Field ration

Field rations are primarily used by military forces, though they are also sometimes distributed to civilians as part of humanitarian aid and emergency management.

Field rations are commonly issued to land forces such as armies, who may spend lengthy periods of time away from fixed food sources.

Rations are canned, vacuum-sealed, or freeze-dried foods stored in packages to prevent leakage or spoilage, commonly retort pouches, boxes, or cases.

However, as the use of cooking appliances or fire may be unavailable or tactically unwise, smokeless solid fuel and a portable stove are typically included in rations to heat meals.

Some form of military food distribution and ration system has existed in practically every region and recorded era in history.

[7] Modern field rations took recognizable forms with the inventions of airtight food preservation, tin cans, and pasteurization in the 19th century.

[5][6][9][10] As of the 21st century, the vast majority of the world's militaries issue their own field rations, with different varieties of food based on national and cultural considerations.