Military Rations

Our range includes complete military rations of 3,000 kcal. These can consist of sterilised dishes or Real Field Meal rations with freeze dried meals. The complete 3,000 kcal rations come in 5 types of military ration: 2 meat-based, 1 vegetarian and 2 Halal-certified. Each ration includes a detailed description of its contents in the attached product sheet. Military rations weigh an average of 1.8 kg. They include a breakfast, two dishes (with a starter or dessert), drinks and a heating system. Real Field Meal rations are made up of breakfasts or freeze dried food, and each Norwegian ration represents approximately 1,300 kcal. In addition to the dishes or breakfasts, you will find supplements such as chocolate bars, dried meats, freeze-dried fruits, freeze-dried egg, coffee, chewing gum, energy drinks... These rations are used by the Norwegian, Swedish and Swiss armies, among others.

Rations used by the armed forces

These rations play a vital role in troop morale. They are therefore designed to be compact, lightweight and tasty, with meals that help soldiers recharge. These rations are often pre-packaged or tinned meals, easy to prepare and eat — with freeze dried food for example. They can vary from one army to another.

The evolution of the combat ration 

Over time, rations have evolved considerably. Let's take the American rations as an example and discover what soldiers have been eating for decades.

Like all armies, the US Army has its own military rations. These individual rations are designed to feed soldiers at the front. The army has varied its rations across different conflicts, from the Civil War to the present day, including both World Wars. Here is a look back at the history of these military rations throughout the wars.

Military rations during the American Civil War.

The US Army ration in use during the Civil War was decreed by the Continental Congress. It was a garrison ration consisting of salted fish or meat, vegetables, hardtack biscuits or bread. In addition to this ration, there was also a spirits ration whose contents evolved over the years.

Military rations during the First World War

Three types of combat ration were used by the US Army during the First World War: the Iron Ration, the Trench Ration and the Reserve Ration.

- The Iron Ration: individual rations delivered in a sealed tin, made up of 3 oz of biscuits, pepper, salt packets and three 1 oz bars of sweet chocolate. The US Army fed its troops this combat ration between 1907 and 1922.
- The Trench Ration replaced the previous ration. It was developed to solve a specific problem. This meal was intended for soldiers fighting on the front line who needed to receive their daily ration. These individual rations were made up of a variety of canned fish and meat. It was heavy and bulky, but resistant to contamination from gas attacks. It was later discontinued in favour of the Reserve Ration.
- The Reserve Ration was used between 1917 and 1937. It is a reserve ration created during the latter part of the First World War. Originally consisting of one pound of meat or 12 oz of fresh bacon, it included hardtack biscuits, two 8 oz tins of bread, a 2.4 oz packet of powdered sugar, 1.16 oz of pre-ground coffee and 0.16 oz of salt.

Military rations during the Second World War

During the Second World War, the rations used by the US Army during the First World War underwent numerous revisions. These revisions led to the development of new rations.

- Ration A is a garrison ration prepared in a kitchen. It is made up of meat and locally sourced produce.
- Ration B is a field ration prepared in a kitchen. It differs from the previous ration in that it includes no fresh produce.
- Ration C consists of individual rations made up of unprepared food and tinned goods.
- Ration K is also individual. It is a combat ration consisting mainly of corned beef and the bare essentials.
- Ration D is an emergency ration made up of foods that provide sufficient energy. It also includes chocolate bars.

Beyond the rations mentioned, there are other special-purpose rations that the US Army used to feed its troops. These rations have since been discontinued.

- Type X ration;
- 5-in-1 ration
- 10-in-1 ration
- Mountain ration providing 4,800 calories, discontinued in 1943
- Jungle ration providing 4,000 calories, discontinued in 1943
- Assault Lunch providing between 500 and 2,000 calories
- Assault ration, etc.

Of all the rations, the only ones still in active use today are Rations A, B and First Strike Rations. FSR (First Strike Rations) provide soldiers with 2,900 kcal per day. They are highly effective and cover three meals a day.

These rations are not available for resale. At Freezedried & Co, we offer MRE rations that are closely inspired by American military rations.

Compared to rations from other countries, French army military rations have an excellent reputation and are often rated among the best. These various rations are still in use but are unfortunately not available for sale. The military rations we have designed are closely inspired by the French ration.

The Arctic Field Meal rations are consumed by the Swiss and Norwegian armies.

Military rations today

Individual rations evolved and gave way to others. These were:

- Survival rations;
- Survival food module;
- Individual freeze-dried commando ration;
- Supplementary or emergency food unit;
- Individual exercise meal.

There is also a heatable individual combat ration. This is a standard ration intended for a soldier's daily consumption. These combat rations have a variable shelf life, but on average they last two years. They have an energy value of approximately 3,000 kcal.

When should you consume these military rations?

Military rations can be consumed at various times. Thanks to their long shelf life, they are often stockpiled by individuals and brought out in emergencies: power cuts, floods, shortages... Military rations are also popular with airsoft enthusiasts. During a game, they provide a quick way to refuel. They also allow for complete immersion, putting you in the shoes of a soldier. Finally, the curious also enjoy getting hold of rations to taste what a soldier eats.

Find our full range of military rations for sale above.