Soldier's Honest Feedback on Army Chow Leads to Battalion Punishment

A 1966 incident at Schofield Barracks highlights the challenges of providing candid feedback in the military.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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In 1966 at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, a young Army private offered his honest assessment of the food to a visiting officer, saying "Sir, it doesn't look like I'll gain any weight here." The officer, Brigadier General Hay, took offense and punished the entire battalion for the next two days as a result of the private's sincere feedback.

Why it matters

This story illustrates the difficulties soldiers can face in providing honest feedback, even about mundane matters like the quality of food, without fear of reprisal from commanding officers. It raises questions about the military's receptiveness to constructive criticism and the challenges of maintaining morale when troops feel their concerns are dismissed.

The details

When the Army officer, whom the private thought was seeking an honest appraisal of the chow, asked the private "Private, how's the food?", the private replied "Sir, it doesn't look like I'll gain any weight here." The officer then turned and walked away, and for the next two days the entire battalion was put on extra duty as punishment, because Brigadier General Hay took offense to the private's sincere concerns about the food quality.

  • In 1966, the incident took place at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii.

The players

Brigadier General Hay

A high-ranking Army officer who took offense to the private's honest feedback about the food and punished the entire battalion as a result.

The Private

A young Army soldier who offered his sincere assessment of the food quality when asked by a visiting officer.

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What they’re saying

“Sir, it doesn't look like I'll gain any weight here.”

— The Private

The takeaway

This incident highlights the challenges soldiers can face in providing honest feedback, even about mundane matters, without fear of reprisal from commanding officers. It raises questions about the military's receptiveness to constructive criticism and the difficulties of maintaining morale when troops feel their concerns are dismissed.