Parachute Emergency Ration

Parachute Emergency Ration' refers to a type of emergency ration designed for airborne forces and pilots to use in survival situations after bailing out over hostile or uninhabited areas. These rations are compact, lightweight, and intended to sustain an individual for a short period until rescue or escape to a safer location. The concept of parachute emergency rations emerged during World War II, recognizing the need to provide downed airmen with minimal sustenance that could be easily carried and deployed.

History

The development of parachute emergency rations can be traced back to the early years of World War II. As the war expanded across continents, the likelihood of pilots and airborne troops finding themselves isolated in enemy territory or remote locations increased. Initially, aircrews carried standard military rations, but these were often bulky and impractical for emergency situations. The need for a more suitable solution led to the creation of specialized emergency rations that could be parachuted along with airmen or attached to their person.

Contents

Typically, a parachute emergency ration pack would contain items high in calories and nutrition to sustain energy levels, yet compact and lightweight. Contents varied over time and by country, but common items included:

• High-energy chocolate bars or chocolate
• Concentrated food bars
• Water purification tablets or water purifier kits
• Vitamins and minerals supplements
• Sometimes, small amounts of tea or coffee packets

The packaging was designed to be waterproof and resistant to damage from the drop or rough handling. The compact size allowed the rations to be easily packed with a parachute or in a pilot's survival kit.

Usage

Parachute emergency rations were intended for use when a service member found themselves stranded without access to regular food supplies. The ration's design focused on the need to be easily transportable, durable, and provide essential nutrients to maintain physical strength and decision-making capabilities in survival situations. Instructions were included on how to ration food and purify water, emphasizing the importance of rationing these limited supplies to extend survival time.

Modern Equivalents

Today, the concept of parachute emergency rations has evolved with advances in food technology and military tactics. Modern equivalents, such as the Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) and other specialized survival rations, offer improved taste, nutrition, and convenience. These contemporary rations are designed to meet the diverse needs of military personnel in various environments, from deserts to arctic conditions.

See Also

• Survival kit
• Meal, Ready-to-Eat
• Combat ration
• Aircrew Survival Egress Knife