"We will continue to look for efficiencies and best practices, but the bottom line is we will not shortchange our soldiers and their families," said Army Secretary John McHugh, in a statement.
Base operations accounts fund a range of activities that support soldiers and their families, including child care centers, utilities and maintenance programs, fitness centers, barracks and dining facilities.
Michael Thiem, a spokesman for the Army's Installation Management Command, said service leaders have not yet identified where the money will come from to shore up the base operations account.
A number of factors contributed to the need for more money, Thiem said, including increased support for the war in Afghanistan, the recent expansion of the Army, and stepped up anti-terrorism and force protection efforts at installations.
Service leaders intend to conduct a comprehensive mid-year review of installation base operating support accounts to ensure priorities are being met.