French military First Strike Ration for special forces
Posted: Mon May 08, 2017 8:30 am
At present, the individual warfare ration (RCIR) is in the form of a rectangular box weighing 1.5 to 1.8 kg, sealed by a rigid overpack film to avoid 'Crushed during transport and' adapted 'to the combatant's package. Another constraint is that the products it contains can be stored at temperatures up to 55 ° c.
In total, with an energy value of 3,200 kcal (Otan standard, these rasquettes are declined according to 14 menus of which 7 without pork and 4 can be consumed cold. A box must indeed contain a breakfast, an hors d'oeuvre (Sweet and savory), confectionery (chocolate, nougat or fruit paste, caramels, chewing gum) as well as drinks (tea, coffee). [See video below]
If these combat rations are adapted to so-called "conventional" troops, they are not necessarily so for special forces, which have special needs. Hence the study currently being carried out by the Commissariat des Armées.
"This research aims at proposing a product complementary to the rations currently distributed, better suited and more flexible to the troops in action, drawing inspiration from the American concept of 'First Strike Rations' (high energy power and consumption in mobility situation) Explains the Commissariat des Armées.
The idea is therefore to develop "rasquettes" that are both lighter and faster to prepare, while making sure to preserve what makes it a French singularity (to believe the foreign armies), ie their qualities taste.
A prototype is currently being tested by special forces detachments currently deployed to an outside theater. With an energy value of 3,900 kcal, it contains energy bars, sachets of protein-rich products, fruit juices fortified with vitamin C and long-life sandwiches made from wholemeal bread. "The first returns are extremely positive," assures the Commissariat des Armées.