Poor Management of Military Meal Budget... Quality Varies Greatly

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] It has been revealed that the quality of meals varies greatly as soldiers' meal expenses are not properly managed. Since few units operate meals within the budget, each unit conducts meal services differently.

According to the 'Army Headquarters Regular Audit' report released by the Board of Audit and Inspection on the 14th, the Board checked the monthly deficit and surplus rates of food material costs by unit from 2019 to 2020. Only 16 out of 555 units (2.8%) in 2019 and 3 out of 506 units (0.6%) in 2020 did not exceed the ±10% standard set by the Army's 'Meal Operation Guidelines.' This means that the proportion of units operating meals within the budget is low because the quality of meals varies depending on the commander's level of interest.

There were also cases where the per capita food expense within the same unit varied significantly, such as 4,106 won in one month and 10,418 won in another. Units that exceeded this standard more than seven times numbered 173 (31.1%) in 2019 and 247 (48.8%) in 2020. In 2019, some units received up to 36.7% more in food material costs. Additionally, 61 units exceeded the annual available amount that year, but the Army Headquarters and the meal support unit, the Supply Battalion, which are responsible for managing this, were unaware of it.

The Board of Audit and Inspection pointed out that "the main causes are the commander's level of interest and the work competency differences of those in charge of food material cost claims."

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