Army To Test New Rations

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31989, 16 May 1969, Page 10

Army To Test New Rations

The New Zealand Army will soon have three 24-hour ration packs for its soldiers in the field instead of the present two. One is a new light-weight pack designed primarily for use in operational theatres overseis while the other two will, if proved satisfactory, replace gristing, stocks. All three packs will have the benefit of newly introduced packaging materials to give them longer storage life and to avoid deterioration. The new combat ration pack, is available in three varieties. It weighs ltt> lloz

and has 3321 calories. Maximum use has been made of freeze dried products in this pack. At present the pack is still experimental and trials will be made with selected units after it is issued to them next month. The pack contains biscuits, sultanas, chocolate, confectionery roll, sugar, milk powder, soup powder, a meat dish, pre-cooked rice, stewed fruit, tea, coSee, salt, matches, toilet paper and a plastic litter bag. The ordinary combat ration pack is 11b heavier than the light-weight pack and of 3095

calorie values. It is designed for use in tropical areas and can be used instead of the light-weight pack when water is restricted. This pack includes the new milk powder, new service biscuits and improved chocolate. The cans have been treated with a new lacquer to give a two-year shelf life. The training pack, which weighs 21b Boz, contains the equivalent of 2670 calories. It is for use in New Zealand only. The combat and training ration packs will be issued to units by November.