37 USC 402 - Basic allowance for subsistence

U.S Code last checked for updates: Apr 11, 2026

§ 402.

Basic allowance for subsistence

(a)

Entitlement to Allowance.—

(1)

Except as provided in paragraph (2) or otherwise provided by law, each member of a uniformed service who is entitled to basic pay is entitled to a basic allowance for subsistence as set forth in this section.

(2)

An enlisted member is not entitled to the basic allowance for subsistence during basic training.

(b)

Rates of Allowance Based on Food Costs.—

(1)

(A)

The monthly rate of basic allowance for subsistence to be in effect for an enlisted member for a year (beginning on January 1 of that year) shall be equal to the monthly cost of a liberal food plan for a male in the United States who is between 19 and 50 years of age, as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture on October 1 of the preceding year.

(B)

With respect to a member who is subject to monthly deduction from pay for meals under section 1011(b) of this title, the amount payable under subparagraph (A) shall be reduced by the amount of such deduction from pay, in accordance with policies prescribed by the Secretary of Defense.

(C)

The monthly rate of basic allowance for subsistence to be in effect for an enlisted member for a year under subparagraph (A) may not decrease relative to the rate in effect for the preceding year.

(2)

The monthly rate of basic allowance for subsistence to be in effect for an officer for a year (beginning on January 1 of that year) shall be the amount equal to the monthly rate of basic allowance for subsistence in effect for officers for the preceding year, increased by the same percentage by which the rate of basic allowance for subsistence for enlisted members for the preceding year is increased effective on such January 1.

(c)

Advance Payment.—

The allowance to an enlisted member may be paid in advance for a period of not more than three months.

(d)

Special Rate for Enlisted Members Occupying Single Quarters Without Adequate Availability of Meals.—

The Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, may pay an enlisted member the basic allowance for subsistence under this section at a monthly rate that is twice the amount in effect under subsection (b)(1) while—

(1)

the member is assigned to single Government quarters which have no adequate food storage or preparation facility in the quarters; and

(2)

there is no Government messing facility serving those quarters that is capable of making meals available to the occupants of the quarters.

(e)

Special Rule for Certain Enlisted Reserve Members.—

Unless entitled to basic pay under section 204 of this title, an enlisted member of a reserve component may receive, at the discretion of the Secretary concerned, rations in kind, or a part thereof, when the member’s instruction or duty periods, as described in section 206(a) of this title, total at least 8 hours in a calendar day. The Secretary concerned may provide an enlisted member who could be provided rations in kind under the preceding sentence with a commutation when rations in kind are not available.

(f)

Special Rule for High-Cost Duty Locations and Other Unique and Unusual Circumstances.—

The Secretary of Defense may authorize a member of the armed forces who is not entitled to the meals portion of the per diem in connection with an assignment in a high-cost duty location or under other unique and unusual circumstances, as determined by the Secretary, to receive any or all of the following:

(1)

Meals at no cost to the member, regardless of the entitlement of the member to a basic allowance for subsistence under subsection (a).

(2)

A basic allowance for subsistence at the standard rate, regardless of the entitlement of the member for all meals or select meals during the duty day.

(3)

A supplemental subsistence allowance at a rate higher than the basic allowance for subsistence rates in effect under this section, regardless of the entitlement of the member for all meals or select meals during the duty day.

(g)

Policies on Use of Dining and Messing Facilities.—

The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretaries concerned, shall prescribe policies regarding use of dining and field messing facilities of the uniformed services.

(h)

No Payment for Meals Received at Military Treatment Facilities.—

(1)

A member of the armed forces who is undergoing medical recuperation or therapy, or is otherwise in the status of continuous care, including outpatient care, at a military treatment facility for an injury, illness, or disease described in paragraph (2) shall not be required to pay any charge for meals provided to the member by the military treatment facility.

(2)

Paragraph (1) applies with respect to an injury, illness, or disease incurred or aggravated by a member while the member was serving on active duty—

(A)

in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom; or

(B)

in any other operation designated by the Secretary of Defense as a combat operation or in an area designated by the Secretary as a combat zone.

(i)

Regulations.—

(1)

The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations for the administration of this section. Before prescribing the regulations, the Secretary shall consult with each Secretary concerned.

(2)

The regulations shall include the specific rates of basic allowance for subsistence required by subsection (b).

(Pub. L. 87–649, Sept. 7, 1962, 76 Stat. 470; Pub. L. 89–444, § 2(2), June 9, 1966,

cite as: 37 USC 402