Recommendation:
Financial hardship is a top reason National Guard members cite for leaving the force. Oftentimes the National Guard is one of three jobs they work… it typically pays the least and interrupts their ability to work the other two. Additionally for officers, the lack of BAS is another example of the imbalance between active duty and reserve component officers. The later is expected to bear all the responsibilities of being an officer without all the benefits of an active duty officer. Providing meals in-kind to officers in an in-active duty status (as enlisted members receive) helps bridge the financial gap. Change Title 37 of United States Code SS402.