New rations for hot weather
News Item
- Date:
- 4 April, 2008
Keeping energy levels high in hot weather is set to become easier for Australian soldiers following the development of a hot weather ration pack by DSTO.
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- Minister for Defence Science and Personnel Warren Snowdon talks about with DSTO nutrition scientists Chris Forbes-Ewan, Gulay Mann and Mark Patterson about the importance of climate-tailored rations at the recent Frontiers of Human Performance workshop,
Research conducted by DSTO has found that soldiers operating in hot weather are currently discarding food from their ration packs for a number of reasons, including not feeling hungry in the hot conditions and not liking particular foods. This is causing problems in the field, with soldiers not eating enough food to meet their energy requirements.
Having identified the problem, Army asked DSTO to develop a new ration pack that is more palatable, acceptable and suitable for use in hot environments that will increase soldiers’ nutritional intake. Feedback shows that beef jerky, sports bars, sports drinks, fruit, and savoury biscuits are the most popular items soldiers would like to see included in hot weather rations.
A prototype hot weather ration pack was trialled in March with soldiers in the field at Tully in far north Queensland. The results of the trial will be used to further refine the contents, with the new ration pack anticipated to enter into service in the next 12 months.
The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) is part of Australia's Department of Defence. DSTO's role is to ensure the expert, impartial and innovative application of science and technology to the defence of Australia and its national interests.