Evaluation of a prototype ration aimed at increasing caloric intake in a field environment

Underconsumption is a common problem among militaries around the world. The purpose of this study was to review and modify the current field ration (FR) to encourage energy intake in the field. Military servicemen from the Singapore Armed forces (N = 232) were interviewed on their perception of the current FR. Based on their inputs, the FR was modified and subsequently evaluated by 434 military personnel undergoing field operations. Mean energy intakes of the servicemen measured through the daily collection of food wrappers were 1,651 ± 842 kcal/day (6.9 ± 3.5 MJ/day) and 1,237 ± 802 kcal/day (5.2 ± 3.4 MJ/day) for those on the modified (Test) and current (Control) FR, respectively. Surveys conducted at field sites indicated that servicemen in the Test group were less likely to skip meals and had higher desire to eat compared to those in the Control group. Factors that may have contributed to the higher energy intake include improved palatability and convenience, greater variety of food provided, and the higher nutrient density of the modified ration. The findings from this study have implications for future FR design.