Soldiers', Cooks', and Commanders' Assessments of Cold Weather Feeding Problems
Abstract
A comprehensive survey was undertaken to examine problems associated with feeding in cold weather. Three questionnaires were designed to assess the perspectives of soldiers, cooks, and commanders. The soldiers' questionnaire address problems that soldiers encounter while eating in the cold. The cooks' questionnaire examined problem that cooks encounter setting up field kitchens, preparing and serving food, and sanitizing equipment. The commanders' questionnaire examined problems commanders face while coordinating field feeding during cold weather exercises. Although the soldiers, cooks, and commanders all had different perspectives, all agreed that water freezing is one of their biggest problems in the cold. Soldiers were concerned about water freezing in their canteens because it restricts fluid intake and makes preparation of dehydrated rations impossible. Water freezing presents similar problems for cooks; preparing food and sanitizing equipment is impossible when water freezes. Commanders were concerned with the individual soldiers' and cooks' concerns and with the logistics of providing potable water to troops. Other problems encountered by soldiers were: their hands getting cold while eating, MRE freezing, getting cold T, A, and B rations, and getting enough food and water. Cooks' major problems included: keeping food hot when serving, setting up kitchen shelters, getting enough sleep and keeping warm while preparing and serving food.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA200229
Entities
People
- Dianne Engell
- Irene Abrams
- Kathy Rock
Organizations
- United States Army Soldier Systems Center