Military rations

Military rations, operational rations, or military provisions are goods issued to sustain the needs of military personnel. As their name suggests, military rations have historically been, and often still are, subject to rationing, with each individual receiving specific amounts from available supplies. Military-issued goods and the rationing of such goods has existed since the beginnings of organized warfare.^[1]

Though commonly referring to food and drink rations, "military ration" may also refer to other types of items that are rationed for military personnel, such as fuel, alcohol, expensive items, or consumer goods.^[2] Ration acquisition may be managed using allowances or a ration card, or they may be issued without charge.^[2][3][4]

Military rations are a key component of military nutrition, the field and study of nutrition in the military. Significant research goes into creating military rations, including the nutrition and energy of rations, food spoilage prevention, what meals should be offered, the amount of food each ration should contain, and the exact specifications of each meal and ingredient.^[5]