All about French army rations

In armies around the world, the French combat ration has earned an excellent reputation. Containing sophisticated dishes, it ensures above all the health and morale of the troops. Indeed, it is designed to be compact, tasty and light, which helps to boost the soldiers.

What is the French military ration?

A French army food ration is nothing more than a kit containing all the food needed for 24 hours. It is carried by soldiers to the battlefield and differs from regular combat rations in that it is prepared quickly and has a long shelf life.

Sometimes the French Army Combat Ration is also useful in relief or humanitarian operations. In this case, it provides basic nutritional support with the advantage of a large number of meals in stock and an "all-inclusive" format.

What does it consist of?

A French army combat ration contains everything needed to last a day (breakfast, lunch and even dinner). Generally, this type of meal is composed of 2 appetizers and 2 courses for lunch and dinner, and 1 tea bag for lunch. Of the 14 dishes available, 7 are pork-free and 4 can be eaten without being reheated.

But that's not all! The French army rations also contain water purification sachets, ready meals, field biscuits or war bread, cereal and chocolate bars and a pack of handkerchiefs.

What is the difference with the RCIR ration?

The RCIR (Reheatable Individual Combat Ration) covers a soldier's daily food requirements when conditions do not favour traditional food. It is waterproof thanks to a film over-wrap and contains a reheating kit. The components of the RCIR or 24-hour French Army Ration are carefully analysed and their traceability is guaranteed. In addition, it is perfectly adapted to the soldier's pack and its packaging is rigid and robust.

What is the best military ration?

The French army ration is considered the best in the world. It benefits from the ecosystem of French food producers and a genuine desire on the part of the Ministry of the Armed Forces to improve the daily lives of soldiers on mission. Designed to be used in difficult operational conditions, this ration is highly standardised and carefully prepared. Its main characteristic is to provide soldiers with sufficient calories to ensure a day of intense effort. This is why the French military ration contains a minimum of 1000 kilocalories per day.

In addition, it also respects size and weight constraints to facilitate logistical operations for transport to their destinations. Indeed, everything is meticulously thought out so that the products fit perfectly into a cardboard box measuring 1.49 cm wide, 29.4 cm long and 6.3 cm deep.

Where to buy a French army ration?

Today, it is not uncommon to see sellers on Amazon, Ebay and other sales platforms claiming to sell French military rations. By buying French rations on the web, you unfortunately run the risk of receiving copies, and therefore bad products. This is why the resale of French combat rations is strictly prohibited. However, there are alternatives to French military rations. Find out more below.

What are the alternatives to the French military ration?

As an alternative to the hard-to-find French military ration, here are some simple and less expensive solutions.

Military Ration - Halal Menu A - 3000 Kcal: this ration consists of breakfast, various snacks, 2 meals and a heating system.

Military Ration - Halal Menu B - 3000 Kcal: this Halal certified ration has an energy intake of over 3000 Kcal for 24 hours.

Military Ration - Vegetarian Menu C - 3000 Kcal: this is a vegetarian ration consisting of breakfast, lunch, dinner and even food supplements.

Military Ration - Menu D - 3000 Kcal: this provides a substantial energy intake of almost 3000 Kcal for 24 hours. It consists of breakfast, lunch, dinner and food supplements.

Military Ration - Menu E - 3000 Kcal: this ration has fuel and support consisting of breakfast, lunch, dinner, food supplements, tissues and water purification tablets.

MRE 12hrs Ration - Menu 1 - 1000 Kcal: this bagged ration contains a sterilised self-heating meal and snacks to complete the 1000 Kcal.