Use of the Tray Pack Ration During Extended Field Operations: A Summary

摘要

The effectiveness of the T Ration system was evaluated to see if it could adequately sustain Marines without causing excessive weight loss and/or GI symptoms during a 60-day Marine construction mission. The finding regarding the effectiveness of the T Ration reflect how it was actually used, not as theoretically planned. Therefore, this study was a valid and representative measure of the T Ration system as it often functions and the problems that may affect consumption and nutrient intakes. These problems include: lack of vegetable and fruit enhancements at most meals, unavailability of some menu items, hot storage conditions, poor food presentation, and an overworked mess staff. Volunteers (n= 85) were randomly assigned to either 2 T Rations and 1 MRE or 2 B Rations and 1 MRE per day. In the T group 19 volunteers all with the rank of E-4 or below dropped from the study for food-related reasons, while there were no B group drops. A total of 17 in the T group and 34 in the B group completed the study. Neither group reported GI symptoms. The type of ration did not affect sleep, mood or physical performance. Weight loss, which did not differ between groups exceeded the 3 % criterion by Day 56. Mean energy expenditure was 3328 kcal/d. Both groups were in negative energy balance. However, in comparison to administrative personnel and construction engineers in the B group, construction engineers in the T group experienced the greatest energy deficit (-950 kcal/d). Total energy intakes were lower in the T group than in the B group and decline over time; 2702 to 2580 to 2423 kcal Id for the T group over the 3 test periods and from 3094 to 2822 to 2687 kcal/d in the B group. Mean nutrient intakes of the T group did not meet the MRDAs for energy, foliate, magnesium, and zinc, and also did not reach dietary recommendations for carbohydrate and fiber. T Rations were initially acceptable, but ratings declined to dislike after repeated exposure.