Chow Hall

The chow hall is where service members eat. Each branch uses a different term: Army calls it the DFAC (Dining Facility); the Marines call it a mess hall; the Navy and Coast Guard call it the galley. At basic training, chow hall meals follow strict protocols: recruits stand at parade rest, eat quickly, and observe specific seating rules. The chow hall also functions as a morale gauge: good food = good morale.