Society

MSDF personnel punished in free curry-lunch fuss

Mar 30 (NHK) - Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force has disciplined six including senior personnel for having Friday lunches for free over the course of several years. The miscreants claimed that it was common practice to enjoy such free meals for the purpose of 'tasting'.

The MSDF has a long-standing tradition of providing a lunch of curry with rice every Friday. Personnel such as crew members aboard vessels on active duty enjoy the dish free of charge.

A number of vessels and units have original recipes, and some of these have become popular dishes in the areas where they are stationed.

The MSDF said six personnel in their 40s and 50s had helped themselves to a free lunch every week for one to three years, despite being ineligible for them.

They also allowed individuals under their supervision who were not qualified for free meals to indulge.

The MSDF on Monday suspended the six from work for four to five days as a disciplinary measure.

The accused claimed that eating curry lunches in the name of tasting is customary among MSDF members, and said that they did not think it was a serious breach of regulations.

The MSDF issued an apology for inviting public mistrust, saying it will strengthen personnel training to ensure regulations are strictly followed.

Source: FNNプライムオンライン

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