Field ration

Field ration is a canned or pre-packaged meal, easily prepared and eaten, transported by military forces 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.

History

The concept of field rations can be traced back to ancient times when armies on the move were usually followed by a baggage train, which included supplies of food and other necessities. However, the first modern form of field rations was introduced by Napoleon Bonaparte in the early 19th century. The French army began to use canned food for their soldiers during the Napoleonic Wars.

Types of Field Rations

There are several types of field rations used by different militaries around the world. Some of the most common ones include:

• Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE): This is a self-contained, individual field ration in lightweight packaging used by the United States military.

• 24-hour ration pack: This is a ration pack used by the British military, which contains enough food and drink for a soldier for 24 hours.

• Combat Ration One Man (CR1M): This is the field ration used by the Australian Defence Force.

Preparation and Consumption

Field rations are designed to be consumed with minimal preparation. Most can be eaten cold, but they may also be heated using a variety of methods, including immersion in hot water or using a flameless ration heater, a chemically activated device included with MREs.

Nutritional Content

Field rations are designed to provide a balanced diet for a soldier in the field. They typically contain a mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fat, as well as vitamins and minerals. The exact nutritional content can vary depending on the specific type of ration and the needs of the soldiers.

See Also

• Military ration
• C-rations
• K-rations