Visit the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense to find Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) rates. BAS rates are prescribed by the Comptroller on an annual basis, per the DoD FMR 7000.14-5, Vol. 7 Ch. 25.

Meal Rates

The Government meal rate (GMR) is the daily rate provided instead of meals in a Government dining facility, including the operating cost. Proportional meal rate (PMR) is used when one or two meals are available and directed at the GMR or a deductible meal is provided.

Government Meal Rates

The standard GMR includes food and facility operating costs and applies when a Service member is sent TDY to a U.S. installation where Government quarters or an Integrated Lodging Program facility and three meals a day in a Government dining facility are available. The GMR must be directed in a travel authorization and does not apply when the Service member is traveling.

The rates in the table below are effective from January 1 through December 31, 2024. This rate applies to both Service members and civilian employees, and both CONUS and OCONUS.

The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) [PDF, 2 pages] reviews the GMR every year and revises when necessary. See Appendix A for the definition of GMR, and JTR, Table 2-17 for a description of the types of meal rates.

Meal Discount Meal Rate Surcharge Amount Full Meal Rate
Breakfast $3.20 $1.15 $4.35
Lunch $5.35 $1.65 $7.00
Dinner $4.60 $1.45 $6.05
Total $13.15 $4.25 $17.40

Proportional Meal Rates

The PMR is a meal rate used when one or two Government meals are available or provided at no cost to the traveler. The rate is the average of the GMR and the locality meal rate. Rates can be found using the per diem rate lookup tool.

The PMR is used when:

  • A Service member or civilian employee receives one or two meals at Government expense, such as a deductible meal that is included in a conference registration fee.
  • A Service member stays in Government quarters on a U.S. installation, and one or two meals are available in a Government dining facility on the installation.
  • A Service member stays in Government quarters on a U.S. installation and the travel order prescribes the GMR, but the Government dining facility was not available for all meals.
  • A Service member is not authorized per diem but must purchase a meal. The Service member receives either the PMR or the actual meal cost, whichever is less.

Meal Vouchers

Meal vouchers, or meal tickets, may be issued only as specifically authorized in the JTR. Service issuances apply. The maximum rate per meal per member must not exceed the applicable amount below. Meals may be acquired at lower cost. Rates below are effective as of October 2015.

Meal Rate
Morning $11
Noon $12
Evening $23