NOTE: The RCW page is no longer maintained by the DSCP. It looks like the RCW has finally been replaced by the MCW/LRP. Here is an archived copy.
What Is a Ration, Cold Weather?
The Ration, Cold Weather (RCW) is used to sustain an individual during operations occurring under arctic conditions. The RCW is a totally self-contained operational ration consisting of one full day’s feeding packaged in a flexible meal bag made of white camouflage material. It contains 2 meal bags (an A and B pouch) which are lightweight and fit easily into military field clothing pockets. There are 6 rations per shipping container, one of each menu. The weight of each individual ration is 2.75 lbs, with a case weight of 21.31 lbs.
What’s in an RCW?
The six menus contain freeze-dried, cooked entrees such as chicken stew and spaghetti with meat sauce and other low moisture food. Items that may be used as a breakfast include a variety of different flavored oatmeal, a nut raisin mix, and fruit/cookie bars. Lunch items may contain chicken noodle soup, crackers, orange flavored beverage base; lemon flavored tea, apple cider, and candy. Each menu provides approximately 4500 kilocalories (8% protein, 32% fat, and 60% carbohydrate). The RCW provides sufficient kilocalories to meet energy expenditure during heavy exertion in extreme cold, while limiting sodium and protein content to reduce the risk of dehydration in arctic environments. The sodium content is 5 grams per ration.
How Do I Eat an RCW?
The individual prepares the food. If all components are hydrated, the water requirement is 90 ounces. Fuel tablets for heating water in a canteen cup are provided separately.
How Long Will an RCW Last?
The shelf life is a minimum of 3 years at 80 degrees F.
Other Notes
Please note that acquisition for the RCW for the U.S. military services will cease in the near future. Its inclusion here is for purposes of its current availability due to its extended shelf life and unused stock. The requirements of this ration for the future will be met by the Meal, Cold Weather (MCW)/Long Range Patrol (LRP) Combination Ration.
| MENU: BAG A | |||||
| MENU 1 | MENU 2 | MENU 3 | MENU 4 | MENU 5 | MENU 6 |
| Oatmeal, Strawberry & Cream |
Oatmeal, Apple & Cinnamon | Oatmeal, Apple & Cinnamon | Oatmeal, Apple & Cinnamon | Oatmeal, Strawberry & Cream |
Oatmeal, Maple & Brown Sugar |
| Nut Raisin Mix | Nut Raisin Mix | Nut Raisin Mix | Nut Raisin Mix | Nut Raisin Mix | Nut Raisin Mix |
| Cocoa Beverage Powder (2) | Cocoa Beverage Powder (2) | Cocoa Beverage Powder (2) | Cocoa Beverage Powder (2) | Cocoa Beverage Powder (2) | Cocoa Beverage Powder (2) |
| Apple Cider Mix | Apple Cider Mix | Apple Cider Mix | Apple Cider Mix | Apple Cider Mix | Apple Cider Mix |
| Chicken Noodle Soup | Chicken Noodle Soup | Chicken Noodle Soup | Chicken Noodle Soup | Chicken Noodle Soup | Chicken Noodle Soup |
| Fruit Bars, (Fig or Blueberry) | Fruit Bars, (Fig or Blueberry) | Fruit Bars, (Fig or Blueberry) | Fruit Bars, (Fig or Blueberry) | Fruit Bars, (Fig or Blueberry) | Fruit Bars, (Fig or Blueberry) |
| Crackers (2) | Crackers (2) | Crackers (2) | Crackers (2) | Crackers (2) | Crackers (2) |
| Spoon | Spoon | Spoon | Spoon | Spoon | Spoon |
| Accessory Packet | Accessory Packet | Accessory Packet | Accessory Packet | Accessory Packet | Accessory Packet |
| MENU: BAG B | |||||
| MENU 1 | MENU 2 | MENU 3 | MENU 4 | MENU 5 | MENU 6 |
| Chicken Stew | Beef Stew | Chili Con Carne | Chicken A La King | Chicken & Rice | Spaghetti w/Meat |
| Granola Bars (2) | Granola Bars (2) | Granola Bars (2) | Granola Bars (2) | Granola Bars (2) | Granola Bars (2) |
| Oatmeal Cookie Bars (2) | Oatmeal Cookie Bars (2) | Oatmeal Cookie Bars (2) | Oatmeal Cookie Bars (2) | Oatmeal Cookie Bars (2) | Oatmeal Cookie Bars (2) |
| Chocolate Covered Cookie or Brownie |
Chocolate Covered Cookie or Brownie |
Chocolate Covered Cookie or Brownie |
Chocolate Covered Cookie or Brownie |
Chocolate Covered Cookie or Brownie |
Chocolate Covered Cookie or Brownie |
| Orange Beverage Powder | Orange Beverage Powder | Orange Beverage Powder | Orange Beverage Powder | Orange Beverage Powder | Orange Beverage Powder |
| Candy Toffee Roll, Chocolate | Candy Toffee Roll, Chocolate | Candy Toffee Roll, Chocolate | Candy Toffee Roll, Chocolate | Candy Toffee Roll, Chocolate | Candy Toffee Roll, Chocolate |
| Chocolate Covered Disks | Chocolate Covered Disks | Chocolate Covered Disks | Chocolate Covered Disks | Chocolate Covered Disks | Chocolate Covered Disks |
| Lemon Tea (2) | Lemon Tea (2) | Lemon Tea (2) | Lemon Tea (2) | Lemon Tea (2) | Lemon Tea (2) |
| Spoon | Spoon | Spoon | Spoon | Spoon | Spoon |
ACCESSORY PACKET
- Coffee
- Cream
- Sugar
- Chewing Gum
- Toilet Paper (2)
- Matches
- Closure Device (2)