2016 BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence) rates

See the latest update on 2023 Basic Allowance for Subsistence rates.

The 2016 BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence) rate increase is .1% year over year. The officers BAS increased a sparse 25 cents and the enlisted BAS increased 37 cents.

BAS is calculated based on the average price of food as measured by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Cost of Food at Home Index. The measurement began in October 2015 and will continue through the end of September 2016.

About BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence)

BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence) is a non-taxable allowance to defray a portion of the cost of subsistence. BAS offsets costs for a service member’s meals, however, it is not intended to cover the costs of meals for family members. This allowance originates from military history where room and board (rations) were provided as part of a servicemember’s pay.

Since it is intended to provide meals for servicemembers, it is linked to the price of food, which is adjusted based upon the price of food each year. BAS is calculated by using the Agriculture Department’s USDA food-cost index. Based on this, BAS is not tied to the military pay increase; plus, the military pay increase includes considerations to the increase of private sector wages.

The BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence) rate increases are for all branches of the military: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, and Reserves forces, where applicable.