Army taps Compass Group to run dining at five bases in university-style pilot

The U.S. Army has awarded Compass Group USA a contract to operate private dining facilities at five installations, introducing a model similar to the company’s college campus foodservice operations. The contract covers Fort Liberty, N.C.; Fort Stewart, Ga.; Fort Carson, Colo.; Fort Cavazos, Texas; and Fort Drum, N.Y., according to a report from Stars and Stripes. Feedback from these sites will shape broader implementation across the Army.

Under the agreement, Compass will be paid only when soldiers use their meal entitlements at the facilities. Current reimbursement rates are $9.29 for breakfast, $15.42 for lunch and $13.20 for dinner, matching those of traditional dining halls. The Army expects this approach to enhance participation, address evolving soldier preferences and provide more convenient dining options.

Lt. Gen. Chris Mohan, acting commander of Army Materiel Command, said the effort is aimed at a “positive seismic shift in food service operations,” with a focus on healthier, more accessible and flexible meal choices.

Compass Group, which operates foodservice through brands like Chartwells and Canteen, said in a statement it was honored to be selected and emphasized its commitment to providing modern, convenient and nutritious meals to service members and their families.

The contract runs for five years with options for up to five one-year extensions. Army officials stated that all five facilities are expected to open by summer 2026, with oversight provisions built into the agreement to ensure accountability.

University-style dining to expand soldier meal access

The new contract is part of a shift to offer a university-style dining program that allows soldiers to use meal entitlements across multiple on-base food venues. The approach is designed to enhance convenience, provide greater variety and better accommodate soldiers’ daily schedules.

Instead of being limited to a single dining hall, soldiers can now choose from several participating locations on base, using a common meal card system. Army officials said the change modernizes food access for service members, aligning dining operations with how soldiers live, train and work.

“This is about meeting soldiers where they are and giving them options that support their needs,” said Col. David Rowland, director of the Army Food Program. He compared the effort to a campus dining plan that allows students to eat at various venues throughout the day.

Officials expect the model to improve satisfaction by offering a wider variety of menus, more flexible hours and improved access to food.