Who are the two types of authorized customers for food services?

The selected answer identifies the two main categories of authorized customers for food services in the military context. Essential Station Messing (ESM) refers to the provision of meals at military dining facilities for those who are required to be present at their station and often includes active duty service members. This ensures that they have access to the nutrition necessary for their duties.

Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) is a financial allowance provided to military personnel to help cover their food costs when they are not able to receive meals through dining facilities. This allowance supports both enlisted members and officers in obtaining food from commercial sources.

Together, these two groups capture the essence of how military food services operate, catering to members who are on active duty (through ESM) and supporting their needs in instances where government-provided food is either not available or practical (through BAS). Understanding this distinction is important for comprehending military food service policies and the various support mechanisms in place.