Researching a range of ration packs
News Item
- Date:
- 10 October, 2011
DSTO is researching the range of combat ration packs the Australian Defence Force (ADF) might need for the different environments in which troops operate.
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- The 'Combat Ration One Man' pack
Two 24-hour individual combat ration packs are currently produced for the Australian Defence Force: the Combat Ration One Man, a general purpose pack for use by any ADF member who can’t be provided with freshly cooked food because of the operational situation or the nature of the terrain, and the Patrol Ration One Man, which is used by special operations troops.
“But, based on different nutritional requirements in different environments, we think there could be room for several more special purpose packs, including a hot-weather ration pack, and we’ve actually developed a prototype hot-weather ration pack,” Defence Nutrition Scientist Chris Forbes-Ewan said.
“We think there could be room for a cold-weather ration pack, perhaps at altitude as well because high altitude involves cold.”
Mr Forbes-Ewan said hot-weather ration packs would likely contain lots of sports drinks and main meals that did not need to be heated before eating.
Ration packs are mostly used by troops on the move, so they must be compact and light while meeting the high nutritional requirements of soldiers. As well, there has to be a variety of meals available so that members of the ADF don’t have to eat the same meals over and over again.
New developments in food and nutrition technology might help improve health for troops on the move.
Hear the whole interview on Radio National’s Bush Telegraph program.
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.
