Analysis of Army Field Feeding Class I Ration Breakdown Requirements and Alternative Group Ration Module Sizes

摘要

In 1986, the U.S. Army adopted the 'module' concept for resupply of group rations into theaters of operations. The modules were designed to resolve the historical problems associated with resupplying theaters with bulk food items, simplify Class I distribution/ration breakdown, and help ensure units received all menu components/items to provide supported troops a complete and nutritionally balanced meal. While the first group ration module was designed to provide 36 meals, depending on type ration, current group ration modules are designed to provide 18, 50, or 100 meals. This report analyzes alternative module sizes of 18, 36, 50, 54, and 72 to determine if there is an 'optimal' module size based on total cost, logistical impact, operational, and excess meal issue considerations. To reduce assembly and total ration costs, increase supply system flexibility and responsiveness, and reduce the buildup of excess components and stockpiles forward, the 2 key recommendations include: concept develop/prototype a unitized group ration with 72 meals that includes only the unique meal components, and excludes the common or similar meal components (e.g. trays, creamers, various jellies, etc.), and provide the common/similar components in a separate issue condiment/disposable pack, or separate disposable and separate condiment packs.