First Strike Ration facts for kids
The First Strike Ration (FSR) is a special type of food for soldiers in the United States Army. It's designed to be small and easy to eat while moving. Soldiers use it during the first three days of a mission. The FSR was created by the United States Army Soldier Systems Center in Natick, Massachusetts. This special food helps soldiers stay strong, think clearly, and move easily. It also makes their backpacks lighter.
Contents
What Makes FSR Special?
The First Strike Ration is a new kind of food for soldiers who are always on the go. It gives them many different foods that are light, full of energy, and easy to eat. These foods are much simpler to consume than older types of military meals.
Easy to Eat and Move
The foods in an FSR are familiar and help soldiers perform better. They are designed to be eaten by hand, with little or no cooking needed. Drinks can be mixed right in their pouches or in a CamelBak water system. Soldiers only need water for the drinks, not for the food itself. Many foods, like pocket sandwiches, are made to be eaten quickly while moving.
Lightweight and Compact
The FSR is much lighter than other military meals. If a soldier carries three Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs) for one day, the FSR weighs about half as much. It also takes up about half the space. This helps soldiers carry less weight and move more freely.
Shelf Life and Calories
These rations can last for at least two years if stored at 80 °F (27 °C). Each FSR provides about 2,900 calories per day. This is enough energy for soldiers to stay active. Before 2011, shipping containers had nine meals, with three of each of three different menus. Since 2011, there are nine different meal combinations in each container.
How Meals Are Organized
Each FSR pouch contains items that could be eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, soldiers can eat the items in any order they choose. There are no strict rules about when to eat each part of the ration.
Example of an FSR Menu
Here is what you might find in a current Menu 1 First Strike Ration:
- Filled French Toast
- Bacon Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich
- Pepperoni Pocket Sandwich
- Jalapeno Cheese Spread
- Wheat Snack Bread
- Dessert Bar, Peanut Butter
- First Strike Bar (HOOAH! Bar)
- Beef Snack, Teriyaki
- Beef Snack, BBQ
- Snack, Pretzels
- Zapplesauce, Cinnamon
- Nut Fruit Mix, Type III
- Chocolate Protein Drink Mix
- Beverage Base Powder
- Caffeine Gum
- Accessory Package
