The DD 714 meal card can be completed quickly using FormsPal's free online PDF editor. No software download is needed. Follow the steps below to fill out your meal card and save or print the finished form.
Step 1: Click the "Get Form" button above to open the meal card PDF in the FormsPal editor. The form loads directly in your browser so you can start filling it out right away.
Step 2: Enter the service member's full name, rank, and unit designation at the top of the meal card. Add the duty station where mess hall meals will be taken. These fields identify who holds the meal authorization.
Step 3: Enter the authorization period dates showing when the meal card is valid. Select the authorized meal types and mark breakfast, lunch, or dinner based on the service member's mess hall entitlement.
Step 4: Indicate whether Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) applies, or confirm the type of meal entitlement: government meal, field ration, or subsistence in kind. This section determines how the mess hall records the service member's meal count.
Step 5: Review all entries for accuracy before the form is signed. The unit commander or food service officer must sign the meal card to authorize mess hall access. Confirm the authorized meal periods match the service member's current duty assignment.
Step 6: Click "Done" to finalize your meal card. Save the completed form as a PDF or print it directly from FormsPal. Carry the signed card whenever you visit government dining facilities.
Looking for other military forms? Use DD Form 149 to apply for correction of military records, or access DD Form 93 for emergency contact information. Army personnel may also need the DA Form 87 for certificates of training, and the DD Form 2656 covers retirement data for departing service members.
Frequently Asked Questions About the DD 714 Meal Card
What is the DD 714 meal card used for?
The meal card authorizes enlisted personnel to receive meals at government dining facilities. It serves as proof of entitlement to mess hall services and eliminates cash transactions at military dining facilities. The card is issued to service members assigned to barracks duty who do not receive BAS as a cash payment.
Who is required to have a meal card?
Enlisted service members who live in government quarters and are in a commuted rations status receive a meal card. Officers and service members who receive BAS as a cash allowance do not need this form since they purchase their own meals independently.
How often is the meal card renewed?
The meal card is issued and renewed monthly or whenever the service member's duty status changes. A new card is required when a soldier goes on deployment, extended leave, or receives a permanent change of station to a new installation.
Can I complete the meal card form online?
Yes. FormsPal offers a free online PDF editor that lets you complete the DD 714 meal card directly in your browser. Fill in all required fields, review the form for accuracy, and print or save it as a PDF without installing any additional software.