Military rations

Rations used by armies

These rations have a very important role to play in boosting troop morale. 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 with freeze-dried products, for example. They can vary from one army to another.

The evolution of combat rations

Rations have evolved over time. Let's take a look at American rations and find out what soldiers have been eating for decades.

The American army, like all armies, has military rations. These individual rations are designed to feed soldiers at the front. This army has varied its rations over the course of various wars, from the Civil War to the present day, including the two World Wars. Here's a look back at the history of these different military rations.

Military rations during the American Civil War.

The U.S. Army ration in effect during the Civil War was decreed by the Continental Congress. It was a garrison consisting of salt fish or meat, vegetables, sea cookies 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 U.S. 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 consisting of 3 ounces of cakes, pepper, packets of salt and three one-ounce bars of sweet chocolate. The U.S. 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 on the front line, who had to receive their daily rations. 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 in favor of 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 composed of one pound of meat or 12 ounces of fresh bacon, it included sea cookies, 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 World War II, the rations used by the U.S. Army during the First World War underwent numerous revisions. These revisions resulted in new rations.

- Ration A is a garrison ration prepared in the kitchen. It is composed of meat and locally sourced produce.
- Ration B 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 is an individual ration made up of unprocessed food and canned goods.
- Ration K is also individual. This is a combat ration made up of corned beef and the bare minimum.
- Ration D is an emergency ration made up of foods that provide sufficient energy. It also includes chocolate bars.

Despite the rations mentioned above, there are other special-purpose rations used by the US Army to feed its troops. These rations have now been discontinued by the army.

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

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

These rations are forbidden for resale. At Lyophilise & Co, we offer MRE rations, which are similar to American military rations.

Compared with rations from other countries, French military rations have a very good reputation and are often described as the best. These various rations are still in use today, but are unfortunately banned from sale. The military rations we have designed are similar to the French rations.

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 a reheatable individual combat ration. This is a standard ration intended for a soldier's daily consumption. The shelf life of these combat rations can vary, but on average they can last up to two years. They have an energy value of around 3,000 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 private individuals and brought out again in case of emergency: power failure, flood, shortage... Army rations are also appreciated by airsoft enthusiasts. During a game, they're a quick way to get something to eat. They also allow you to immerse yourself in the game and feel like a soldier. Finally, the curious also like to buy rations to taste a soldier's meals.

See below for all our military rations on sale.