Final answer:
ESM, provided to enlisted personnel at government expense, refers to meals and associated services. This is available at permanent duty stations or on ships and is part of military benefits for troops to ensure their well-being and readiness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Essential Station Messing (ESM) is provided to enlisted personnel in the armed forces. ESM typically includes meals and associated services at no direct cost to service members when they are assigned to a permanent duty station, aboard ships, or in other situations where government dining facilities are available. The rationale behind this provision is to ensure that all enlisted personnel have access to nutritious meals as part of their military benefits while serving their country.
ESM is considered part of the overall compensation package for service members and can contribute to their well-being and readiness. It's important to note that while meals are provided, there might be variations in how these services are delivered based on the specific branch of the military and the duty station.