Field ration
A field ration, combat ration or ration pack, is a canned or pre-packaged meal, easily prepared and eaten, transported by military troops on the battlefield. They are distinguished from regular military rations by virtue of being designed for minimal preparation in the field, using canned, pre-cooked or freeze-dried foods, powdered beverage mixes and concentrated food bars, as well as for long shelf life.
Such meals also prove invaluable for disaster relief operations, where large stocks of these can be ferried and distributed easily, and provide basic nutritional support to victims before kitchens can be set up to produce fresh food.
Most armies in the world today now field some form of pre-packaged combat ration, suitably tailored to meet national or ethnic tastes.
Traditionally Hexamine has been the preferred solid fuel for cooking rations. Today, a growing number of armies are opting for cleaner and safer solid fuel tablets like the bio-ethanol fuel, FireDragon[1][2][3]
Americas
Argentina
The Ración de Combate (Individual) was introduced in 2003, consisting of a gray plastic-foil laminate pouch containing a mix of canned and dehydrated foods, plus minimal supplements, for 1 soldier for 1 day. All products in the RC are domestically produced, commercially available items. Each ration contains: canned meat, small can of meat spread, crackers, instant soup, cereal bar with fruit, a chocolate bar with nuts or caramels, instant coffee, orange juice powder, sugar, salt, a heating kit with disposable stove and alcohol-based fuel tablets, disposable butane lighter, resealable plastic bag, cooked rice and a pack of paper tissues.
Menu # 1 contains: corned beef, meat pate, crisp water crackers, and instant soup with fideo pasta.
Menu #2 includes: roasted beef in gravy, meat pate, whole wheat crackers, and quick-cooking polenta in cheese sauce.
Canada
Canada provides each soldier with a complete pre-cooked meal known as the IMP (Individual Meal Pack), packaged inside a heavy-duty folding paper bag. There are 5 breakfast menus, 6 lunch menus, and 6 supper menus. Canadian rations provide generous portions and contain a large number of commercially available items. Like the US ration, the main meal is precooked and ready-to-eat, packed in heavy-duty plastic-foil retort pouches boxed with cardboard. Typically, the ration contains a meal item (beans and wiener sausages, scalloped potatoes with ham, smoked salmon fillet, macaroni and cheese, cheese omelette with mushrooms, shepherd's pie, etc.), wet-packed (sliced or mashed) fruit in a boxed retort pouch, and depending on the meal a combination of instant soup or cereal, fruit drink crystals, jam or cheese spread, peanut butter, honey, crackers, bread (bun) compressed into a retort pouch, coffee and tea, sugar, commercially available chocolate bars and hard candy, a long plastic spoon, paper towels and wet wipes. Canada also makes limited use of a Light Meal Pack containing dried meat or cheese, dried fruit, a granola bar, a breakfast cereal square, a chocolate bar, hard candy, hot cocoa mix, tea, and two pouches of instant fruit drink. Canadian ration packs also contain a book of cardboard matches.
Colombia
Colombia issues the Ración de Campaña, a very dark olive green (almost black) plastic bag weighing between 1092 and 1205 grams and providing 3,097 to 3,515 kcal (12,960 to 14,710 kJ). Inside are the MRE-like retort pouch main courses and supplements needed by 1 soldier for 1 day. The individual meals, which cater to South American tastes, consist of a breakfast, a lunch, and a main meal (Tamal, envueltos, lentils with chorizo, arvejas con carne, garbanzo beans a la madrileña, arroz atollado, ajiaco con pollo, and sudado con papas y carne. The ration also includes bread products, beverage mixes, candy and accessories. All items except the beverage mixes require no further preparation and can be eaten either hot or cold. The beverage powders must be mixed with hot or cold water before consumption. Each ration also contains raw sugar, a can of condensed milk, sandwich cookies, sweetened and thickened cream spread, hard candy or caramels, peanuts or trail mix or 25 g of roasted almonds, instant coffee, salt, paper towels, a plastic spoon, 2 water purification tablets, and a multivitamin tablet.
Mexico
The Mexican defense department (SEDENA) issues the "Ración Diaria Individual de Combate" box or "individual soldiers daily combat meal" box. It is packaged in an olive green and black plastic box with the contents printed on the front; the box contains three individual meal packs containing meals providing 3,640 to 4,030 kcal (15,200 to 16,900 kJ) which are meant to sustain a soldier for one day. Each individual meal package contains two main retort pouches which are meant to be eaten with each other. The first retort pouch usually contains a meat product (such as beef, pork, sausage, fish, ham, seafood, chicken, tuna, bacon or other meats which are usually mixed with a flavoring sauce and vegetables) the second retort pouch contains a staple food (rice, hominy, noodles, beans, pasta, eggs or more vegetables). Each meal package also contains salt, spices, condensed milk, cream, butter, chorizo spread, dried fruit or preserves, bread, crackers, sugar, custard, cookies, canned fish, cocoa mix, nuts, chocolate or other candies, vitamins, a large pouch of drinking water, a pouch of Jumex fruit juice or Coca-cola, biodegradable napkins and utensils and water purification tablets. Some meal packages do not contain the two main retort pouches and instead contain a single larger pouch with a finished meal such as tamales or steak and eggs but, these are usually only available when close to a base or when the military is operating in an urban area. When these were handed out by the Mexican military during their assistance in the Hurricane Katrina relief operation many Americans who received them gave very high praise about their taste and variety.
United States
The United States' Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) is packaged similarly to the Canadian ration. Each sealed plastic bag contains one entire precooked meal, with a number of supplements and accessories. The original 12 menus have been expanded to 24 and now contain a variety of ethnic and special request items as well. Kosher/Halal and Vegetarian menus are also provided. Each meal bag contains an 8-oz main course (packaged in a four-layer plastic and foil laminate retort pouch), 8 hard military crackers, some form of spread (cheese, peanut butter, or jelly), a fruit-based beverage powder, some form of dessert (cake, candy, cookies, or fruit), and an accessory packet containing coffee or tea, creamer, sugar, salt, matches, a plastic spoon, and toilet paper. A chemical heater is packed with every meal.
The First Strike Ration (FSR) is a compact, eat-on-the-move ration to be used for no more than three days during initial periods of highly intense, highly mobile combat assaults. A single FSR (24 hours food) is about 50% of the size and weight of three MREs. Each FSR provides 2,900 kcal (12,000 kJ) (15% protein, 53% carbohydrates, 34% fat), versus the 3,800 kcal (16,000 kJ) in three MREs, and has a two-year shelf life when stored at 80 °F. An FSR is packed in a single trilaminate bag and contains filled pocket sandwiches, a pouch of tuna or chicken, two packets of ERGO high-energy drink mix, two high-energy cereal bars (First Strike Bars), a dairy-based calcium-enriched dessert bar, two packets of beef jerky (BBQ or Teriyaki flavored), fortified applesauce, nut and fruit mix, caffeinated gum, and an accessory pack containing a beverage mix, salt, matches, tissues, plastic spoon, and cleansing moist towelettes. The FSR comes in three menus:
Italian pocket sandwich | Honey BBQ beef pocket sandwich | Bacon-cheddar pocket sandwich |
chicken chunks pouch | Albacore tuna pouch | pepperoni pocket sandwich |
tortillas & hot sauce | tortillas & mayonnaise | filled French Toast pocket sandwich |
Cinnamon & brown sugar toaster pastry | lemon poppy-seed pound cake | jalapeño cheese spread & wheat snack bread |
peanut butter and crackers | cheese spread and crackers | apple cider mix |
lemon tea mix | instant coffee, non-dairy creamer and sugar |
Europe
Czech Republic
After joining NATO, the Czechs developed a combat ration known as the Bojová Dávka Potravin (BDP). The BDP comes in two versions, type I and II, each holding two ready-to-eat main courses packed in large foil "cans" (beef roast with rice, pork goulash with potato, spicy risotto, pork with carrots and vegetables, etc.), a small plastic cup of lunch meat spread, cheese spread, hard bread, cookies, jam, instant coffee, tea bags, fruit-flavored multivitamin drink tablets, vitamin C enriched fruit drink powder, a chocolate bar, sugar, salt, chewing gum, wet napkins, paper towels, a plastic bag, and a menu and instruction sheet. A modified version of the BDP known as the KDP (Konzervovaná Dávka Potravin) is also used. This contains the same items as the BDP, but adds an aluminium cup, plastic utensils, a folding stove with fuel tablets and matches, and soap.
Denmark
The Danish military developed a modern field ration inspired by Norwegian and American rations. It consist of Drytech freeze-dried main meals and several additional items such as dried fruits and nuts, energy bars, hard biscuits, meat pate etc.
Finland
When (during peacetime) conscript soldiers are not provided with meals cooked either in garrisons or attached field kitchens, they are provided with rations (colloquially known as sissi rations) packed in a clear plastic bag. Several different menus exist, however all include foil packed crispbread, coffee and tea, sugar, chocolate, small tins of beef or pork, chewing gum, dry porridge, energy drink powder etc. Soups and porridges that are meant to be mixed with water and cooked are usually prepared in Trangia-type portable stoves that are shared by the pair in a fire and maneuver team, or in individual mess kits.
France
The French 24-hour combat ration, the RCIR (ration de combat individuelle réchauffable) comes in 14 menus packed in a small cardboard box. Inside are 2 precooked, ready-to-eat meal main courses packed in thin metal cans somewhat like oversized sardine tins, and an hors d'oeuvre in a more conventional can or tin. Current main courses include items such as beef salad, tuna and potatoes, salmon with rice and vegetables, shepherd's pie, rabbit casserole, chili con carne, paella, veau marengo (veal), navarin d'agneau (lamb), poultry and spring vegetables, etc. Hors d'oeuvres include: salmon terrine, chicken liver, tuna in sauce, fish terrine, duck mousse, etc. Each meal box also contains a package of instant soup, hard crackers, cheese spread, chocolate, caramels or boiled sweets, instant café-au-lait, sugar, cocoa powder, matches, a disposable folding ration heater and fuel tablets, and water purifying tablets.
Germany
Germany uses the Einmannpackung (EPA) to provide two substantial meals to each soldier. Practice is to provide one hot cooked meal for the other meal whenever possible. A heater or oven is not included since an Esbit cooker is part of each soldier's personal equipment. Enough food items are contained within the EPA to sustain the soldier for 24 hours. Currently there are three menus; each includes two meals out of a selection of 19 meals, with several heavy-duty foil trays containing items such as lentils with sausages, Yugoslav Sausage, Goulash, beef patties in tomato sauce, Italian pasta, or Tofu stir-fry. There are also three smaller foil "cans" of bread spreads such as cheese spread, liver-sausage, dried-meat sausage, or cheese spread with green peppers. The meal box also includes: thinly sliced rye bread (170 g), hard crackers (1100 kcal), a foil can of fruit salad, instant cream of wheat, instant fruit juice powder, instant coffee, instant tea, powdered cream, a chocolate bar, sugar, salt, gum, jam, water purifying tablets, two plastic bags, matches, paper towels and a user guide.
Bundeswehr Rations
The EPa ration of the Bundeswehr is supplied in two types, rations 1 to 5 are packaged in a grey cardboard box with the meals packaged in sealed heavy duty foil trays which may be heated by immersing in hot water. The trays are opened using a knife or other sharp implement. Rations 6 to 19 are packaged in a resealable carry pouch, which is NATO Olive, desert brown or transparent. The meals are packed in retort pouches.[4]
Individual EPa Rations I-V
Field Ration Type I | Field Ration Type II | Field Ration III | Field Ration IV | Field Ration V |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ravioli with mushroom sauce
Indian rice dish with chicken sausage patties Semolina dessert with fruits Beef ham sausage Apricot jam Blackcurrant jam Chocolate Hard biscuits Peppermint gum 2 x Instant coffee 2 x Instant tea 2 x Coffee whitener 2 x Drink powder "Exotic" 2 x Powdered drink "Grapefruit" |
Cevapcici with rice and vegetables
Stew with potatoes (beef and pork) Fruit salad Rye wholemeal bread Beef ham sausage Sausage, coarse Bierwurst Apricot jam Blackcurrant jam Chocolate Hard biscuits Peppermint gum 2 x Instant coffee 2 x Instant tea 2 x Coffee whitener 2 x Drink powder "Exotic" 2 x Powdered drink "Grapefruit" |
South American Vegetable Chilli
Semolina Rye wholemeal bread Beef Lyon, coarse Beef ham sausage Sour cherry jam Blackcurrant jam Chocolate Hard biscuits Peppermint gum 2 x Instant coffee 2 x Instant tea 2 x Coffee whitener 2 x Drink powder "Exotic" 2 x Powdered drink "Grapefruit" |
Lentil stew with sausage
Spiral pasta in meat sauce Granola bars "caramel" Rye wholemeal bread Beef Lyon, coarse Apricot jam Blackcurrant jam Chocolate Hard biscuits Peppermint gum 2 x Instant coffee 2 x Instant tea 2 x Coffee whitener 2 x Drink powder "Exotic" 2 x Powdered drink "Grapefruit" |
Tortellini stuffed with pork in tomato sauce
Rice with turkey, calamari and prawns Fruit salad Rye wholemeal bread Beef ham sausage Beef Lyon Apricot jam Blackcurrant jam Chocolate Hard biscuits 2 x Instant coffee 2 x Instant tea 2 x Coffee whitener 2 x Drink powder "Exotic" 2 x Powdered drink "Fantasy" |
Contents common to all rations | ||||
1 x match-book, 1 x refreshing towel, 1 x 3 pocket tissues, 1x Cappuccino "Café", 1 x cappuccino "Choco" 1 x Ceylon tea, 1 x Apple tea, 2 x sugar 6 g, 3 x salt 1 g 1 x pack of gum (12 pieces) 1 x multivitamin effervescent tablet, 1 x Cube Dextro Energy, 8 Water purifying tablets |
Rations 6 to 19 are packaged in a resealable carry pouch, which is NATO Olive, desert brown or transparent. The meals are packed in retort pouches.
Field Ration Type VI | Field Ration Type VII | Field Ration Type VIII |
---|---|---|
Ready meal Pork goulash stew with noodles 300g
Ready meal "Mexico Hacksteak": Salisbury steak with potatoes and vegetables 300g Bread 170 g Wheat biscuits 100 g Spread-Bierwurst 50 g Spread-poultry Lyon 48 g Jam 2 x 25 g Swiss Muesli 80g Yogurt dessert with berries 80 g Salted peanuts, roasted 30 g Energy Bars "Chocolate" 60 g Energy bars "Apple Cinnamon" 50g Hypo Tonic drink powder 4 x 37.5 g |
Ready meal rice with meat sauce 300g
Ready meal noodles with meatballs 300 g Biscuit 125 g Tuna in Mayonnaise 85 g Wholemeal Fruit Muesli 80g Dessert cream "Lemon" 80g Salted peanuts, roasted 30 g Energy bars "Cookies'n'Cream" 60 g Energy bars "Caramel" 50g Chocolate 50 g Hypo Tonic drink powder 4 x 37.5 g |
Ready meal pea stew with sausage 300g
Ready meal Currywurst 300g Bread 170 g Wheat biscuits 100 g Spread-Bierwurst 50 g Spread poultry Jagdwurst 48 g Jam 2 x 25 g Oatmeal with raisins, Apples and milk 80 g Dessert cream "Cappuccino" 80 g Peanuts, salted, roasted 30 g Energy Bars "Chocolate" 60 g Energy bars "Cranberry" 50 g Hypo Tonic drink powder 4 x 37.5 g |
Type IX | Type X | Type XI |
Ready meal "Bifteki-plate": Greek beef patties with vegetables 300g
Ready meal "Casserole": Pasta with meatballs and sauce chasseur 300 g Biscuit 125 g Tuna "Pepper & Lime" 85 g Chocolate muesli 80 g Dessert cream "Orange" 80 g Salted peanuts, roasted 30 g Energy bars "Cookies'n'Cream" 60 g Energy bars "Apple Cinnamon" 50g Chocolate 50 g Hypo Tonic drink powder 4 x 37.5 g |
Ready meal elk gourmet pot 100g
Ready meal "Pasta Primavera" 100g Wholemeal bread in a tin (8 slices) 250 g Extra jam "Sour Cherry" 20g Extra Jam "Strawberry" 20g Turkey Lyon 25 g Homemade sausage 25g Vegetable Spreads "herbs" 25g Whole grain cereal with milk 150 g Energy bars "Caramel" 50g Energy bars "Apple Cinnamon" 50g Cookies (12 pieces) 125 g Chocolate 50 g Sweets (Vivil, cream Life) Black tea 1.75g Peppermint 2.25 g Espresso 2g Cappuccino 11g Energy drink "lemon" 25g Energy Drink "Peach" 25g Sugar 4 g Spice shaker Spoon 1 piece |
Ready meal Chicken in Creamy Pasta 100g
Ready meal fried rice "Balkanart" 125 g Wholemeal bread in a tin (8 slices) 250g Extra jam "Sour Cherry" 20g Extra jam "Apricot" 20 g Ham sausage 25g Poultry sausage 25g Vegetable Spreads "Puszta" 25 g Fruit muesli with orange juice 150 g Energy bars "Caramel" 50g Energy bars "Cranberry" 50 g Cookies (12 pieces) 125 g Chocolate 50 g Sweets (Vivil, cream Life) 5 piece Black tea 1.75g Peppermint 2.25 g Espresso 2g Cappuccino 11g Energy drink "lemon" 25g Energy Drink "Peach" 25g Sugar 4 g Spice Shaker 1 piece Spoon 1 piece |
Type XII | Type XIII (Vegetarian) | Type XIV (Vegetarian) |
Ready meal Casserole with beef and noodles 100g
Ready meal potato stew with fried onions 100g Wholemeal bread in a tin (8 slices) 250g Extra jam "Sour Cherry" 20g Extra jam "Strawberry" 20g Turkey paste 25g Kalbsleberwurst 25g Vegetable Spreads "mushroom" 25 g Whole grain cereal with milk 150 g Energy bars "Cranberry" 50 g Energy bars "Apple Cinnamon" 50g Cookies (12 pieces) 125 g Chocolate 50 g Sweets (Vivil, cream Life) 5 piece Black tea 1.75g Peppermint 2.25 g Espresso 2g Cappuccino 11g Energy drink "lemon" 25g Energy Drink "Peach" 25g Sugar 4 g Spice Shaker 1 piece Spoon 1 piece |
Ready meal mushrooms and soy sauce with noodles 100g
Ready meal noodles in soy Bolognese 100g Wholemeal bread in a tin (8 slices) 250g Extra jam "Sour Cherry" 20g Extra jam "Apricot" 20 g Vegetable Spreads "herbs" 25g Vegetable Spreads "Puszta" 25 g Vegetable Spreads "mushroom" 25 g Whole grain cereal with milk 150 g Energy bars "Caramel" 50g Energy bars "Apple Cinnamon" 50g Cookies (12 pieces) 125 g Chocolate 50 g Sweets (Vivil, cream Life) 5 piece Black tea 1.75g Peppermint 2.25 g Espresso 2g Cappuccino 11g Energy drink "lemon" 25g Energy Drink "Peach" 25g Sugar 4 g Spice Shaker 1 piece Spoon 1 piece |
Ready meal Garden Vegetable soy Risotto 125g
Ready meal Chilli soy stew with noodles 100g Wholemeal bread in a tin (8 slices) 250 g Extra Jam "Sour Cherry" 20g Extra Jam "Strawberry" 20g Vegetable Spreads "herbs" 25g Vegetable Spreads "Puszta" 25 g Vegetable Spreads "mushroom" 25 g Fruit muesli with orange juice 150 g Energy bars "Apple Cinnamon" 50g Energy bars "Cranberry" 50 g Cookies (12 pieces) 125 g Chocolate 50 g Sweets (Vivil, cream Life) 5 piece Black tea 1.75g Peppermint 2.25 g Espresso 2g Cappuccino 11 g Energy drink "lemon" 25g Energy Drink "Peach" 25g Sugar 4 g Spice Shaker 1 piece Spoon 1 piece |
Items common to rations VI to IX | ||
1 x match-book, 1 x refreshing towel, 1 x 3 pocket tissues, 1x Cappuccino "Café", 1 x cappuccino "Choco" 1 x Ceylon tea, 1 x Apple tea, 2 x sugar 6 g, 3 x salt 1 g 1 x pack of gum (12 pieces) 1 x multivitamin effervescent tablet, 1 x Cube Dextro Energy, 8 Water purifying tablets |
Day Rations XV-XIX
Like other German rations, is packed in a resealable carry pouch with the meals in retort pouches.
Day Ration EPA XV | Day Ration EPA XVI | Day Ration EPA XVII | Day Ration EPA XVIII | Day Ration EPA XIX |
---|---|---|---|---|
Chocolate muesli with whole milk
Potato Stew with Beef Pasta "Bella Italia" Rice pudding Nutri "strawberry" Cappuccino Lemon powder Xiss "Grapefruit" Wheat germ biscuits Chocolate 2 x K4 sesame bars |
Oatmeal with raisins, apples and milk
Chicken in Curry Vegetable risotto Mousse "stracciatella" Nutri "vanilla" Cappuccino Lemon juice powder Xiss "lemon" Banana chips 2 x K4 sesame bars |
Fruit Muesli "Tropic"
"Beef Stroganoff" Noodles in herb cream Orange cream Nutri "Hazel" Cappuccino Lemon juice powder Xiss "cherry" Wheat germ biscuits Chocolate 2 x K4 sesame bars |
Nut cereal
Fischtopf "Rügen" Couscous Hazelnut pudding Nutri "banana" Cappuccino Lemon juice powder Xiss "cherry" Wheat germ biscuits Apple Chips 2 x K4 sesame bars |
Yogurt muesli
Chervil Kartoffeltopf Pasta "Siciliana" Chocolate mousse Nutri "chocolate" Cappuccino Lemon juice powder Xiss "cherry" Wheat germ biscuits Chocolate 2 x K4 sesame bars |
Items common to rations XV to XIX | ||||
Tea, salt, sugar, towelette |
Earlier versions of German Rations
The Wehrmacht in the field were provided rations from field kitchens based on the garrison ration. However additional classes of ration were available. The march ration was a cold food ration issued for not more than three or four consecutive days to units in transit either on carrier or by foot. It consisted of approximately 700 grams of bread, 200 grams of cold meat or cheese, 60 grams of bread spreads, 9 grams of coffee (or 4 grams of tea), 10 grams of sugar, and six cigarettes. Thus it had a total weight of about 980 grams. An iron ration consisted of 250 grams of biscuits, 200 grams of cold meat, 150 of preserved vegetables, 25 of coffee, and 25 of salt. Total weight was 650 grams without packing and 825 grams with packing. An iron half-ration was composed of 250 grams of biscuits and 200 grams of preserved meat; thus its total weight was 450 grams without packing and 535 grams with packing.[5]
Greece
The primary operational ration used in Greece is the so-called "Merida Eidikon Dynameon" (Special Forces' Ration, also known as a 4B-ration), a 24-hour ration pack inside a cardboard box measuring 240 x 140 x 130 mm & weighing 1 kg. Most items are commercially procured, with the main meals in round pull-ring cans. Typical contents include: a 200 g canned meat ("SPAM"); 280 g can of meat with vegetables (beef and potatoes, etc.) (termed Prepared Food With Meat or ΠΦΜΚ); a 280 g can of cooked vegetables (green peas, etc.) (Prepared Food Without Meat or ΠΦΑΚ); an 85 g can of cheese; 6 hard biscuits; 40 g honey; three 50 g packages of raisins or chocolate; 30 g sugar; 1.5 g black tea, 2 g instant coffee; 19 g instant milk powder; two small packets of salt; a multivitamin tablet; 4 water purification tablets; a pack of tissues; a disposable ration heater with 5 fuel tablets; and a box of matches. In wartime, packs of locally commandeered cigarettes may also be issued.
Ireland
Ireland fields a 24-hour ration pack somewhat similar to that used by the British. It is packed in a large ziplock plastic bag and contains two pre-cooked main meals and items to be eaten throughout the day. Included are: instant soup, ramen noodles, an oatmeal block, a high-energy protein bar, both brown and fruit biscuits, sweets, and a selection of beverage mixes. Breakfast (bacon and beans or sausage and beans) is packaged in a retort pouch while dinner (Beef Casserole, Irish Stew, Chicken Curry, or a vegetarian main course) comes in either a flat tin or microwaveable plastic tray.. Desserts consist of a retort-pouched dessert (chocolate pudding, syrup pudding, fruit dumplings), a Kendal mint cake, and a roll of fruit lozenges. Beverages include tea bags, instant coffee, hot cocoa, and a powdered isotonic drink mix. Also included are a pack of tissues, a small scouring pad, matches, water purification tablets, salt and pepper packets, sugar, dry cream powder, moist towelettes, and individual packets of foot powder.
Italy
Italy uses the "Razione Viveri Speciali da Combattimento," consisting of a heavy duty brownish-green plastic bag with 3 thin white cardboard cartons inside (one for breakfast, one for lunch and one for dinner), each containing meal items plus accessories. There are 7 menus, called "modules", identified by colors: yellow, red, grey, green, white, pink and blue. Typically, breakfast consists of: a chocolate bar, fruit candy, crackers or sweet bread, instant coffee, sugar, and a tube of sweetened condensed milk. A lunch will have: 2 pull-ring cans with precooked foods (Tortellini al Ragù, Pasta e Fagioli, Wurstel, Tacchino in Gelatina, Insalata di Riso, etc.), a small can of fruit cocktail, a multivitamin tablet, energy and fiber tablets, instant coffee, sugar, and a plastic spoon wrapped with a napkin. Dinner will consist of 2 more meal cans plus crackers, an energy bar, instant coffee, and sugar. Accessories are: a folding stove, fuel tablets, water purification tablets, toothpick, matches, and 3 small disposable toothbrushes with pre-applied tooth powder.
Lithuania
Lithuanian field rations are based on US Army's MRE – they come in 10 menus packed in a dark green plastic bag, and include small chocolate bar, honey (or jam), crispy bread, a handful of almonds (or hazelnuts), instant drink, tea (or coffee), sugar, moisturizing tissue, matches, moisture-free fuel, a tray for food heating, flameless heater (similar to the US one) and a strap for package tightening.
Netherlands
The Netherlands version of the 24-hour ration, the "Gevechtsrantsoen," includes canned or retort pouched items, plus hard biscuits, jam, cheese spread, 3 cans of meat spread and 1 can of tuna spread, a chocolate bar, a roll of mints, instant coffee, tea, hot chocolate, lemon-flavour energy drink powder, instant soup, a vitamin pill, and supplementary items. The canned main course is packed in a thin aluminium can rather like a large sardine tin, containing 400 g of a precooked item such as rice with vegetables and beef, chicken with rice and curry, potatoes with sausage and green vegetables, or sauerkraut with sausage and green vegetables. The newer retort-pouches contain a 350 g serving of dishes such as brown beans with pork, chili con carne, corned beef hash, or chicken and pasta in tomato sauce. The ration pack provides breakfast and lunch only; the two canned or pouched main meals are issued separately.
Sweden
The Swedish armed forces use ration packs from the Swedish developers 24 hour meals. 24 hour meals have a long range of menus (approx. 200)and can deliver both freezedried and wet meals. The Swedish concept (combat edition) consists of several versions for different use, in all climate zones, and various types of missions. Examples of different types of rations: 1-course (patrolration), 2-course, 3-course and 4-course versions with a variation of 40 different meals, both wet and dry. The rations varies from 1300 kcal to 5000 kcal. The ration is packed in a transparent durable plastic bag that is resealable with a ziplock. The contents are 1-4 main meals with energy bars, protein bars, nuts, energy drinks, wholewheat bread, peanut butter, desserts and spices for example. The durable bag change size depending on the version for optimal space usage in cartons and soldiers' backpacks. 24 hour meals have been developed at a rapid pace and are currently producing their 5th generation (first in 2008). R&D are working close with soldiers in Scandinavia and various missions around the world.
Norway
Norway utilize a 24-hour ration pack (Norwegian "feltrasjon") designed by Drytech, consisting of 2 freeze-dried main meals, a packet of compressed breakfast cereal, packets of instant soup, and supplements. These are packed in 3 green polylaminate bags labelled "Breakfast," "Lunch," or "Dinner," overwrapped in clear plastic and issued as one day's ration. Depending on the soldiers activity, the rations are delivered in two different sizes. Either 3800 kcal[6] or 5000 kcal.[7][8] Included are a substantial assortment of beverages (cocoa mix, instant coffee, energy drink powder, and herbal teas), plus thin sliced rye bread and chocolate, chewing gum, a vitamin tablet, and litter bags. There are 7 completely different menus, and ongoing development to meet different nations requirements. The main meals are for example Chili con carne, different pasta dishes, Beef Stew, Beef and Potato Casserole, Lamb Muligatawny, Cod and Potato Casserole, Pasta Bolognese, Wolf-fish with Prawns and Dill, Sweet and Sour Chicken, Rice in Basil Sauce etc. Small tins of fish are often provided separately.
Poland
The current Polish combat ration (Zestaw Żywnościowy Indywidualnej Racji Suchej) is packed in a green plastic-foil bag containing: 2 small cans of meat or meat spread or cheese, 2 packages of hard crackers, a tube of sweetened condensed milk, 2 packets of instant coffee, a packet of instant tea, 3 sugar packets, an individually wrapped Vitamin C fortified boiled sweets, a stick of chewing gum, safety matches, a menu and instruction sheet, a plastic bag, and 2 paper towels.
Field ration (24h) "RB1" / "RB2" / "RB3"
Meal A (breakfast): - goulash 400 g / beans with sasuage and meat in tomato sauce 400 g / pork shoulder with rice and vegetables 400g - pate 100g - jam 25g - crispbread 50g - instant tea 30g - fruit bar - flameless heater - sachet water 45ml
Meal B (lunch): - chicken with rice and vegetables 400 g / spaghetti with meat 400 g / bogracz (Hungarian dish densely with beef ) 400g - crackers 45g - instant tea 30g - condensed milk tube 100g - dark chocolate 50g - flameless heater - sachet water 45ml
Meal C (dinner): - canned meat 100g - crackers 45g - honey 25g - instant tea 30g - fruit bar
Accessories: - sugar 10 g x3 - coffee candy x3 - vitamin C candy x3 - chewing gum x3 - salt, pepper x3 - dried fruits 50g - instant tea - instant borsch - plastic bag - matches - toilet paper - wet wipe tissue x3 - cutlery
Energy value 3496,15kcal / 3693,82 kcal / 3459,6 kcal Weight 1,85 kg[9]
Russian Federation
Since the turn of the Millennium Russia issues the Individual Food Rations (Individual'nyi Ratsion Pitaniya (IRP) (Индивидуальный рацион питания/ИРП), a new self-contained ration, containing the whole daily food intake for an individual soldier in the field. However, in its most frequent form it isn't dietary complete, and is intended only as a stop-gap measure to be issued until the normal supply lines (with their field kitchens) are established and the hot food delivery started, to be issued for no more than six days straight. Russian Ministry of defence doesn't strictly prescribe the contents of the ration, only some basic packaging and inventory requirements, so every producer issues their own version. Most commonly it is packaged into a sturdy plastic blister box (nicknamed "The Frog" in the field for its olive-green color), or plastic-sealed cardboard box that contains five to six entrees in laminated foil cans or retort pouches, four to six pack of crackers or preserved bread, two to three dessert items in form of a spread or fruit bar, four beverage concentrate pouches, some seasonings (salt, pepper, sugar, ketchup), and various sundry items like sanitizing wipes/paper towels, spoons, can opener, four hexamine fuel tablets, folding heater, matches and water purifier tablets.[10] The types of entrees vary with the producer and the issued menu (of which there are usually 7 to 12), but the common set is based on a traditional Russian outdoorsmen fare, is largely formed out of the commercially available canned food, and usually includes 1 portion of stewed beef or pork, two meat-with-vegetables dishes, like various porridges, stews or canned fish, and one or two spreads, such as liver pate, sausage stuffing or processed cheese. Desserts may include fruit jams, chocolate and/or walnut spreads, chocolate bars, sweetened condensed milk, etc., but baked goods are usually avoided out of concerns about their shelf life.[11] Other variants may add canned speck and/or dried fish or exchange the hexamine tablets for the flameless heater.
Spain
The Spanish Army issues an individual meal pack, available in 5 different menus, comprising a small cardboard box overwrapped with drab green polyethylene. Inside are 3 canned meals, plus accessories. Typical contents (Menu B) include: stewed steak, pickled mackerel, liver pâté with red peppers, an envelope of instant soup, a can of fruit, 2 salt tablets, 2 water purification tablets, a large multivitamin tablet, 10 sheets of general purpose paper, a book of matches, a folding can opener, a small folding ration heater and 2 fuel tablets, and an instruction sheet in three languages (Spanish, English and French). Crackers or bread are issued separately.
United Kingdom
12 Hour Operational Ration Pack
The 12 hour operational ration pack (ORP) is designed for patrolling for durations of 4–12 hours and for is suitable for remote guard posts, drivers and as a supplement to normal rations for where daily calorie expenditure is likely to exceed 6000 kcals (25,120 kJ)(for instance, troops undergoing arduous duties.)
The 12 hour ORP contains a main meal packed in a retort pouch, a number of snack items, drink powders and a flameless ration heater (FRH). However it does not contain any hot beverage items.
There are 10 menu choices including one vegetarian.[12]
12 Hour Ration Menu | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Menu 1 | Menu 2 | Menu 3 | Menu 4 | Menu 5 | Menu 6 (Vegetarian) | Menu 7 | Menu 8 | Menu 9 | Menu 10 |
Lunch | |||||||||
BBQ beef sandwich | Italian sausage sandwich | Apple turnover | Maple syrup bun | Cinnamon bun | Marinara soy sandwich | Maple syrup bun | Spicy Chinese soy sandwich | Apple turnover | Plain white bread |
Main meal | |||||||||
Spaghetti bolognese | Beef & Cassava | Pork & beef tortellini | Halal chicken & dhal | Chicken tomato pasta | Vegetarian tomato noodle | Beef ravioli in mushroom sauce | Chicken arabbiata | Steak & vegetables | Yellow chicken curry & rice |
Snacks | |||||||||
Beef jerky original | Frankfurter sausage | Beef jerky teriyaki | Energize bar vanilla | Beef jerky pepper | Energize bar cherry/cranberry | Energize bar cookies & cream | Energize bar berry | Frankfurter sausage | Frankfurter sausage x 2 |
Fruity oatie biscuit | Ginger crunch biscuit | Golden oatie biscuit | Oatmeal block | Oreo cookies | Dark choc chip biscuit | Fruity oatie biscuit | Ginger crunch biscuit | Golden oatie biscuit | Oreo cookies |
Fruit and nut mix 1 | Nuts mix | Vine fruit mix | Salted almonds | Fruit mix | Salted peanuts | Tropical fruit mix | Stone fruit mix | Fruit and nut mix 2 | Fruit and nut mix 3 |
Fruit & nut snack bar | Golden oat bar | Fruit & nut snack bar | Caramel bar | Golden oat bar | Fruit & nut snack bar | Golden oat bar | Fruit & nut snack bar | Golden oat bar | Cranberry bar |
Lime sweets | Grapefruit sweets | Blackcurrant sweets | Strawberry sweets | Tootie Frooties | Apple & cinnamon bar
Polo mints |
Lemon sweets | Apple sweets | Cherry sweets | Lime sweets |
Drinks | |||||||||
Raspberry isotonic drink | Orange isotonic drink | Raspberry isotonic drink | Cherry isotonic drink | Exotic isotonic drink | Raspberry isotonic drink | Exotic isotonic drink | Cherry isotonic drink | Orange isotonic drink | Exotic isotonic drink |
Peach energy drink | Tropical energy drink | Orange energy drink | Raspberry energy drink | Apple energy drink | Orange energy drink | Lemon energy drink | Apple energy drink | Tropical energy drink | Orange energy drink |
Lemon energy drink | Apple energy drink | Blackcurrant energy drink | Sweet cherry energy drink | Raspberry energy drink | Blackcurrant energy drink | Sweet cherry energy drink | Raspberry energy drink | Blackcurrant energy drink | Sweet cherry energy drink |
Water flavour orange & cranberry | Water flavour blackcurrant | Water flavour orange & cranberry | Water flavour berry | Water flavour strawberry | Water flavour berry | Water flavour blackcurrant | Water flavour orange & cranberry | Water flavour berry | Water flavour blackcurrant |
Water flavour berry | Water flavour raspberry | Water flavour strawberry | Water flavour raspberry | Water flavour blackcurrant | Water flavour orange & cranberry | Water flavour raspberry | Water flavour strawberry | Water flavour raspberry | Water flavour strawberry |
Common components | |||||||||
Flameless ration heater ration pouch, Steri tabs x 6, chewing gum-spearmint or peppermint or menthol, reusable polybags x 2, tissues, spoon, wet wipes |
The 12 hour ORP provides a minimum of 2000 kcals (8,374 kJ).
24 Hour Operational Ration Pack
The UK provides the Operational Ration Pack, General Purpose. Packed inside a small cardboard box, each ration has enough retort-pouched and canned foods to feed one soldier for 24 hours.[13] Seven menus (plus vegetarian and religious variants) provide two precooked meals (Breakfast and Main Meal) plus a midday snack. Example (Menu A) Breakfast: Hamburger and beans, Instant Porridge. All ration packs also contain Oatmeal Block, Fruit Biscuits, Biscuits Brown (a more compact alternative to bread), a sachet of instant soup and jam or yeast extract (a Marmite like spread) for a lunchtime snack, and chocolate (in the form of a specially made Yorkie bar which is flatter than civilian bars, or, more recently, a simple unbranded bar of milk chocolate), though this has been phased out with the introduction of the more recent multi-climate ration packs, and boiled sweets (hard candy) for snacking whilst on patrol, or in free time. Main Meal: Instant soup, Chicken with Mushroom and Pasta, Treacle Pudding. Each pack also contains instant coffee, tea bags, creamer, sugar, hot cocoa mix, beef/vegetable stock powder, lemon/orange powder or Lucozade electrolyte powder, matches, packet of tissues, chewing-gum, a small bottle of Tabasco sauce, and water purifying tablets. They sometimes also contain chicken and herb pâté. Also available are Kosher/Halal, Vegetarian, and Hindu/Sikh specific menus. Regardless of their contents, these ration packs are referred to as Rat-Packs or Compo (short for Composite Rations) by the soldiers who eat them. In addition to containing the 24-hour ration, the outside of the cardboard box has a range card printed on its side for use by the soldier to record key features and their range from their position. Other variations designed for specific environments exist.
The rations are now being issued with a new folding cooker and fire-lighting fuel called FireDragon made in Wales by BCB International Ltd[1]
24 Hour Multi Climate Ration Box A[14]
Menu 1 | Menu 2 | Menu 3 | Menu 4 | Menu 5 | Menu 6 | Menu 7 | Menu 8 | Menu 9 | Menu 10 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Breakfast | |||||||||
Strawberry | Oat Breakfast | Pork Sausage
Omelette & Beans |
All Day
Breakfast |
Chicken
Sausage & Beans |
Natural Muesli | Fruity Muesli | Strawberry
Porridge |
Fruity Muesli | Toasted Muesli |
Main Meal | |||||||||
Steak & Vegetables | Chicken Tikka Masala | Chilli Con Carne | Paella | Beef Ravioli in
Mushroom Sauce |
Yellow Chicken
Curry |
Sweet &
Sour Chicken |
Vegetable | Beef & Cassava | Chicken Arrabiata |
Pilau Rice | Pilau Rice | Pilau Rice | Pilau Rice | Pilau Rice | |||||
Tabasco Red | Tabasco Green | Tabasco Red | Tabasco Green | Tabasco Red | Tabasco Green | Tabasco Red | Tabasco Green | Tabasco Red | Tabasco Green |
Pudding | |||||||||
Fruit Cocktail in
Pineapple |
Lemon
Sponge Pudding |
Choc Chip Cake | Rice Pudding
w. Jam Sachet |
Fruit Cocktail
in Light Syrup |
Pineapple Tidbits | Sliced Peaches
with Syrup |
Sliced Pears
in Syrup |
Sliced Apples | Fruit Cocktail
in Pineapple |
Snacks | |||||||||
Fruit and Nut Mix | Fruit and Nut Mix | Fruit and Nut Mix | Fruit and Nut Mix | Fruit and Nut Mix | Fruit and Nut Mix | Fruit and Nut Mix | |||
Fruit and Oat Bar | Fruit Mix Bar | Mixed Fruit Grains | Mixed Fruit Grains | Golden Oat Bar | Biscuit & Sultana
Flapjack |
Caramel Snack
Bar |
Golden Oat Bar | Cranberry
Energy Bar |
Strawberry
Fruit Bar |
Western Tuna
Pasta |
Chicken & Vegetable
Soup |
Mexican Tuna
Pasta |
Ham & Tomato
Noodle |
Western Tuna
Pasta |
Pasta Salad | Italian Tuna
Pasta |
Western Tuna
Pasta |
Salmon Pasta
Salad |
Mixed Bean
Pasta Salad |
Apple Raspberry
Blackcurrant Fruit Puree |
Strawberry Banana
Apple Fruit Puree |
Apple Peach Fruit Puree | Kiwi Passion Apple
Fruit Puree |
Mango Banana
Apple Fruit Puree |
Mango Banana
Apple Fruit Puree |
Kiwi Passion
Apple Fruit Puree |
Apple Peach Fruit Puree | Strawberry Banana
Apple Fruit Puree |
Apple Raspberry
Blackcurrant Fruit Puree |
Jammie Dodgers | Oat & Fruit Biscuit | Oreo Cookies | Ginger Biscuits | Ginger Biscuits | Oreo Cookies | Oat & Fruit Biscuit | Jammie Dodgers | Jammie Dodgers | Oat & Fruit Biscuit |
Drinks | |||||||||
Exotic Isotonic | Exotic Isotonic | Cherry Isotonic | Lucozade Lemon Isotonic | Lucozade Orange Isotonic | Lucozade Orange Isotonic | Lucozade Lemon Isotonic | Cherry Isotonic | Lemon & Lime Isotonic | Exotic Isotonic |
Raspberry Flavour | Berry Flavour | Orange & Cranberry Flavour | Strawberry Flavour | Blackcurrant Flavour | Blackcurrant Flavour | Strawberry Flavour | Orange & Cranberry Flavour | Berry Flavour | Raspberry Flavour |
Lemon Energy | Raspberry Energy drink | Lemon Energy | Raspberry Energy drink | Lemon Energy | Lemon Energy | Raspberry Energy drink | Lemon Energy | Raspberry Energy drink | Lemon Energy |
Hot Chocolate Original | Hot Chocolate Mint | Hot Chocolate Orange | Hot Chocolate Original | Hot Chocolate Mint | Hot Chocolate Orange | Hot Chocolate Original | Hot Chocolate Mint | Hot Chocolate Orange | Hot Chocolate Original |
Common Items | |||||||||
Sugar x 4, Whitener x 4, Kenco Coffee x 2 (sticks), Teabags x 2, Boiled Sweets, Matches, Tissues, Steri Tabs, Wet Wipes x 2, Dental Chewing Gum, Reusable poly bag, Spoon |
24 Hour Multi Climate Ration Box B[14]
Menu 11 | Menu 12 | Menu 13 | Menu 14 | Menu 15 | Menu 16 | Menu 17 | Menu 18 | Menu 19 | Menu 20 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Breakfast | |||||||||
Pork Sausage &
Beans |
Toasted Muesli | Fruitful Muesli | Bacon Omelette
Beans |
Fruity Muesli | Natural Muesli | Chicken Sausage
& Beans |
All Day
Breakfast |
Sausage Omelette
& Beans |
Oat Breakfast |
Main Meal | |||||||||
Tuna Rigatoni | Chunky Chicken Chilli | Chicken Tomato Pasta | Lamb Curry | Sweet & Sour Chicken | Thai Green Curry -
Vegetable (W) |
Beef Stroganoff | Green Chicken Curry | Beef Rib & Cassava | Paella |
Pilau Rice | Pilau Rice | Pilau Rice | Pilau Rice | Pilau Rice | |||||
Tabasco Green | Tabasco Red | Tabasco Green | Tabasco Red | Tabasco Green | Tabasco Red | Tabasco Green | Tabasco Red | Tabasco Green | Tabasco Red |
Pudding | |||||||||
Lemon Sponge Pudding | Exotic Fruit Cocktail | Sliced Pears in Syrup | Sliced Peaches
in Syrup |
Pineapple Tidbits | Sliced Apple | Rice Pudding
w. Jam Sachet |
Chocolate Chip Cake | Fruit cocktail
in light syrup |
Exotic Fruit Cocktail |
Snacks | |||||||||
Fruit and Nut Mix | Fruit and Nut Mix | Fruit and Nut Mix | Fruit and Nut Mix | Fruit and Nut Mix | Fruit and Nut Mix | Fruit and Nut Mix | |||
Caramel Energy Bar | Golden Oat Bar | Cranberry Energy Bar | Caramel Snack Bar | Strawberry Fruit Bar | Apricot Snack Bar | Golden Oat Bar | Caramel Energy Bar | Biscuti & Sultana Flapjack | Fruit & Oat Snack Bar |
Tuna Chilli Pasta | Tomato & Basil Soup | Chicken & Vegetable Soup | Tomato & Basil Soup (D) | Bean Pasta Salad | Pasta Salad (B) | Salmon Pasta Salad | Ham & Tomato Noodle | Mexican Tuna Pasta | Italian Tuna Pasta |
Apple Raspberry
Blackcurrant Fruit Puree |
Strawberry Banana
Apple Fruit Puree |
Apple Peach Fruit Puree | Kiwi Passion Apple
Fruit Puree |
Mango Banana
Apple Fruit Puree |
Mango Banana
Apple Fruit Puree |
Kiwi Passion Apple
Fruit Puree |
Apple Peach Fruit Puree | Strawberry Banana
Apple Fruit Puree |
Apple Raspberry
Blackcurrant Fruit Puree |
Oreo Cookies | Ginger Biscuits | Ginger Biscuits | Oreo Cookies | Oat & Fruit Biscuit | Oreo Cookies | Jammie Dodgers | Jammie Dodgers | Jammie Dodgers | Ginger Biscuits |
Drinks | |||||||||
Exotic Isotonic | Lemon & Lime Isotonic | Cherry Isotonic | Lucozade
Lemon Isotonic |
Lucozade Orange Isotonic | Lucozade Orange Isotonic | Lucozade Lemon Isotonic | Cherry Isotonic | Lemon & Lime Isotonic | Lemon & Lime Isotonic |
Raspberry Flavour | Berry Flavour | Orange & Cranberry Flavour | Strawberry Flavour | Blackcurrant Flavour | Blackcurrant Flavour | Strawberry Flavour | Orange & Cranberry Flavour | Berry Flavour | Raspberry Flavour |
Lemon Energy Drink | Raspberry Energy drink | Lemon Energy Drink | Raspberry Energy drink | Lemon Energy Drink | Lemon Energy Drink | Raspberry Energy drink | Raspberry Energy drink | Raspberry Energy drink | Lemon Energy Drink |
Hot Chocolate Original | Hot Chocolate Mint | Hot Chocolate Orange | Hot Chocolate Original | Hot Chocolate Mint | Hot Chocolate Orange | Hot Chocolate Original | Hot Chocolate Mint | Hot Chocolate Orange | Hot Chocolate Original |
Common Items | |||||||||
Sugar x 4, Whitener x 4, Kenco Coffee x 2 (sticks), Teabags x 2, Boiled Sweets, Matches, Tissues, Steri Tabs, Wet Wipes x 2, Dental Chewing Gum, Reusable poly bag, Spoon |
24 Hour Multi Climate Ration Sikh/Hindu[14]
Menu S1 | Menu S2 | Menu S3 | Menu S4 | Menu S5 | Menu S6 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Breakfast | |||||
Meat Free
Sausage & Beans |
Non meat mini
burgers & beans |
Potato & Beans | Vegetarian All
Day Breakfast |
Mushroom
Omelette |
Toasted Muesli |
Main Meal | |||||
Mexican Bean Feast | Tortellini in
Tomato Sauce |
Spicy Vegetable
Rigatoni |
Mexican Rice | Spicy Vegetable
Ditallini |
Thai Green
Vegetable Curry Pilau Rice |
Tabasco Red | Tabasco Red | Tabasco Red | Tabasco Red | Tabasco Red | Tabasco Red |
Pudding | |||||
Sliced Peaches
in Syrup |
Sliced Apple | Choc Chip Cake | Lemon Sponge
Pudding |
Sliced Pears | Fruit Cocktail |
Snacks | |||||
Fruit and Nut Mix | Fruit and Nut Mix | Fruit and Nut Mix | Fruit and Nut Mix | Fruit and Nut Mix | Fruit and Nut Mix |
Nut Mix | Nut Mix | Nut Mix | Nut Mix | Nut Mix | Nut Mix |
Fruit Grains | Fruit Grains | Oat Bar | Oat Bar | Oat Bar | Fruit Grains |
Tomato & Basil
Soup |
Pasta Salad | Mixed Bean
Pasta salad |
Vegetarian Ham &
Tomato Noodle |
Mixed Bean
Pasta salad |
Pasta Salad |
Strawberry Fruit
Bar |
Apricot Fruit
Bar |
Mixed Fruit
Grains |
Berry Fruit
Grains |
Berry Fruit
Grains |
Biscuit & Sultana
Flapjack |
Apple Raspberry
Blackcurrant Fruit Puree |
Strawberry
Banana Apple Fruit Puree |
Apple Peach
Fruit Puree |
Kiwi Passion
Apple Fruit Puree |
Mango Banana
Apple Fruit Puree |
Apple Raspberry
Blackcurrant Fruit Puree |
Jammie Dodgers | Oat & Fruit Biscuit | Oreo Cookies | Ginger Crunch | Ginger Crunch | Oreo Cookies |
Drinks | |||||
Exotic Isotonic | Lemon & Lime
Isotonic |
Cherry Isotonic | Lucozade Lemon
Isotonic |
Lucozade Orange
Isotonic |
Lucozade Orange
Isotonic |
Blackcurrant Flavour | Strawberry Flavour | Orange & Cranberry
Flavour |
Berry Flavour | Raspberry Flavour | Raspberry Flavour |
Lemon Energy | Raspberry Energy
drink |
Lemon Energy | Raspberry Energy
drink |
Lemon Energy | Raspberry Energy
drink |
Hot Chocolate
Original |
Hot Chocolate Mint | Hot Chocolate
Orange |
Hot Chocolate
Original |
Hot Chocolate Mint | Hot Chocolate
Orange |
Common Items | |||||
Sugar x 4, Whitener x 4, Kenco Coffee x 2 (sticks), Teabags x 2, Boiled Sweets, Matches,
Tissues, Steri Tabs, Wet Wipes x 2, Dental Chewing Gum, Reusable poly bag, Spoon |
24 Hour Multi Climate Ration Halal/Kosher[14]
Menu H1 | Menu H2 | Menu H3 | Menu H4 | Menu H5 | Menu H6 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Breakfast | |||||
Meat Free
Sausage & Beans |
Non meat mini
burgers & beans |
Potato & Beans | Vegetarian All
Day Breakfast |
Mushroom Omelette | Toasted Muesli |
Main Meal | |||||
Chicken & dumpling
Casserole |
Steak & Vegetables | Lamb Stew | Chicken with Dahl | Lamb Tagine | Thai Green Vegetable
Curry Pilau Rice |
Tabasco Red | Tabasco Red | Tabasco Red | Tabasco Red | Tabasco Red | Tabasco Red |
Pudding | |||||
Sliced Peaches
in Syrup |
Sliced Apple | Choc Chip Cake | Lemon Sponge
Pudding |
Fruit Cocktail | Sliced Pears |
Snacks | |||||
Fruit and Nut Mix | Fruit and Nut Mix | Fruit and Nut Mix | Fruit and Nut Mix | Fruit and Nut Mix | Fruit and Nut Mix |
Nut Mix | Nut Mix | Nut Mix | Nut Mix | Nut Mix | Nut Mix |
Strawberry Fruit Bar | Fruit Grains | Oat Bar | Oat Bar | Cranberry Energy Bar | |
Fruit Grains | Fruit Grains | ||||
Tomato & Basil Soup | Pasta Salad | Mixed Bean
Pasta salad |
Vegetarian Ham
& Tomato Noodle |
Mixed Bean
Pasta salad |
Pasta Salad (B) |
Strawberry Fruit Bar | Apricot Fruit Bar | Mixed Fruit Grains | Berry Fruit Grains | Berry Fruit Grains | Biscuit & Sultana
Flapjack |
Kiwi Passion
Apple Fruit Puree |
Apple Peach
Fruit Puree |
Strawberry Banana
Apple Fruit Puree |
Apple Raspberry
Blackcurrant Fruit Puree |
Apple Raspberry
Blackcurrant Fruit Puree |
Strawberry Banana
Apple Fruit Puree |
Oat & Fruit Biscuit | Jammie Dodgers | Jammie Dodgers | Oat & Fruit Biscuit | Oreo Cookies | Ginger Crunch |
Drinks | |||||
Lucozade Lemon
Isotonic |
Cherry Isotonic | Lemon & Lime
Isotonic |
Exotic Isotonic | Exotic Isotonic | Lemon & Lime
Isotonic |
Berry Flavour | Orange & Cranberry
Flavour |
Strawberry Flavour | Blackcurrant
Flavour |
Blackcurrant
Flavour |
Strawberry Flavour |
Lemon Energy Drink | Lemon Energy Drink | Raspberry Energy drink | Lemon Energy Drink | Lemon Energy Drink | Raspberry Energy drink |
Hot Chocolate Original | Hot Chocolate Mint | Hot Chocolate Orange | Hot Chocolate Original | Hot Chocolate Original | Hot Chocolate Mint |
Common Items | |||||
Sugar x 4, Whitener x 4, Kenco Coffee x 2 (sticks), Teabags x 2, Boiled Sweets, Matches,
Tissues, Steri Tabs, Wet Wipes x 2, Dental Chewing Gum, Reusable poly bag, Spoon |
24 Hour Multi Climate Ration Vegetarian[14]
Menu V1 | Menu V2 | Menu V3 | Menu V4 | Menu V5 | Menu V6 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Breakfast | |||||
Meat Free
Sausage & Beans |
Non meat mini
burgers & beans |
Potato & Beans | Vegetarian All
Day Breakfast |
Mushroom Omelette | Toasted Muesli |
Main Meal | |||||
Mexican Bean
Feast |
Tortellini in
Tomato Sauce |
Spicy Vegetable
Rigatoni |
Mexican Rice | Spicy Vegetable
Ditallini |
Thai Green
Vegetable Curry Pilau Rice |
Tabasco Red | Tabasco Red | Tabasco Red | Tabasco Red | Tabasco Red | Tabasco Red |
Pudding | |||||
Sliced Peaches
in Syrup |
Sliced Apple | Choc Chip Cake | Lemon Sponge
Pudding |
Sliced pears | Fruit Cocktail |
Snacks | |||||
Fruit and Nut Mix | Fruit and Nut Mix | Fruit and Nut Mix | Fruit and Nut Mix | Fruit and Nut Mix | Fruit and Nut Mix |
Nut Mix | Nut Mix | Nut Mix | Nut Mix | Nut Mix | Nut Mix |
Strawberry Fruit Bar | Fruit Grains | Oat Bar | Oat Bar | Cranberry Energy Bar | |
Tomato & Basil Soup | Pasta Salad | Mixed Bean
Pasta salad |
Vegetarian Ham
& Tomato Noodle |
Mixed Bean
Pasta salad |
Pasta Salad (B) |
Strawberry Fruit Bar | Apricot Fruit Bar | Mixed Fruit Grains | Berry Fruit Grains | Berry Fruit Grains | Biscuit & Sultana
Flapjack |
Apple Peach
Fruit Puree |
Kiwi Passion
Apple Fruit Puree |
Mango Banana
Apple Fruit Puree |
Mango Banana
Apple Fruit Puree |
Kiwi Passion
Apple Fruit Puree |
Apple Peach
Fruit Puree |
Ginger Crunch | Oreo Cookies | Oat & Fruit Biscuit | Jammie Dodgers | Jammie Dodgers | Oat & Fruit Biscuit |
Drinks | |||||
Cherry Isotonic | Lucozade Lemon
Isotonic |
Lucozade Orange
Isotonic |
Lucozade Orange
Isotonic |
Lucozade Lemon
Isotonic |
Cherry Isotonic |
Orange & Cranberry
Flavour |
Berry Flavour | Raspberry Flavour | Berry Flavour | Orange & Cranberry
Flavour |
Strawberry Flavour |
Lemon Energy Drink | Raspberry Energy drink | Lemon Energy Drink | Lemon Energy Drink | Raspberry Energy drink | Raspberry Energy drink |
Hot Chocolate Orange | Hot Chocolate Original | Hot Chocolate Mint | Hot Chocolate Orange | Hot Chocolate Original | Hot Chocolate Mint |
Common Items | |||||
Sugar x 4, Whitener x 4, Kenco Coffee x 2 (sticks), Teabags x 2, Boiled Sweets, Matches,
Tissues, Steri Tabs, Wet Wipes x 2, Dental Chewing Gum, Reusable poly bag, Spoon |
24 Hour Jungle Ration
The 24 Hour Jungle ration is based on the standard 24 Hour ration with additional supplements and a Flameless Ration Heater (FRH). The Jungle ration is designed for use by the special forces and other specialist units.
The 24 Hour Jungle Ration provides a minimum of 4500 kcals (18,840 kJ) a day.
Cold Climate Ration
The Cold Climate Ration (CCR) is a specialist and lightweight, high calorie 24 hour ration designed for use by troops above the snow line or in the high Arctic. It comprises mainly dehydrated main meals with a range of snacks designed to be eaten on the go.
There are 8 menu choices available.
The cold climate ration provides a minimum of 5500 kcals (23,030 kJ) a day.
10 Man Operational Ration Pack
The UK also fields a larger pack of rations intended to feed ten soldiers for 24 hours from centralised but basic preparation; generally similar in content to the single issue ORP but tending to contain larger quantities of food in cylindrical tin cans to be divided up on preparation, rather than individual retort pouches or packets. Even dry materials like sugar or biscuits are often packed in these cans. They contain ingredients for baking bread and tinned food, including vegetables, corned beef and sausages in lard. Also included are chocolate, pre-cooked chicken or beef in gravy and soya mince. Ten boxed one-man ORPs are supplied in larger boxes identical in shape to the single ten-man pack.
10 Man Operational Ration Pack Menus A-E[15]
10 Man Operational Ration Pack Menus A-E | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Menu A | Menu B | Menu C | Menu D | Menu E |
Breakfast | ||||
Porridge Oats
Baked Beans In Tomato Sauce Sausages In Veg Oil Strawberry Jam |
Porridge Oats
Bacon Grill Baked Beans In Tomato Sauce Sausages In Veg Oil Egg Substitute Wild Berry Jam |
Porridge Oats
Bacon Grill Baked Beans In Tomato Sauce Sausages In Veg Oil Egg Substitute Apricot Jam |
Porridge Oats
Bacon Grill Baked Beans In Tomato Sauce Sausages In Veg Oil Egg Substitute Orange Marmalade Jam |
Porridge Oats
Bacon Grill Baked Beans In Tomato Sauce Sausages In Veg Oil Egg Substitute Raspberry Jam |
Main Meal | ||||
Chicken In White Sauce
Long Grain Rice Potato Flakes Garden Peas Whole Carrots Fruit Cocktail Instant Custard |
Pasta Spirals
Minced Beef With Gravy Potato Flakes Garden Peas Sweetcorn Strawberry Sponge Cake Instant Custard |
Minced Beef With Gravy
Potato Flakes Long Grain Rice Chopped Tomatoes Red Kidney Beans Fruit Cocktail Instant Custard |
Stewed Steak In Gravy
Potato Flakes Pasta Spaghetti Chopped Tomatoes Sweetcorn Chocolate Sponge Cake Instant Custard |
Chicken In White Sauce
Potato Flakes Long Grain Rice Whole Carrots Mushrooms Pineapple Slices Instant Custard |
Snacks | ||||
Beef Noodles
Tuna Chunks In Veg Oil Cheddar Cheese Fruit & Nut Mix Milk Chocolate Bar Mixed Fruit Sweets |
Tuna Chunks In Veg Oil
Cheddar Cheese Sweet & Sour Rice Tropical Fruit Mix Milk Chocolate Bar Mixed Fruit Sweets |
Pork Luncheon Meat
Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Cheddar Cheese Fruit Mix Milk Chocolate Bar Mixed Fruit Sweets |
Cheddar Cheese
Balti Rice Milk Chocolate Bar Castus Bar Apricot Mixed Fruit Sweets |
Chicken Noodles
Cheddar Cheese Canned Ham Milk Chocolate Bar Castus Bar Strawberry Mixed Fruit Sweets |
Drinks | ||||
Freeze Dried Coffee
Tropical Drink Powder Drinking Chocolate Original Milk Powder Semi Skimmed Tea Bags Granulated Sugar Lemon Drink Powder |
Freeze Dried Coffee
Tropical Drink Powder Drinking Chocolate Original Milk Powder Semi Skimmed Tea Bags Granulated Sugar Orange Drink Powder |
Freeze Dried Coffee
Tropical Drink Powder Drinking Chocolate Orange Milk Powder Semi Skimmed Tea Bags Granulated Sugar Lemon Drink Powder |
Freeze Dried Coffee
Tropical Drink Powder Drinking Chocolate Mint Milk Powder Semi Skimmed Tea Bags Granulated Sugar Orange Drink Powder |
Freeze Dried Coffee
Tropical Drink Powder Drinking Chocolate Mint Milk Powder Semi Skimmed Tea Bags Granulated Sugar Orange Drink Powder |
Sauces/Soups | ||||
Balti Sauce
Beef & Tomato Soup |
Bolognaise Sauce
Mulligatawny Soup |
Chilli Sauce
Chicken Soup |
Bourgignon Sauce
Thick Veg Soup |
Jerk Sauce
Mushroom Soup |
Chef's Pack Ingredients | ||||
Bicarbonate Of Soda, Strong White Flour – 500 g, Garlic Powder, Pepper, Salt, Tomato Puree/ Powder,Soya Mince, Yeast, Margarine, Dried Onions, Mixed Herbs |
Emergency Flying Rations (EFR) Mark 4
The Mark 4 EFR is designed for crews of fast jets. It consists of a flat tin it contains 100 g of fruit flavoured sweets, (9 to be eaten each day) 2 spring handles and a plastic bag. The container can be used for boiling water and hot drinks can be made by dissolving the sweets in hot water. The Mark 4 EFR is built into ejector seats.[16]
Emergency Flying Rations (EFR) Mark 9
The Mark 9 EFR is designed for crews of multi-engine aircraft. It consists of a two piece aluminium container, four wire spring handles, two emergency food packs (eight portions per pack), one packet of beef stock drinking cubes (six cubes per pack), two packets of sugar cubes (twelve cubes per pack), one beverage pack (containing seven sachets of instant coffee, four sachets of instant tea and seven sachets of vegetable creamer), two spatulas, one polythene bag and an instruction leaflet.
Costs of rations
The cost of a 10-man ration pack is £55.00. The cost of a 24-hour operational ration pack is £10.00[17]
Earlier Versions of British Field Rations
1940s
In 1944 a 24-hour ration pack was issued to troops to provide food prior to conditions being established which would permit centralised messing. The contents of the ration pack were;
Biscuits plain-1 pack, biscuits sweet-1 pack, preserved meat-1 can, ham gelatin-1 can, vegetable salad-1 can, fruit pudding-1 can, jam-1 can, cheese-1 can, chocolate-2 bars, boiled sweets-1 packet, tea-2 packets, sugar-2 packets, milk powder-2 packets, salt-1 packet, matches-1 packet, latrine paper-6 sheets, can opener-1.[18]
1970s
The 24 hour GS (General Service) ration pack was supplied with the contents in cans or packets.[19]
Menu A | Menu B | Menu C | Menu D |
---|---|---|---|
Breakfast | |||
Oatmeal block
Sausage & beans Biscuits AB* Jam Tea and sugar |
Oatmeal block
Biscuits AB Jam Tea and sugar |
Oatmeal block
Sausage & beans Biscuits AB Jam Tea and sugar |
Oatmeal block
Baconburger Biscuits AB Jam Tea and sugar |
Snack | |||
Biscuits AB
Cheese Chocolate Coffee Sugar |
Biscuits AB
Beef Spread Chocolate Boiled sweets Coffee Sugar |
Biscuits AB
Cheese Chocolate Confectionary bar Coffee Sugar |
Biscuits AB
Beef spread Chocolate Spangles Coffee Sugar |
Main meal | |||
Onion soup
Pre-cooked rice Apple flakes Tea and sugar Biscuits AB |
Oxtail soup
Spaghetti in tomato sauce Fruit salad Tea and sugar Biscuits AB |
Oxtail soup
Corned beef Beans in tomato sauce Ginger pudding Tea and sugar Biscuits AB |
Mock turtle soup
Minced steak Chocolate pudding Tea and sugar Biscuits AB |
Sundries | |||
Condensed milk (in tube), chewing gum, toilet paper, salt, matches, can opener,
margarine (in tube) |
*Biscuits AB stands for "Biscuits-Alternative Bread", these were called more colourful names by members of the British Army due to the fact they caused constipation.
1980s
The 24 hour GS (General Service) ration pack was supplied with the contents in cans or packets.[20]
Menu A | Menu B | Menu C | Menu D |
---|---|---|---|
Breakfast | |||
Porridge
Bacon Grill Biscuits Brown Chocolate Drink |
Porridge
Bacon Burger Biscuits Brown Chocolate Drink |
Porridge
Bacon Grill Biscuits Brown Chocolate Drink |
Porridge
Bacon Burger Biscuits Brown Chocolate Drink |
Snack | |||
Biscuits Brown
Ham Spread Chocolate Full Cream Spangles Dextrose Tablets (Lemon) |
Biscuits Brown
Beef Spread Chocolate Full Cream Boiled Sweets Chocolate Covered Caramel Dextrose Tablets (Orange) |
Biscuits Brown
Chicken Spread Chocolate Full Cream Confectionery Bar Chocolate Covered Caramel Dextrose Tablets (Lemon) |
Biscuits Brown
Chicken & Bacon Spread Chocolate Full Cream Spangles Chocolate Covered Caramel Dextrose Tablets (Orange) |
Main Meal | |||
Biscuit Fruit Filled
Instant Soup Chicken Curry Pre-cooked Rice Apple Flakes |
Biscuit Fruit Filled
Instant soup Steak & kidney Pudding Spaghetti in Tomato Sauce Apple & Apricot Flakes |
Biscuit Fruit Filled
Instant Soup Steak & Onion Casserole Beans in Tomato Sauce Fruit Salad |
Biscuit Fruit Filled
Instant Soup Minced Steak Mixed vegetables Mixed Fruit Pudding |
Drinks | |||
Instant Skimmed Milk, Sugar, Tea, Coffee, Beef Stock Drink and Orange/ Lemon Powder. | |||
Sundries | |||
Chewing Gum, Toilet Paper, Salt, Book matches, Waterproof matches, Can Opener, Water Purification tablets and Menu Sheet |
Arctic Rations
Arctic rations were dehydrated and issued to troops serving in arctic areas where snow could be melted to rehydrate the dehydrated contents.[20]
Menu A | Menu B | Menu C | Menu D |
---|---|---|---|
Breakfast | |||
Porridge
Chocolate Drink |
Porridge
Chocolate Drink |
Porridge
Chocolate Drink |
Porridge
Chocolate Drink |
Snack | |||
Beef Spread
Biscuits Brown Biscuit Fruit Filled Chocolate Full Cream Chocolate Covered Caramel Nuts & Raisins Dextrose Tablets (Lemon) Chocolate Fruit & Nuts |
Chicken Spread
Biscuits Brown Biscuit Fruit Filled Chocolate Full Cream Chocolate Covered Caramel Nuts & Raisins Dextrose Tablets (Orange) Chocolate Fruit & Nuts |
Chicken & Ham Spread
Biscuits Brown Biscuit Fruit Filled Chocolate Full Cream Chocolate Covered Caramel Nuts & Raisins Dextrose Tablets (Lemon) Chocolate Fruit & Nuts |
Beef Spread
Biscuits Brown Biscuit Fruit Filled Chocolate Full Cream Chocolate Covered Caramel Nuts & Raisins Dextrose Tablets (Orange) Chocolate Fruit & Nuts |
Main Meal | |||
Instant Soup
Beef Granules Potatoes Peas Apple Flakes |
Instant Soup
Curried Beef Granules Rice Peas Apple & Apricot Flakes |
Instant Soup
Mutton Granules Potatoes Peas Apple Flakes |
Instant Soup
Chicken Supreme Granules Rice Peas Apple & Apricot Flakes |
Drinks | |||
Instant Skimmed Milk, Sugar, Tea, Coffee, Beef Stock Drink and Orange/Lemon Powder. | |||
Sundries | |||
Chewing Gum, Toilet Paper, Paper Tissues, Salt, Wooden Spatula, Book matches,
Matches Waterproof, Can Opener, Water Purification tablets and Menu Sheet |
1990s
In the 1990s cans were replaced with retort pouches and menu options improved and expanded. The ration was redesignated as the 24 Hour General Purpose (GP) Ration Pack.[20]
Menu A | Menu B | Menu C | Menu D | Menu E | Menu F | Menu G |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Breakfast | ||||||
Instant Oats
Hamburger & Beans |
Instant Oats | Instant Oats
Pork Sausage & Beans |
Instant Oats
Hamburger & Beans |
Instant Oats
Bacon & Beans |
Instant Oats
Beefburger & Beans |
Instant Oats
Pork Sausage & Beans |
Snack | ||||||
Oatmeal Block
Fruit Biscuits Brown Biscuits Cheese Spread Milk Chocolate Boiled Sweets |
Oatmeal Block
Fruit Biscuits Brown Biscuits Meat Pate Milk Chocolate Mint Flavour Boiled Sweets |
Oatmeal Block
Fruit Biscuits Brown Biscuits Cheese Spread Chocolate, Biscuit & Fruit Kendal Mint Cake Boiled Sweets |
Oatmeal Block
Fruit Biscuits Brown Biscuits Meat Pate Milk Chocolate Orange Flavour Chocolate Boiled Sweets |
Oatmeal Block
Fruit Biscuits Brown Biscuits Cheese Spread Chocolate Orange Crisp Chocolate, Biscuit & Fruit Boiled Sweets |
Oatmeal Block
Fruit Biscuits Brown Biscuits Meat Pate Chocolate, Biscuit & Fruit Chocolate Mint Crisp Kendal Mint Cake Chocolate, Biscuit & Fruit Boiled Sweets |
Oatmeal Block
Fruit Biscuits Brown Biscuits Cheese Spread Chocolate Rum & Raisin Boiled Sweets |
Main Meal | ||||||
Soup
Chicken, Mushroom and Pasta Treacle Pudding |
Soup
Beef Stew and Dumplings Chocolate Pudding in Chocolate Sauce |
Soup
Lamb stew and Potatoes Dumplings in Sauce |
Soup
Pork Cassoulet Rice Pudding |
Soup
Mixed Fruit Pudding |
Soup
Steak & Vegetable with Potatoes Dumplings in Butterscotch Sauce |
Soup
Chicken stew with Dumplings Treacle Pudding |
Drinks | ||||||
Chocolate Drink, Beverage Whitener, Sugar, Tea, Coffee, Beef Stock Drink, Orange or Lemon Powder | ||||||
Sundries | ||||||
Chewing Gum, Waterproof Matches, Paper Tissues, Paper Tissues, Water Purification Tablets, Menu Sheet |
Ukraine
The Ukrainian combat ration is based on a previous Russian version, consisting of commercially available cans and dried foods packed together in a sectioned box (resembles a takeout tray) made of very thin green plastic. Inside are: two 250 g mmin Meal cans (boiled buckwheat groats and buckwheat w/beef); two 100 g cans of meat spread (liver pate and beef in lard); a 160 g can of herring or mackerel; six 50 g packages small, hard crackers (resemble oyster crackers); two foil pouches (20 g each) of jam or jelly; six boiled sweets two tea bags; an envelope of instant cherry juice powder; a chicken flavour bouillon cube; two packets of sugar; and three dining packets, each with a plastic spoon, a napkin, and a moist towelette.
Portugal
Developed and fielded the Ração Individual de Combate (RIC). Packed in a camouflage cardboard box measuring 265 mm × 160 mm × 90 mm (10.5 in × 6.25 in × 19.0 in) and weighing 1.99 kg (3.4 lbs), the ration provides 3 meals per day. Maximum use is made of off-the-shelf commercial items, including canned main menu items (still with their original labels). A typical RIC (menu 4) will contain: two 415 g "poptop" cans (beef w/vegetables and chili con carne), a flat 115 g can of sardines, round 65 g can of liver paste, sweet bread, crackers, packaged bread, 2 pouches of fruit jam, pouch of quince cream, hot chocolate or instant coffee, isotonic drink mix, instant milk powder, chewing gum, boiled sweets, sugar, salt, water purification tablets, matches, 6 fuel tablets, a folding stove, plastic cutlery, a pack of tissues, a plastic bag, and an instruction/menu sheet.
Middle East
Israel
The Israeli "battle ration" (Manat Krav) is designed to be shared by four soldiers. It contains: 1 can of rice filled vine leaves, 8 small cans of tuna, canned olives, a can of sweet corn, a can of pickled cucumbers, 1 can of halva spread and 1 chocolate spread, a can of peanuts, fruit flavored drink powder, and bread or matzoh crackers. There is also an "ambush pack" of candy and high-energy protein bars.
In 2008, Israel introduced a new field ration to supplement the traditional Manat Krav. Unlike previous rations, the new Battle Ration consists of individual, self-heating, ready-to-eat meals packed inside plastic-aluminum trays. They are designed to be carried and used by infantry troops for up to 24 hours, until regular supply lines can be established. Ten menus are available, including chicken, turkey and kebab; each meal pack is supplemented with dry salami, dried fruit, tuna, halva, sweet roll, and preserved dinner rolls. However, as of 2012, the older rations were still in use.[21]
In 2011, as a result of the manufacturer going bankrupt, the IDF phased out the can of corned beef (known as 'Loof'), which had been part of the battle ration since the nation's founding. It would be replaced by "ground meat with tomato sauce".[22]
Many different recipes and different ways of serving the rations have developed in Israel. With the can of tuna, for example, traditionally cooked using toilet paper soaked in oil.[21]
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia uses a combat meal that is packed inside a brown plastic bag about the size and shape of a US MRE pouch. It contains a small can of tuna, a small can of sardines or salmon or beef, a small can of cheese or thickened cream, an envelope of instant noodle soup, hard crackers and dry toast (like Zwieback), a small bag of raisins or dried fruit, a small package of dates, a small bag of nuts, plus instant coffee, tea bags, sugar packets, matches, and a bag of spiced dried chickpea powder.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE utilizes a European-style combat ration pack containing food and accessories for one soldier for 24 hours. Packed in the UAE utilizing imported components, the ration box measures 245 mm × 195 mm × 115 mm and weighs 2.0 kg. Inside are 4 resealable (ziplock type) plastic bags, labeled in both Arabic & English, containing Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Miscellaneous.
A typical Breakfast bag has 2 foil-wrapped packages of hard brown biscuits, 1 small jar apricot jam, a can of tuna, and an accessory pack (plastic spoon, salt, pepper, and napkin).
Lunch contains a retort pouch of precooked rice, a retort pouch of chicken curry, a pouch date pudding, and another accessory pack.
Dinner has a retort pouch of pasta rigatoni, an envelope instant soup, and a third accessory pack.
The Miscellaneous bag contains a small bag of hard candy, 4 packets of sugar, 4 tea bags, 2 small envelopes of milk powder, and 3 foil envelopes of instant orange juice powder.
Also included are: a can of fruit, a package of ramen noodles, 2 flameless chemical ration heaters, a menu/instruction sheet, 1 pack dried hummus powder, and a book of matches.
Australasia
Australia
Australia currently supplies three different types of military ration packs – Combat Ration One Man, Combat Ration Five Man and Patrol Ration One Man.
Combat Ration One Man is a complete 24-hour ration pack that provides two substantial meals per day and a wide variety of drinks and snacks for the remainder of the day. Most items, such as Beef Kai Si Ming, Dutch-style Beef with Vegetables, Beef with Spaghetti, Baked Beans, Sausages with Vegetables, or Chicken with pasta and vegetables, are packed in 250 gram sized plastic-foil retort pouches. Included with every meal pack is a pouch of instant rice or instant mashed potatoes, a fruit and grain bar, 2 envelopes of instant drink powder, some biscuits, an "Anzac Biscuit," a chocolate bar, M&M's, coffee, tea, sugar, crackers, cheese spread, jam, sweetened condensed milk, hard sweets, and Vegemite. It is packed in a tough clear polyethylene bag and weighs around 1.5 – 1.7 kg (3.3 – 3.75 lb). In practical use, these packs are "stripped" by removing and trading with other soldiers, those components that are unlikely to be consumed by the person carrying the pack. This also reduces the weight of the packs, allowing more to be carried. There are eight menu choices, one of which is vegetarian. None of them are allergen free since Defence Force members are typically selected, among many other attributes, for their no known allergy status.[23]
Combat Ration Five Man contains a similar array of components as the Combat Ration One Man. However, it is provided in a tough fibreboard carton rather than in individual unitised polyethylene bags. It is a group feeding solution, and it is impractical to use on an individual basis for main meals. There are a multiple of group-sized retort pouches – 500 gram as opposed to 250 gram, several of which are required to be heated in order to provide a complete meal. Examples include Beef & Blackbean Sauce, Chicken Satay. Common elements include rice and vegetables such as corn, potatoes and carrots. The accessories such as snacks are consumable and can be carried individually. There are five menu choices, and each Combat Ration Five Man weighs around 10 kg (22 lb).[24]
Patrol Ration One Man is a complete 24-hour ration pack that contains freeze dried main meals, meaning that the total weight of each pack is reduced, however a correspondingly higher quantity of water must be carried in order to reconstitute the main meal. Otherwise, it is similar to the Combat Ration One Man. It is packed in tough clear polyethylene bags and is available in five menu choices.[25]
New Zealand
New Zealand issues an Operational Ration Pack designed to provide one soldier with three complete meals. Based around two ready-to-eat retort pouches (e.g. Beef and Vegetable stew, Chicken Curry), the ORP comes in 4 menus. Also included are: Anzac biscuits, chocolate bars, URC fruit grains, muesli bars, instant soup powder, instant noodles, muesli cereal, a tube of condensed milk, hard crackers, tinned cheese, cocoa powder, instant coffee, tea bags, instant sport drink powder, sugar, salt, pepper, glucose sweets, Vegemite, jam, ketchup, onion flakes, waterproofed matches, a resealable plastic bag, and a menu sheet.
Operational Ration Pack 1 Man-24 Hours[26]
Menu A | Menu B | Menu C | Menu D |
---|---|---|---|
Beef & Vegetable Stew 1 x 300g
Chicken Satay 1 x 300g Anzac Biscuits 1 x 35g Jam 2 x 13g Tomato Ketchup 1 x 15g |
Chicken Jambalaya 1 x 300g
Moroccan Lamb 1 x 300g Chocolate Chip Biscuits 1 x 35g Marmite 1 x 15g Tomato Ketchup 1 x 15g |
Chilli Beef with Rice 1 x 300g
Chicken Pasta & Vegetable 1 x 300g Anzac Biscuits 1 x 35g Jam 2 x 13g Sweet Chilli 1 x 10g |
Vegetable Tagine 1 x 300g
Thai Chicken 1 x 300g Chocolate Chip Biscuits 1 x 35g Marmite 1 x 15g Sweet Chilli 1 x 10g |
Common to all menus | |||
Salt 2 x 1 g, Milk (Tube) 1 x 85 g, Matches Waterproof 1 x vial
Tea Bags 3 x bags, Coffee Instant 3 x 1.5g, Chocolate Drink 2 x 11 g, Pad Scouring 1 x pad, Cheese Canned 1 x 56 g, Muesli Cereal 1 x 100 g, Sports Drink 1 x 16 g, Cabin Bread 1 x 34 g, Soup Powder 1 x 25 g, Pepper 2 x 1 g, Instant Noodles 1 x 85 g, Menu Sheet 1 x ea, Bags Plastic 1 x bag, Sugar 6 x 7 g, Recaldent Gum 1 x pkt, Chocolate 2 x 40 g, Towelettes 6 x wipes, Onion Flakes 1 x 7 g, Glucose Sweets 1 x 35 g, Peanuts and Raisins 1 x 35 g, Muesli Bar 1 x 32 g, Fruit Bar 1 x 30 g, |
Asia
Brunei
The Royal Brunei Army uses a 24-hour ration pack that provides a soldier with an entire day's supply of food, plus a limited number of health and hygiene items. Maximum use is made of plastic-foil laminate pouches, and most items can be eaten without further preparation. Currently, four menus are fielded, and all menus are compatible with Muslim dietary restrictions. Example Menu (F): 5 x 170-gram retort pouches (Biriani Chicken, Mutton Curry, Sardines in Tomato Sauce, Bubur Jagong/ Corn Porridge, Pineapple Pajeri); plus individual servings of pineapple jam, instant coffee, teabags, sugar, salt, pepper, steminder powder, hot chili sauce, MSG, a multivitamin energy tablet, tissue paper, scouring pad with soap, and matches.
India
Indian Armed Forces have a host of Meals Ready To Eat (MRE) including the One Man Compo Pack Ration, Mini Compo Pack, Survival Ration, a ration for marine commandos and Main Battle Tank (MBT) Rations.[27] The shelf-life of the ration is 12 months. India has adopted retort processing technology for combat rations.
The MREs use pre-cooked thermostabilized entrees in a plastic-foil laminate retort pouch. The ration does not require cooking and the contents may be eaten cold, though warming is preferred. An entire day's worth of food, plus accessory items, is packed inside a heavy-duty olive green plastic bag with pasted on label. The menu consists of several different Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian products that cater to Indian tastes, such as sooji halwa, chapaties, tea mix, chicken biryani, chicken curry, mutton biryani, Mutton curry, Vegetable biryani, rajma curry, dal fry, jeera rice, Dal makhani, vegetable pulav and mixed vegetable curry, alongside pickled hot seasoning, in small plastic pouches.
The One Man Compo Pack consists of early morning tea, breakfast, mid morning tea, lunch, evening tea, and dinner. The menus feature both dehydrated and ready-to-eat products, and include a folding stove and hexamine fuel tablets. The ration weighs 880 grams and provides 4,100 kcal (17,000 kJ). The Mini Compo Pack is a simplified version of the One Man Compo Pack, weighing 400 g and providing 1,520 kcal (6,400 kJ).
The survival ration consists of a soft bar and chikki. The daily survival ration per man consists of: Soft bar 100 g x 2, Chikki (sugar base) 50 g x 3, Chikki (Jaggery base) 50 g x 3. This provides around 2,400 kcal (10,000 kJ), which is 1,520 kcal (6,400 kJ) more than the normal survival ration used by most nations.
Uniquely, India also developed an operational ration pack specifically for Main Battle Tank (MBT) and other Armored vehicle crews. Designed to sustain four soldiers for 72 h in closed-in battle conditions, the MBT ration is based on instant/ready to eat foods and ration/survival bars. First and second day ration packs weigh 2 kg each and provide 4,000 kcal (17,000 kJ) per soldier, while the third day ration pack weighs 1.5 kg and supplies 3,000 kcal (13,000 kJ).
Indonesia
The Indonesian military has introduced the RTP (equivalent to Individual Combat Rations) in the mid-1970s in order to standardize nutrition for soldiers in field. There are three types of ration and each daily ration consist of three menus and a pack of supplementary drinks, providing 2,700 kcal (11,000 kJ) in total. Sample menu for type C is Javanese fried rice, Balinese-sauce fried rice, and chicken rice. The supplementary drinks are instant coffee, powdered orange juice, tea bags and powdered milks. All rations should be heated for 15 minutes over fire. Virtually all products are made in Indonesia and manufactured according to Indonesian military standard.[28]
Japan
The Japan Self-Defense Forces utilize two types of combat rations, Type I combat ration (戦闘糧食 I型) and Type II combat ration (戦闘糧食 II型). The older Type I ration consists almost entirely of canned foods weighing a total of 780 g per meal; a normal three-day ration has up to 36 cans weighing more than 7 kilograms. Eight menus are available, based around a 400 g can of rice and 2-3 smaller supplemental cans. Typical contents include: rice (white rice, sekihan (rice with red beans), mixed rice with vegetables, or rice with mushrooms), a main meal can (chicken and vegetables, beef with vegetables, fish and vegetables, or hamburger patties), pickled vegetables (Takuan(yellow radish) or red cabbage) and sometimes a supplemental can (tuna in soy or beef in soy). In the latest type I combat rations, cans have been replaced by retort pouches.
The newer, lighter Type II ration was originally intended to replace the Type I and consists of pre-cooked, ready-to-eat items in plastic-foil laminate retort pouches, packed in turn inside a drab green polyethylene meal bag. Each meal consists of two 200 g pouches of rice (white rice, rice with red beans, mixed rice with meat and vegetables, fried rice, curried rice pilaf, rice with green peas, or rice with wild herbs) plus 2-3 supplementary pouches. Main meal pouches contain: hamburger patties, frankfurters, beef curry, grilled chicken, Chinese meatballs, Sweet and Sour pork, grilled salmon, Yakitori chicken, mackerel in ginger sauce, chicken and vegetables, and tuna. Also included are pouches of pickled vegetables (yellow radish, red cabbage, Takana pickles, pickled hari-hari, or bamboo shoots) or salad (potato salad or tuna salad) and instant soup (Miso, Egg Drop, Wakame seaweed, or mushroom).
Type I Combat Ration (Old model)
The old model type I combat rations were supplied in cans, with one large can containing the rice portion and 2 or 3 smaller cans containing other portions.[29]
Menu 1 | Menu 2 | Menu 3 | Menu 4 | Menu 5 | Menu 6 | Menu 7 | Menu 8 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Small Kanpan Cracker
Konpeito Candy Orange Spread Vienna Sausage |
White Boiled Rice
Chicken And Vegetables Tuna Soy Sauce Flavor Yellow Pickled Radish |
Rice Boiled With Red Beans
Chicken Giblets And Vegetables Yellow Pickled Radish |
Rice Boiled With Red Beans
Corned Meat And Vegetable Tuna Soy Sauce Flavor Yellow Pickled Radish |
Boiled Rice Mixed With Meat And
Vegetables Beef Soy Sauce Flavor Yellow Pickled Radish |
Chicken Boiled Rice
Beef And Vegetables Yellow Pickled Radish |
Chicken Boiled Rice
Trout And Vegetables Yellow Pickled Radish |
Shiitake Mushroom Boiled Rice
Hamburger Red Pickles |
Type I Combat Ration (New model)
The new model type I combat ration is supplied in olive drab retort pouches and overwrapped in an olive drab bag.[30]
Menu 1 | Menu 2 | Menu 3 | Menu 4 | Menu 5 | Menu 6 | Menu 7 | Menu 8 | Menu 9 | Menu 10 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Salmon
Gomoku Rice Crab Fried Rice Tray Spoon |
Saury With Spicy Sauce
Chicken 2 x White Boiled Rice Furikake Spoon |
Chikuzen-ni (Chicken And Vegetables)
White Boiled Rice Gomoku Rice Tray Spoon |
Large-sized Kanpan Cracker
Frankfurter Tuna Salad Spoon |
Bonito With Curry Sauce
White Boiled Rice Gomoku Rice Tray Spoon |
Mackerel With Tomato Sauce
White Boiled Rice Gomoku Fried Rice Tray Spoon |
Taco
White Boiled Rice Wild Grass Rice Tray Spoon |
Yakitori
White Boiled Rice Wild Grass Rice Tray Spoon |
Chicken And Soybean
White Boiled Rice Wild Grass Rice Tray Spoon |
Stamina Bowl
White Boiled Rice Curried Pilaf Tray Spoon |
Menu 11 | Menu 12 | Menu 13 | Menu 14 | Menu 15 | Menu 16 | Menu 17 | Menu 18 | Menu 19 | Menu 20 |
Pork And Eddoe
White Boiled Rice Wild Grass Rice Tray Spoon |
Sukiyaki Hamburger
Chicken 2 x White Boiled Rice Spoon |
Chicken And Hijiki
White Boiled Rice Wild Grass Rice Tray Spoon |
Duck Stew
Mackerel With Ginger Sauce 2 x White Boiled Rice Spoon |
Hamburger With Japanese Style Sauce
White Boiled Rice Curried Pilaf Tray Spoon |
Pork Curry
White Boiled Rice Gomoku Fried Rice Tray Spoon |
Pork And Roast Chicken
White Boiled Rice Curried Pilaf Tray Spoon |
Frankfurter
Tuna Salad White Boiled Rice Gomoku Fried Rice Tray Spoon |
Mapo doufu
White Boiled Rice Crab Fried Rice Tray Spoon |
Pork Sauteed With Ginger
White Boiled Rice Gomoku Fried Rice Tray Spoon |
The acquisition cost to the SDF is 554 Yen[31]
Type II Combat (Old model)[32]
Menu 1 | Menu 2 | Menu 3 | Menu 4 | Menu 5 | Menu 6 | Menu 7 | Menu 8 | Menu 9 | Menu 10 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2 White Boiled Rice
Hamburger Potato Salad Takana Pickles |
Curried Pilaf
Boiled Rice Mixed With Meat And Vegetables Frankfurter Instant Wakame Seaweed Soup Red Pickles |
2 White Boiled Rice
Beef Curry Tuna Salad Red Pickles |
2 x Crackers
Beef Ham Steak Potato Salad Egg Soup |
White Boiled Rice
Curried Pilaf Chicken Steak German Potato Salad Egg Soup |
2 x White Boiled Rice
Chinese Style Bowl Mushroom Soup Seasoned Chinese Bamboo Shoot |
White Boiled Rice
Fried Rice Mixed With Meat And Vegetables Chinese Style Meatball Chinese Style Wakame Seaweed Soup Japanese Radish Kimchi |
White Boiled Rice
Crab Fried Rice Sweet And Sour Pork Chinese Style Wakame Seaweed Soup Japanese Radish Kimchi |
2 x White Boiled Rice
Beef Bowl Instant Wakame Seaweed Soup Red Pickles |
Green Pea Boiled Rice
Wild Grass Boiled Rice Yakitori (Roast Chicken) Miso Soup With Deep Fried Tofu Hari-Hari Pickles |
Menu 11 | Menu 12 | Menu 13 | Menu 14 | ||||||
Chicken Boiled Rice
Rice Boiled With Red Beans Grilled Salmon Potato Salad Miso Soup With Deep Fried Tofu |
White Boiled Rice
Wild Grass Boiled Rice Mackerel Of The Ginger Taste Potato Salad Instant Wakame Seaweed Soup Red Pickles |
White Boiled Rice
Wild Grass Boiled Rice Chikuzen-ni (Chicken And Vegetable Of Soy Sauce Flavor) Instant Wakame Seaweed Soup Hari-Hari Pickles |
White Boiled Rice
Rice Boiled With Red Beans Tuna Steak Sea Tangle Of Soy Sauce Flavor Miso Soup With Deep Fried Tofu |
Type II Combat Ration (Improved version)[33]
Menu 1 | Menu 2 | Menu 3 | Menu 4 | Menu 5 | Menu 6 | Menu 7 | Menu 8 | Menu 9 | Menu 10 | Menu 11 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2 x White Boiled Rice
Sardine And Vegetables |
White Boiled Rice
Wild Grass Boiled Rice Mackerel With Miso Sauce |
2 x White Boiled Rice
Saury Kabayaki Dried Seaweed |
2 x White Boiled Rice
Saury With Spicy Sauce Corn Soup |
White Boiled Rice
Boiled Rice Mixed With Meat And Vegetables Bonito With Curry Sauce |
White Boiled Rice
Curried Pilaf Mackerel With Tomato Sauce |
Small Kanpan Cracker
Vienna Sausage Tuna Salad |
White Boiled Rice
Fried Rice Mixed With Meat And Vegetables Meatball |
White Boiled Rice
Boiled Rice Mixed With Meat And Vegetables Yakitori (Roast Chicken) |
2 x White Boiled Rice
Duck Stew Mackerel With Ginger Sauce |
2 x White Boiled Rice
Chicken And Vegetables Chicken Charcoal Grilled |
Menu 12 | Menu 13 | Menu 14 | Menu 15 | Menu 16 | Menu 17 | Menu 18 | Menu 19 | Menu 20 | Menu 21 | |
White Boiled Rice
Wild Grass Boiled Rice Pork Sausage Steak |
2 x White Boiled Rice
Beef Stew Dried Seaweed |
2 x White Boiled Rice
Vienna Sausage Curry Chicken Charcoal Grilled |
2 x White Boiled Rice
Chicken With Tomato Sauce Corn Soup |
2 x White Boiled Rice
Hamburger With Hayashi Sauce Broiling Chicken |
White Boiled Rice
Curried Pilaf Vegetable Mabo |
2 x White Boiled Rice
Pork With AmaKara Sauce |
2 x White Boiled Rice
Pork Sauteed With Ginger |
2 x White Boiled Rice
Nagasaki Style Braised Pork Dried Seaweed |
White Boiled Rice
Rice Boiled With Red Beans Chinese Style Rib Vienna Sausage |
The acquisition cost to the SDF is 329 Yen[31]
Malaysia
The Malaysian Army version of the 24-hour ration pack is intended to provide one man with sufficient food and supplements for one day. Most items are domestically procured and cater to local tastes and religious dietary requirements. The ration makes extensive use of commercially available canned and dehydrated items. Wherever possible, plastic-foil pouches are used instead of cans. The ration is supplemented with precooked or freeze-dried rice. Example menu C: Beef Kurma, Chicken Masak Merah, Fish Curry, and Sambal Shrimp; Bean Curd and Vegetable mix; long bean stew; canned pineapple and canned papaya; 2 packages of quick-cooking porridge (black bean porridge and flour porridge); military biscuits; jam; instant coffee; tea; instant milk powder; sugar; salt; vitamin tablets; matches; and napkins.
People's Republic of China
The Chinese People's Liberation Army has recently introduced a new set of rations consisting of pre-packaged single-person meals sealed in hard plastic retort pouches. The Chinese military rations are of two types: Instant Meal Individual (three-item menu) and Self-Heating Individual (twelve-item menu). A typical Chinese breakfast ration contains roughly 1,000 kcal (4,200 kJ) and includes a compressed food packet, an energy bar, an egg roll with pork, pickled mustard tuber, and a powdered beverage pack. Each Self-Heating package comes with an insulated flameless heater that is activated by water.[34]
Philippines
The Philippine Army had a combat ration similar to the MRE of the United States Army. Typically, they include a small can of sardines or tuna, instant noodles, crackers, instant coffee, a small packet of peanuts, ginger tea, and a biscuit or cookie. Chocolate manufactured for hot conditions are sometimes issued. Canned rice is also issued.[35]
Singapore
The Singapore Armed Forces issues three types of combat rations – Type M (Muslim), Type N (Non-Muslim), and Type V (Vegetarian). Each type comes in 4 or 5 different menus, packed in a heavy-duty green plastic bag similar to a US MRE bag, but measuring 205 mm x 190 mm x 115 mm (8" x 7.5" x 4.5") and weighing 1.5 kg (3.3 lb). Most items are retort-pouched (in the form of a watery paste and eaten straight from the pouch) and (except for the hot beverages) can be eaten without further preparation. The ration provides three meals and a variety of between-meal snacks, averaging 3,350 kcal (14,000 kJ) per day. Each ration bag includes 2 retort-pouched main courses, a dessert, and an accessory pack containing 2 fruit bars, 4 packages of cookies, an envelope of isotonic drink mix powder, an envelope of instant flavored tea mix, a hot beverage (coffee, cocoa, or tea), an envelope of cereal mix, candy, matches, fuel tablets, and tissue paper. A package of instant noodles is provided with every meal pack, but is issued separately. Typical Type M (Menu #1): Rendang Mutton with rice; Tandoori Chicken with rice; Red Bean dessert. Typical Type N (Menu #5): Pasta Bolognese; Yellow Rice with Chicken; Barley Dessert with milk. Typical Type V (Menu #1): Mock Chicken Curry with rice; Vegetarian Fried Noodle; Green Bean dessert with coconut milk.
Sri Lanka
The primary operational ration used in Sri Lanka is the "jungle ration," a 24-hour ration pack whose components are produced and assembled in Sri Lanka. It is issued to soldiers at the rate of one per soldier per day, and contains both food and sundry items designed to sustain troops where food storage and preparation facilities are not practical. All meals are precooked, requiring neither cooking nor preparation, and all items are packaged inside sealed plastic packages or lightweight aluminium cans. Precooked rice is included as part of every meal. Typical contents are: chicken curry with potatoes, vegetable curry, precooked rice, hard crackers, processed cheese, soup cubes, instant milk powder, orange drink powder, and dates or dried pineapple. A sundry pack containing tea bags, sugar, salt, glucose tablets, seasonings, matches, plastic bags, and toilet paper is included with every ration pack.
South Korea
The modern Korean army issues 2 types of field rations, Type I and Type II. Type I ration has ready-to-eat foods packed in foil-plastic trilaminate pouches, placed in turn inside a thin cardboard box. Typical contents include: 1 pouch (250 g) precooked white rice with meat and vegetables, plus a separate seasoning packet; 1 pouch (250 g) precooked rice with red beans; 1 packet (100 g) of 6 pork sausages in BBQ; 1 packet (100 g) kimchi; and 1 packet (50 g) cooked black beans. The Type II ration is a smaller, lighter, freeze-dried single-meal ration consisting of several small pouches packed inside a larger gray plastic pouch measuring 225 mm x 200 mm x 90 mm and weighing 278 g. Typical contents include: freeze dried rice (various flavors, usually with meat and vegetables included), a pouch of instant soup, flavored sesame oil, seasoning and spice packets, dried chives and chocolate.
NATO Standard
NATO defines an operational individual ration as;
General Purpose Individual Operational Ration – A self-contained combat ration that provides adequate food for 24 hours for one person to maintain health, physical performance, and cognitive function under routine training or operational conditions. This ration is shelf stable and may require water to rehydrate some of the contents. The contents may be eaten hot or cold. General purpose individual operational rations are intended to be used during standard military operations in very broad but typically moderate operational conditions.[36]
Shelf life
The shelf life of the ration from the time of delivery to the contracting authority must be at least 24 months at a storage temperature of 25 °C.[36]
Nutritional content
NATO bases the nutritional content requirement on a reference soldier weighing 79 kg (174 lb, 12 St) on normal operations would having an energy expenditure of approximately 3,600 kcal per day. For combat operations, i.e., missions involving sustained, dismounted light-infantry or Special Forces operations energy expenditure is estimated to be 4,900 kcal per day, however this is seen to be a worst-case scenario.[36] Operational individual rations are designed to be used for a period of 30 days after which supplements of fresh food be given and medical screening for nutritional deficiencies be increased.[36]
Minimum Nutrient Content Standards,
General Purpose Individual Operational Ration |
Additional Nutrient Content Recommendations,
General Purpose Individual Operational Ration | ||
---|---|---|---|
Nutrient | Value | Nutrient | Value |
Energy | 3,600 kcal (15,070 kJ) | Total fiber | 30 g |
Carbohydrate | 404-584 g | Riboflavin | 1.3 mg |
Protein | 118-185 g | Niacin | 16 mg |
Fat | 54-140 g | Pantothenic acid | 6 mg |
Vitamin A | 900 µg | Biotin | 30 µg |
Thiamin | 1.2 mg | Vitamin E | 10 mg |
Vitamin B6 | 1.3 mg | Vitamin K | 70 µg |
Vitamin B12 | 2.4 μg | Choline | 550 mg |
Folate | 400 µg | Phosphorus | 1,000 mg |
Vitamin C | 45 mg | Iodine | 150 µg |
Vitamin D | 5 µg | Selenium | 55 μg |
Calcium | 1000 mg | Molybdenum | 45 μg |
Zinc | 14 mg | Copper | 1.8 mg |
Iron | 8 mg | Chromium | 35 μg |
Magnesium | 410 mg | Manganese | 5.5 mg |
Potassium | 3,800 mg | Fluoride | 4 mg |
Sodium | 2,300-12,000 mg |
Menu Fatigue
To avoid menu fatigue resulting from lack of variety in the ration, all 24-hour operational rations should, at a minimum, include:
- Main courses (breakfast, lunch, dinner, or unspecified) generally intended to be eaten heated
- Snacks, savoury and sweet (bars, chocolates, caramels, dried meat, nuts, crackers, cookie etc.)
- Beverages, hot and cold (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, sports drinks, etc.)
- Spreads (cheese, jam, peanut butter, etc.) and breads.
The 21-meal, 7-day menu cycle shall offer sufficient variety to at least allow a soldier to have two different meals each day for a period of 7 days, without repetition, although a breakfast meal and a variety of small snack and beverage items may be repeated. It is recommended that coffee and/or tea be provided for each meal.[36]
Serving Temperature
It is desirable that the main course components and hot beverages be provided with a heater to enable these components to be heated to at least 62 °C from an ambient temperature of 20 °C in maximum 12 minutes. However, main course components or entrées must be consumable without heating.[36]
Accessories
It is desirable that all necessary equipment to heat and consume an individual ration be included in the ration pack. Every ration or meal shall contain at least a spoon, unless all food items are intended as eat-out-of-hand and do not require any eating utensils for consumption.[36]
Water treatment items are not required in the individual ration pack. If any water treatment items are included in the individual ration packs, their primary packaging should clearly mention that these items are for water treatment only (and not for direct consumption).[36]
Some rations include a separate bag intended for collection and disposal of packing materials or packaging waste generated from consuming/using the ration components. However, if no separate refuse bag is provided with the ration, some portion of the ration packaging shall be usable or easily adaptable as a means to collect miscellaneous packaging waste that is generated.[36]
Food Packaging
Protective packaging of components or items in a ration that are typically in contact with the product or food items is referred to as primary packaging. Secondary packaging is that packaging which is outside the primary packaging layer and in the case of general purpose individual operational rations this packaging is used to group several primary packages together. Lastly, tertiary packaging is that used to support bulk storage, shipping, and handling of product in the distribution supply chain. Rations are grouped at this level in fibreboard boxes or cases and subsequently palletised as unit loads for ease and efficiency of handling and distribution.
It is preferable that the packaging be easily opened without specific tools. If specific tools are required, they should be included in the ration pack, or alternatively a set should exist containing the ration pack and all necessary specific tools.[36]
Primary and/or secondary packaging should be waterproof. Secondary packaging should be insect resistant. Tertiary packaging must be water resistant.
It is recommended that the rations be stacked on NATO type pallets (1200 x 1000 millimeters) for standardisation purposes. The minimum number of rations on a pallet position (i.e., on one single or on two stacked pallets) shall be 150 days of supply (DOS). The height and weight for a single pallet position, including the pallet(s), shall not exceed 2.2 meters and 1000 kg respectively. A pallet of rations must contain different menus.[36]
See also
- Garrison ration
- History of military nutrition
- History of military nutrition in the United States
- List of military food topics
- Military ration
References
- 1 2 http://www.combatandsurvival.com/uk-news/6076-hexamine-fuel-tablet-replacement-announced
- ↑ https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/mil-log/new-cookers-and-fuel-british-troops/
- ↑ http://dcodev.bipsolutions.co.uk/2016/06/21/firedragon-fuel-deal-announced/
- ↑ "19 Typen für die Einsatzverpflegung". www.y-punkt.de. Retrieved 2016-02-25.
- ↑ "TM-E 30-451 Handbook on German Military Forces". U.S. War Department. March 1945. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on March 27, 2012. Retrieved July 14, 2011.
- ↑
- ↑ "Field Rations 5000 kcal". Retrieved 12 July 2014.
- ↑ http://sklep.arpol.net.pl/en/17-field-ration-rb24h-mre
- ↑ "Индивидуальный рацион питания - повседневный (ИРП-П)". Opkomplekt.ru. Retrieved 2013-09-04.
- ↑ "Индивидуальный рацион питания боевой ИРП-Б-1". Opkomplekt.ru. Retrieved 2013-09-04.
- ↑ "Best tinned/paket meals". www.ybw.com. Retrieved 2015-12-05.
- ↑ Vestey Foods Group
- 1 2 3 4 5 JSP 456 Part 2 Volume 1, Chapter 8. Ministry of Defence. 2014. pp. 8–27.
- ↑ Operational Catering JSP 456 Pt.2 Vol 1 Chapter 8. Ministry of Defence. 2015. pp. 8–19.
- ↑ Cross, Maria (2009). Nutrition in Institutions. Wiley-Blackwell. p. 388. ISBN 978-1-4051-2125-5.
- ↑ Defence Food Services FAQ information sheet
- ↑ "Rations and Cooking". www.6thAirborneArmouredReconnaissanceRegiment.com. Retrieved 2016-02-01.
- ↑ "Food & Compo – Page 3". bfg-locations.editboard.com. Retrieved 2016-02-03.
- 1 2 3 "rations". www.forces80.com. Retrieved 2016-02-03.
- 1 2 The rationale behind the rations BY JESSICA STEINBERG November 20, 2012, Times of Israel
- ↑ As IDF bids adieu to Loof, a history of ‘kosher Spam’ by Adam Soclof , JTA, Wednesday, November 23, 2011
- ↑ "Australian CR1M". MREInfo.com. Retrieved 2013-09-04.
- ↑ "Australian CR5M". MREInfo.com. Retrieved 2013-09-04.
- ↑ "Australian PR1M". MREInfo.com. Retrieved 2013-09-04.
- ↑ http://soldiersystems.net/blog1/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/New-Zealand-operational-ration-pack-info-sheet.jpg. Missing or empty
|title=
(help) - ↑ "Indian combat rations". Frontierindia.net. 2007-06-28. Retrieved 2013-09-04.
- ↑ "Commando" Magazine, Volume VII, Edition No. 5, year 2011 (In Indonesian)
- ↑ "JAPAN SDF's COMBAT RATION TYPE I". www.geocities.jp. Retrieved 2015-12-27.
- ↑ "JAPAN SDF's COMBAT RATION TYPE I (New Model)". www.geocities.jp. Retrieved 2015-12-27.
- 1 2 "JAPAN SDF's COMBAT RATION". www.geocities.jp. Retrieved 2015-12-27.
- ↑ "JAPAN SDF's COMBAT RATION TYPE II". www.geocities.jp. Retrieved 2015-12-27.
- ↑ "JAPAN SDF's COMBAT RATION TYPE II (Improved Model)". www.geocities.jp. Retrieved 2015-12-27.
- ↑ Fauna (2009-03-28). "What Do Chinese Soldiers Eat On The Battlefield? – chinaSMACK". Chinasmack.com. Retrieved 2013-09-04.
- ↑ "Food and the armed forces — Live in the Philippines". Liveinthephilippines.com. 2011-11-29. Retrieved 2013-09-04.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 REQUIREMENTS OF INDIVIDUAL OPERATIONAL RATIONS FOR MILITARY USE. NATO STANDARDISATION AGENCY. 2013. pp. 3–6.
- Smith, H.G. (1954). "Army operational rations". Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. CABI Publishing. 13 (1): 45–48(4). doi:10.1079/PNS19540014. Archived from the original (– Scholar search) on 2007-10-01. Retrieved 2007-06-06. External link in
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(help)
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Combat ration. |
- Operational Rations of the Department of Defense, 7th Edition
- Carins and Tennant, Julie E. and Megan L. (March 2011). "Influences on the Consumption of Australian Ration Packs: Review of a Contextual Model and Application to Australian Defence Force Data". www.dtic.mil. Human Protection and Performance Division – Defence Science and Technology Organisation. Retrieved 14 December 2012.
- 'Rations information from around the world – MREInfo'