BAS is intended to provide meals as part of a military service member's pay. It's important to realize that BAS is meant only to pay for the meals of the military service member and not that of their family members. The BAS rate is based on the cost of food, and is increased each year based on the USDA food cost index. For this 2009 year, enlisted members are eligible for $323.87 and officers are
. eligible for $223.04 on a monthly basis. You can find more information about military benefits at www.military.com.
