BAS is a continuation of the military tradition of providing room and board (or rations) as part of a servicemember's pay. Although BAS is meant to offset the cost your meals, it is important to note that BAS is not intended to cover the costs of meals for family members.
Since January 1, 2002 most enlisted members get full BAS, but they must pay for their own meals, even those provided by the government.*
Because BAS is intended to provide meals for the servicemember, the monthly rate is based on the price of food. Therefore, each year it is readjusted based upon the increase of the price of food as measured by the USDA food cost index.
NEW - 2008 BAS Rates:
Because service members are assigned to a variety of situations, some of which either mandate or prevent obtaining meals from a government facility, there are two types of enlisted BAS, each based on a differing unit circumstances:
Enlisted: $294.43 a month
Officers: $202.76 a month
*Note: A Discount Meal Rate (DMR) offset of minus $7.95 a day applies to all Coast Guard enlisted members assigned to a ship with messing facilities, a Class “A” School, OCS (prior service), a deployed Port Security Unit, and enlisted members E-6 and below stationed ashore who reside in government-owned quarters and are required to eat meals at a government dining facility.
