Military rations

Our range consists of complete military rations of 3000 kcal. These can be sterilised meals or Real Field Meal rations with freeze-dried meals. In the 3000 Kcal complete rations you can find 5 types of military rations: 2 meat, 1 vegetarian and 2 Halal certified. These rations have a detailed description of their contents attached to each of their description sheets. The military rations weigh an average of 1.8 kg. They consist of a breakfast, two courses (with starter or dessert), drinks and a stove system. The Real Field Meal rations are made up of freeze-dried breakfasts or dishes, each of the Norwegian rations is about 1300 Kcal. In addition to the meals or breakfasts, there are supplements such as chocolate bars, beef jerky, freeze-dried fruit, coffee, chewing gum, energy drinks, etc. These rations are used by the Norwegian, Swedish and Swiss armies among others.

Rations used by armies

These rations have a very important role to play in the morale of the troops. They are therefore designed to be compact, light and tasty, with meals to boost soldiers' morale. These rations are often pre-packaged or canned meals, easily prepared and consumed. They can vary from one army to another.

The evolution of the combat ration

Over time, rations have evolved. Let's take a look at American rations and find out what soldiers have been eating for decades. The US army, like any army, has military rations. These individual rations are intended to feed the soldiers at the front. This army has varied its rations during the different wars, from the Civil War to the present day, including the two world wars. Here is a look at the history of these different military rations during the wars.

Military rations during the American Civil War.

The US army ration in force during the Civil War was decreed by the Continental Congress. It was a garrison consisting of salt fish or meat, vegetables, sea biscuits or bread. In addition to this ration, there was also a ration of spirits, the contents of which evolved over the years.

Military rations during the First World War

Three types of combat rations were used by the US Army during the First World War. These were the Iron Ration, the Trench Ration and the Reserve Ration.
- The Iron Ration: these are individual rations delivered in a sealed tin box and consist of 3 ounces of cakes, pepper, salt packets and three one-ounce bars of sweet chocolate. The US Army fed its troops with this combat ration between 1907 and 1922.
- The Trench Ration was replaced by the previous ration. It was developed to solve a specific problem. This meal was intended for soldiers fighting in the front line and had to be fed daily. These individual rations consisted of a variety of canned fish and meat. It was heavy and cumbersome, but resisted the pollution caused by gas attacks. It was later abandoned to make way for the Reserve Ration.
- The Reserve Ration was used between 1917 and 1937. It was a reserve ration created during the latter part of the First World War. Originally consisting of one pound of meat or 12 ounces of fresh bacon, it included sea biscuits, two 8-ounce boxes of bread, a 2.4-ounce packet of powdered sugar, 1.16 ounces of pre-ground coffee and 0.16 ounces 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 many revisions. These revisions resulted in new rations.
- Ration A is a garrison ration prepared in the kitchen. It is made up of meat and locally obtained produce.
- Ration B which is a field ration prepared in the kitchen. It differs from the previous ration in that it does not include any fresh produce.
- Ration C which are individual rations consisting of food not prepared in the kitchen and canned food. - Ration K is also individual. It is a combat ration consisting of corned beef and the bare minimum.
- Ration D is an emergency ration consisting of foods that provide enough energy. It also consists of chocolate bars. Despite the rations mentioned, there are other special purpose rations used by the US Army to feed its troops.
These rations are no longer used by the army today.
- X-type ration ;
- 5 in 1 ration
- 10-in-1 ration
- Mountain ration which provides 4,800 calories, discontinued in 1943
- Jungle ration gives 4,000 calories, discontinued in 1943
- Assault Lunch gives between 500 and 2000 calories
- Assault ration, etc.

Of all the rations, the only ones still in use today in the army are A, B and First Strike Rations. FSRs (First Strike Rations) provide soldiers with 2900 kcal per day. They are very effective and cover three meals a day.
These rations are not allowed to be resold. At Freezedried & Co, we offer MRE rations which are similar to the American military rations.
Compared to rations from other countries, French military rations have a very good reputation and are often described as the best. These different rations are still in use but are unfortunately not allowed to be sold. The military rations that we have designed are close to the French ration.
Finally, Artic Field Meal rations are consumed by the Swiss and Norwegian armies.

Military rations today

Individual rations have evolved and given way to others. These are :
- Survival rations ;
- Survival food module;
- Individual freeze-dried commando rations;
- Supplementary or emergency food unit;
- Individual exercise meal.
 
There is also an individual reheatable combat ration. This is a standard ration intended for a soldier's daily consumption. These combat rations have a shelf life that can vary, but on average they can last two years. They have an energy value of about 3000 kcal.

When to consume these military rations?

Military rations can be consumed at various times. Because of their long shelf life, they are often stored by individuals and taken out in case of emergency: power failure, flood, shortage... Army rations are also appreciated by airsoft enthusiasts. During a game, they are a quick way to eat. They also allow you to be totally immersed and to feel like a soldier. Finally, the curious also like to buy rations to taste the meals of a soldier.
Find below all our military rations on sale.

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