military ration

Soldier's packaged meal

A military ration is a standardized food supply issued to soldiers, designed for portability, long shelf life, and adequate nutrition in field conditions.

The term covers everything from canned goods to modern MREs (Meals Ready to Eat): Each soldier received three military rations for the patrol.

Rations are often traded, hoarded, or complained about—a tradition as old as armies themselves.

Related

mess · mess hall · soldier · canned · survival · calories · calorie dense · provisions · food supply · supplies · dehydrated · freeze dried · pouch · flameless · heater · tactical · deployment · sustenance

Opposites
food quality and freshness

military rationgourmet meal

Expertly crafted fine food

fine dining · haute cuisine · farm-to-table · cordon bleu · fresh produce

dining context and experience

military rationfeast

Elaborate ceremonial meal

banquet · romantic dinner · holiday dinner · dinner party · picnic

food preparation and sourcing

military rationhome cooking

Meals prepared at residence

made-to-order

Family

military, ration, militia, militant, militancy, militarism, militarist, militaristic, militarize

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G