Australian Defence Force Requirements for a Group-feeding Ration Pack
Abstract
This report details the results from three studies conducted on the acceptability and service suitability of the Combat Ration Five Man (CR5M), ADF's only group-feeding ration pack. Current information on the cost of production and current use of the CR5M and the Combat Ration One Man (CR1M) are also included. An important finding of these studies is that general acceptability, based purely on individuals' preferences for a food item, is not the only factor determining whether that food will be consumed. Behavioural factors, such as soldier attitude and meal occasion, and environmental factors, such as meal location and eating conditions, are also important. The most frequently requested changes to the CR5M are to substitute bulk meal pouches with individual meal pouches and to remove the need for group cooking. Both changes would effectively convert the CR5M into five bulk-packed CR1Ms. A need for a change to the configuration of the CR5M was indicated by respondents in all of the surveys. No single configuration was identified that best suits most users. Current usage rates (by units), consumption levels (by individual ADF members) and the opinions expressed by respondents in all surveys suggest that the CR5M is not fully meeting the perceived needs of the ADF. Support for the universal use of a combination of CR1M and Patrol Ration One Man (PR1M) in place of a group feeder was evident in all surveys. Rationing of units identified as users of the CR5M could be achieved with a combination of CR1M and PR1M. It is anticipated that the universal use of a CR1M/PR1M combination by all units would be more cost effective than the current system.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA525497
Entities
People
- Ajith Bandara
- Bianka Probert
- Vijay Jayasena
Organizations
- Defence Science and Technology Group