Internally Peer Reviewed Ration Design and Development Ration Descriptions Nutritional Adequacy Nutrient Fortification of Operational Rations Points to Remember The cornerstone of field feeding is the military ration. The type of ration provided to soldiers depends upon the unit's mission, tactical scenario, location, and availability of food service equipment and personnel. This chapter provides an overview of ration design and development as well as brief descriptions of the rations and their nutritional content. Based on feedback and recommendations from military personnel, rations are continuously updated and improved.
Commercial contractors manufacture approved ration items for the military.
Commercial brand name foods and military ration items are often very similar. In most cases, the manufacturers prepare the actual food product just as they would for commercial items, but package the food for military rations in special packaging. The military packaging allows for longer shelf life of the foods and frequently allows the items to be more compact or lightweight for ease of carrying. Group feeding rations include the A Ration , B Ration , and T Ration . These rations provide singular meals which can be consumed cold or hot.