Design and Evaluation of an Energy-Dense, Light-Weight Combat Ration to Sustain Land Forces Involved in High-Intensity, Short-Duration Operations.

摘要

Many of today s military operations demand a combat ration (CR) that is smaller, lighter and more readily consumed than the current capability can deliver. DSTO-Scottsdale has developed and evaluated a prototype energy-dense, nutrient-optimised CR to sustain land forces undertaking arduous activities over a 72 hour period. A prototype pack was assembled after integrating user requirements, nutritional requirements and other design considerations. This CR was field tested at Exercise Talisman Sabre to assess user acceptability, consumption patterns and service suitability. Shelf life testing was then conducted on the commercial-off-the- shelf (COTS) food components included in the pack. This study identified a Defence requirement for specialised CR for short-term, high-intensity operations. Army s current CR feeding systems capability will benefit from expanding the scope to deliver lighter, smaller and more readily consumed CR for specific missions of interest to Defence. To improve acceptability, consumption and nutrition of CR, more eat-on-the-move (EOTM) food components need to be included in menu design. Popular COTS food components should be considered, where relevant, as EOTM foods in CR menus.