Are There Lunch limitations on Soldiers without Meal Cards?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 23:29:50 -0400

What is the Army regulation for taking lunch and limitations? How much time is needed? Do soldiers have to pack lunch that do not have meal cards? I am unable to find a regulation that is specifically for soldiers requirements. I found field feeding, DEFAC feeding, even tried calling a DEFAC on post. Any direction would be greatly appreciated

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Jun 23 at 2020 11:33 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 23:33:17 -0400

You have to provide all Soldiers the opportunity to eat. Mission, of course, can always trump, but under normal circumstances, all Soldiers get to eat. And your Soldiers definitely get to eat before you do (I.e. if only one person has to skip chow to guard weapons.... TAG!)

Response by 1SG Charles Hunter made Jun 24 at 2020 3:28 PM

1SG Charles Hunter — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 15:28:35 -0400

I don't understand what your question is. Do you not have enough time to eat? I know of no regulation that specifies a time frame for meals. No meal card? Then you must be living off post and drawing BAS. When I was in (a gazillion years ago), I was able to pay the headcount for my meal. If you would rather pack a lunch or use a facility other than your dining facility, that's your choice. Just be sure you can return in time for afternoon work call (or return to your duty section at some specified time).

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2020 6:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 18:11:15 -0400

The general time frame since I've been in for lunch is 1130-1300. That's not written anywhere it's just what I've always been told and that is usually the hours at the commissary and PX that they have the lane open for AD in uniform.

If you get BAS - you pay for your own meals. If that means bring it to work, bring it to work if you're allowed. I usually gave my guys 1130-1300 but if there was something that needed done, it got shortened to an hour and they were told to get to go plates if they were on meal card and if not, get something and come back.

Is there something behind asking this question?