Civilians are entitled to a meal break of 0.5 to 1 hour; this break must be taken no later than how many hours into the shift?

• A. 4 hours
• B. 5 hours
• C. 8 hours
• D. 6 hours

Answer: (D)

Civilians on long shifts are entitled to a meal break to prevent fatigue and maintain safety and performance. The rule sets a latest point in the shift by which this meal period must be taken, and that point is six hours into the shift. So the break should be offered no later than the sixth hour of work, and it typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes. If the shift ends before six hours, a meal break isn’t required by this rule; if the shift goes beyond six hours and a break hasn’t been taken yet, it should be provided as soon as feasible. The other time options do not reflect the latest permissible time, whereas six hours represents the cutoff set by policy.