Publications

This report summarizes a three-year study carried out by NATO RTG-154/HFM-154 Research Task Group on “Nutrition Science and Food Standards for Military Operations” to examine the current state of alliance nation’s individual and special purpose combat rations including their nutritional value. This effort was conducted within the context of supporting the most stringent requirements of a fully operational NATO Response Force (NRF) land component. The NRF is equipped with forced entry capability and designed to be mobilized within 5 days and engaged in a self-sustainable, high intensity mission of 30 days without resupply. This report is focused on assessing current ration systems and providing science based recommendations to develop standards for nutrition, packaging, and combat rations that support the NRF to ensure nutrition, combat feeding and performance are optimized. The report considers four major areas of interest: 1) nutrition; 2) behavioral and psychological factors; 3) interoperability; and 4) collateral issues of significance but beyond the scope of the RTG mandate. The report concludes that designing one universal combat ration which suits all NATO forces would represent a great challenge. A major outcome of this RTG effort is the common understanding of needed research leading to future improved combat ration design.