LESSON 1
INTRODUCTION TO OPERATIONAL RATIONS
Section I. INTRODUCTION
1-1.
GENERAL
a. Operational rations are specially packaged rations of subsistence used by the
Armed Forces for field feeding.
b. Modern operational requirements demand state-of-the-art combat rations to
provide the nutritional needs of the war fighter in extremely intense and highly mobile
combat situations and other contingency operations.
c. Operational rations provide an essential contribution to the overall quality of
life of the individual combatant.
d. Operational rations are subject to continual inspections and systematic quality
evaluations from time of production, to the time of receipt, until consumption.
(1) When quality deficiencies are noted that change the condition therefore
the condition code of the operational ration, prompt action will be taken to identify the
affected stock, identify the possible cause of the deterioration, and to provide disposition
recommendations to the officer/agency that is accountable.
(2) Rations showing physical signs of contamination (for example, foreign
odors, oily cases, and so forth) or suspected of exposure to chemical, biological, or
radioactive contaminants will be inspected in accordance with the directives of the
controlling service/agency.
1-2.
RESPONSIBILITY
a. Under the auspices of the Department of Defense (DoD), the United States
(US) Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command's (SBCCOM) DoD Combat
Feeding Program and the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia's Directorate of
Subsistence, Operational Rations Business Unit, are collaborating to employ a total life
cycle approach in developing, testing, evaluating, procuring, fielding and supporting all
military rations.
b. The Department of Defense Combat Feeding Program at the US Army
Soldiers Systems Center (SSC) in Natick, Massachusetts is responsible for research,
development, engineering, integration, field testing with war fighters and technical
support for the full range of combat rations.
MD0718
1-2