Australian Defence Force

Combat Ration (Five Man) – CR5M

The CR5M is the current ADF group-feeding ration. This pack is designed to feed detachments of three to five ADF members, and for group feeding in situations where fresh rations cannot be provided. As applies to the CR1M, the main meals are all retort pouched. Although the CR5M provides adequate nutrition for most operational situations, it can be supplemented with rice, bread or biscuits if physical activity is unusually arduous. Most items are in Portion Control Packs (PCP) to enable individual feeding if required.

The contents of the retort pouch may be consumed hot or cold, although it would be more appetising if heated. This may be done by placing it in a mess tin/container of water so that it is three quarters submerged and heated for 10 minutes, or by tipping the contents of the pouch into a tin/container and heating. The 50-gram soup powder can be made by adding the contents of the pouch to one litre of boiling water and stirring until dissolved.

You can find a review of the CR5M here.

After a few months in a tropical climate the condensed milk may become thicker and brownish in appearance, but it is safe to eat and may be consumed without fear of any ill effects. Jam sauce can be made by mixing together equal parts of jam and boiling water, it may be added to the fruit pudding.

The vegetable extract may be used as a spread on biscuits, as flavouring to some of the meat dishes or added to soup/vegetable water.

The CR5M ration pack comes in five different menu types (A-E):

CR5M Menus (2006-2007)

Menu A

Menu B

Menu C

Menu D

Menu E

Beef, Mince, with Spag

Lamb & Rosemary

Baked Beans

Beverage Powder, Sport

– Lemon & Lime

– Orange

Biscuit – Jam Sandwich

Fruit, Diced, Two Fruits

Fruit Spread – Apricot

Fruit Spread – Blackberry

Pudding, Fruit

Soup Powder, Chicken

Beef, Mince, Sav with Veg

Chicken Curry

Baked Beans

Beverage Powder, Sport –

– Raspberry

– Tropical

Biscuit – Krispies

Fruit, Diced, Peaches

Fruit Spread – Raspberry

Fruit Spread – Blackberry

Pudding, Chocolate

Soup Powder, Beef

Beef & Pasta

Chunky Chicken & Veg

Baked Beans

Beverage Powder, Sport

– Lemon & Lime

– Mixed Berry

Biscuit – Krispies

Fruit, Diced, Pears

Fruit Spread – Apricot

Fruit Spread – Plum

Pudding, Fruit

Soup Powder, Sav Veg

Beef & Blackbean

Chicken BBQ

Baked Beans

Beverage Powder, Sport –

– Orange

– Raspberry

Biscuit – Scotch Finger

Fruit, Diced, Two Fruits

Fruit Spread – Peaches

Fruit Spread – Raspberry

Pudding, Golden

Soup Powder, Chook Noodle

Frankfurter’s

Chicken Satay

Baked Beans

Beverage Powder, Sport –

– Mixed Berry

– Tropical

Biscuit – Jam Sandwich

Fruit, Diced, Peaches

Fruit Spread – Raspberry

Fruit Spread – Plum

Pudding, Chocolate

Soup Powder, Tomato

Additional Items Common To All Menus

Non-Food Items Common To All Menus

Bev, Chocolate, Pwdr

Bev, Coffee, Instant

Beverage, Tea Bags

Sugar

Milk, Con, Sweetened

Butter Concentrate

Cheese, Cheddar

Chocolate Ration

Confectionery Cream

Salt

Pepper, Black

Curry Powder

Sauce, Tomato Ketchup

Sauce, Sweet Chilli

Sauce, Soy

Biscuit – Crispbread

Vegetable Extract

Chewing gum 4 pellet

Rice

Potatoes, Sliced

Peas Green

Carrots Sliced

Corn, Sweet, Whole Kernel

MB – Apricot & Coconut

MB – Tropical Fruits

MB – Forest Fruits

Skittles

Can Opener

Container, with lid

Matches

Pads, Scouring with Soap

Rubber Bands

Spoons, Dessert

Toilet Paper, 10 Sheets

Menu Sheet

Directions for Butter Concentrate:

To reconstitute the contents, first beat into a smooth paste, then add an amount of water or milk equivalent to one-sixth of the volume of butter and continue beating until the liquid is fully absorbed.