Evaluation of the Ration, Cold Weather during a 10-Day Cold Weather Field Training Exercise

Abstract

The Ration, Cold Weather (RCW) was compared with the Meal, Ready-to- Eat (MRE) during a 10-day cold weather training exercise. The results of the field study indicate that the RCW was more acceptable to troops than the MRE in terms of taste, looks, amount of food, and variety. Moderate negative energy balance and moderate dehydration were evidenced in soldiers in both ration groups. Substituting and entree for one of the less popular sweet items should enhance caloric intake, and substituting popular soups and beverages, such as chicken soup and cider for the unpopular fruit soup may encourage fluid consumption. The composition of the RCW resulted in lower protein and sodium intake by soldiers in the RCW group when compared to intake by soldiers in the MRE group. Thus, the study also demonstrates that the RCW may have a nutritional advantage over the MRE by minimizing water demand in the field.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 15, 1987
Accession Number
ADA184568

Entities

People

  • Dianne B. Engell
  • Donald E. Roberts
  • Eldon W. Askew
  • Joan Buchbinder
  • Madeline S. Rose
  • Marilyn A. Sharp

Organizations

  • United States Army Soldier Systems Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Beverages
  • Body Weight
  • Dehydration
  • Digestive System Processes
  • Drinking Water
  • Engineering
  • Environment
  • Field Tests
  • Food
  • Meals
  • Medical Personnel
  • New Hampshire
  • Rate Of Consumption
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Training
  • Vegetables

Readers

  • Exercise and Sports Science.
  • Gender and Food Studies