The Relative Acceptability and Consumption of the Current T Ration with and without New Breakfast and Dinner Menus

Abstract : A seven day field test was conducted to assess ration consumption and acceptability of the current T Ration with and without two new breakfast and three new dinner menus. The test was conducted with two companies (total n = 176) from the 25th Infantry Division (Light) during training exercises (June - July 1991) at Pohakuloa Training Area, HI. One Company was issued the current T ration with the new menus (Test group) and one Company was issued the current T Ration without the new menus (Control group). Both groups were issued one Meal, Ready-to-Eat daily. The Control group consumed more calories than the Test group (3174 versus 2657 kcal/day) and rated the T Ration items as more acceptable. Both groups generally met the MRDAs and neither weight loss or dehydration were problematic in either group. Consumption and acceptability of the new T ration menus was similar to the other T Rations with some of the new ration items receiving relatively high acceptability ratings and some relatively low ratings. Based on the current results and previous field studies, the T Ration appears to be a reliable, generally adequate ration. However, additional efforts are warranted to further improve consumption and acceptability of the ration.