Field ration

Common card · No. 268761

A field ration is a type of prepackaged military ration designed to be easily and quickly prepared and consumed in the field, in combat, at the front line, or where eating facilities are otherwise unavailable. Field rations are primarily used by military forces, though they are also sometimes distributed to civilians as part of humanitarian aid and emergency management. Field rations differ from garrison rations and field kitchen provisions, which are intended for where proper meals can be supplied and prepared with relative ease and safety, such as in the rear where logistics are steady and fresh food can be supplied. They are similar to, but distinct from, other purpose-designed long-lasting types of food or rations such as emergency rations, humanitarian daily rations, and camping food. Names used for field rations vary by military and type, and include combat ration, ration pack, battle ration, iron ration, food packet, operational ration pack, or meal ready-to-eat (MRE); the latter...

Read on Wikipedia · Image US Army Natick Soldier Research, Development & Engineering Center, Public domain