Soldiers’ Perception of Combat Ration Use During Arctic Training: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Introduction Soldiers work in various extreme environments, including the High Arctic, where energy requirements are increased compared with temperate climates. Soldiers often do not reach their energy needs with combat rations and face additional challenges to feeding in the Artic, which can hinder the performance. The purpose of this study is to document soldiers’ perception about individual, dietary, and environmental factors influencing intake of combat rations during Arctic field training. Materials and Methods This qualitative phenomenological study included in-depth semi-structured individual interviews with 16 soldiers of the Canadian Armed Forces participating in the Arctic Operations Advisor training in Yellowknife (Northwest Territories) and Resolute Bay (Nunavut) from January to March 2019. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and then coded using a directed content analysis approach. Data were analyzed with NVivo qualitative data analysis software. Results Five themes related to the individual (personal preferences; mood and morale), the diet (water availability; food variety), or the environment (meal preparation time) were identified. A sixth theme found was related to the diet and the environment (food/water temperature). Soldiers explained food and water were frozen, thus limiting water availability and greatly increasing meal preparation time. Food variety was deemed adequate by some, but others preferred more options. Individual food preferences and soldier mood and team morale could be barriers or facilitators to intake. Overall, the complexity of combat ration intake in the Arctic stemmed from the interaction of factors. Conclusions Various factors related to the individual, diet, and environment were found to influence intake of combat rations by participating soldiers during Arctic training. Reducing barriers to combat ration consumption by enhancing operational suitability of rations for the Arctic environment could promote dietary intake. Bearing in mind many interrelated factors influenced intake of soldiers, the military would benefit from further assessing which challenges related to intake in the field could be addressed.

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“…Similar to observed in our study, Lavergne et al (2021) also reported that sensory preferences influence ration consumption, emphasizing the importance of seasoning and the ability of combat rations to positively contribute to morale and behavior. The concerns raised by Brazilian soldiers regarding the inadequate fiber content and its consequences for satiety and digestibility were noteworthy when assessing the nutritional composition of the provided rations.…”

“…The Brazilian Army prioritizes ready-to-eat thermoprocessed foods resembling the popular Brazilian menu for main meals. These must have a 24-month shelf life, be in sterilizable high-barrier packaging, around 250 g per portion, meet hygiene and preservation stan- Similar to observed in our study, Lavergne et al (2021) also reported that sensory preferences influence ration consumption, emphasizing the importance of seasoning and the ability of combat rations to positively contribute to morale and behavior. The concerns raised by Brazilian soldiers regarding the inadequate fiber content and its consequences for satiety and digestibility were noteworthy when assessing the nutritional composition of the provided rations.…”