an exception may be made.

Service members who need to take an excess leave or leave to pursue education are also exempt.

Finally, if you are absent without official leave (AWOL), your compensation is also not available under these circumstances.

Sources:

Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), DoD. Accessed September 2024. https://militarypay.defense.gov/pay/allowances/bas.aspx