2. The Training Quota Management Center (TQC) has the unique situation of receiving critical feedback from individuals we issue orders to after they have attended required training. Some of the courses we issue orders to require an individual to attend rate specific training at Air Force facilities. Consequently, individuals are mandated, as per Ref (a), to government quarters and government messing at the GMR rate. Messing at an Air Force Dining Facility (DFAC) …show more content…
Unfortunately, for the typical Coast Guard trainee, pay grades E-4 and E-5, the cost of a typical DFAC a-la-carte meal is very significant even compared to other individuals attending other training where commercial per diem is authorized. For instance, at a normal Coast Guard installation, IAW Ref (c), the galley offers various items for a set price of $2.55 for breakfast and $4.65 for lunch and dinner respectfully. In comparison, a DFAC offers meals from a menu where each item is marked up 133 percent of the cost of food IAW Ref (c). For example of the markup, IAW Ref (d), a simple breakfast consisting of an egg and cheese croissant, two slices of bacon, banana, and juice bottle costs $6.10; a simple lunch consisting of a slice of pizza, chef salad, fruit cup and a soda costs $9.35; a simple dinner consisting of meat lasagna, chef salad, garlic toast, fruit cup and a soda costs, $12.00. The final total daily set price for a Coast Guard galley is $11.85, compared to $27.95 for the described meal at a DFAC. Additionally, if BAS is combined with GMR per diem (which averages around $12.30 a day) is thrown into the equation for a member’s daily subsistence while TDY, the difference is $ 1.80 to the government, not the individual receiving the …show more content…
There are several ways to that this issue could be tackled. The most significant one would be to have the JTR reflect a specific TDY per diem rate, different than GMR, for Air Force facilities. However, the one that TQC has come to a conclusion that could benefit the service without adverse affects to the JTR, would be to have a individual be issued a meal card by the Air Force training site. They would use the meal card for each meal they would have at the DFAC. In turn, at the conclusion of the FY the Department of the Air Force would settle up with the Coast Guard and enable the proper facilities to be reimbursed. This process is endorsed in the JTR (section 2030) and could be set up with the program managers within