What do soldiers feed in the armies of different countries of the world? Armies of different countries: what they feed soldiers
There are three categories of “eternally hungry” citizens. These are, of course, students, these are those who do heavy physical labor and these are... soldiers. Of course, in order to pass all the standards, cope well with combat training and at the same time not look like a zombie, a soldier simply needs to eat well and properly. But each country has its own concepts and traditions regarding nutrition in the army and special forces of the Armed Forces. We decided to go on another gastronomic excursion and tell you about what they feed the defenders of the fatherland in different countries ah peace. And especially for the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, we will also tell you what our defenders also eat. After all, a well-fed soldier is a universal soldier!
Israel
Israel has several "tricks" of army nutrition. The first feature is that the nutrition of officers and ordinary soldiers is absolutely no different. Only pilots, sailors, submariners, marines and paratroopers have a higher calorie diet, which is natural - after all, these military units spend much more energy per day. The second feature of nutrition is that there are separate meals for vegetarians, rich in protein and plant foods, so that for soldiers adhering to plant based diet, there was no loss in calories and their energy reserves did not deplete. And the third feature is that the entire kitchen and all dishes are kosher, so meals are divided into meat and dairy. Dairy is most often served for breakfast, since such products are better absorbed in the morning. These are omelettes natural yoghurts, milk porridge and even coffee with milk. And the choice of salads in Israeli army cuisine can be the envy of any average cafe. Moreover, salads and meat are served literally fresh, because the army has long switched to on-site service by various large companies, which is cheaper and more effective than dragging field kitchens with you to exercises. Due to the small size of the country, field kitchens are a completely unpromising formation that only slows down the process of army movement.
Funding for the Israeli army has increased fivefold, and this is greatly reflected in the menu - the canteens offer fresh fruit and vegetables, as well fruit juices, purees and even fresh juices. Well, during training in the deserts, Israeli army soldiers eat dry rations, which include a full set lunch, sealed in thermal packaging, a pack of juice, portioned sticks with coffee and sugar, canned vegetables and fruits. Drinking water unlimited, it is carried in a special cooler.
India
If in the Israeli army all the wishes of the soldiers and their body characteristics are taken into account, then in India the circumstances are much more deplorable. Unfortunately, the corruption that is rampant in India has had a very painful impact on the state of the army as a whole, and touching on each aspect separately. In recent years, soldiers have complained that stale or expired products often end up on their tables, which the purchasing company buys at a reduced price.
The diet of Indian soldiers is more than modest. For breakfast, a large flatbread with spices, cheese or jam is served, hot tea or coffee, by the way, is not always with sugar. Sometimes in the morning the soldiers are given pumpkin or some local fruit. This is surprising, because India is for the most part an exotic country, and it is not at all difficult for the government to purchase local fruits or vegetables for the army at reduced prices. At the very least, there should be absolutely no interruptions in plant food in this country. But reality, alas, differs from possibilities. For lunch, soldiers are served the same flat cakes, vegetable stew, pea, potato or turnip soup, with a small addition of meat, mainly chicken. For dinner the menu is often repeated. We haven’t heard of delicacies, sweet dishes, or at least a separate vegetarian menu here. Everyone in the Indian Army lives by the mantra of “eat what you give”.
South Korea
But the soldiers of South Korea were much more fortunate. First of all, because the army here is fully supported by the state, and the command staff eats in the same canteen as ordinary soldiers. By the way, the menu is no different, and the only privilege reserved for officers was the opportunity to eat without waiting in line. Naturally, the diet of the Korean armed forces includes rice, as well as various soups and broths, fish, and often European dishes. Also, at any time, dishes can be added “at will”, that is, from time to time the dish that the warriors want to try most is prepared here. Meals here follow the principle of ordinary public canteens - that is, a soldier or officer takes a tray and fills it the way he wants - soup or rice, stew or rolls. Everything is purely individual, and no one is forced to eat what they don’t want. Vegetarians have plenty of freedom here, because meat is used to cook broths or make small meatballs, as well as steamed cutlets, and fish is often presented raw or in rolls. That is, a vegetarian can simply not take them “on board” and safely pass by - no one imposes anything on him.
The dry ration, which, in addition to food in the field kitchen, is received by soldiers of the South Korean army, is quite laconic - it is a carefully packaged first course (noodles, rice and many other dishes, in some cases - soups), chicken, turkey or mushrooms are most often added as meat . For dessert the soldiers receive soy milk with red beans.
France
France itself is considered a “country of gourmets”. To do this, it is enough to delve into the long-standing traditions of cheese making and winemaking, and it is immediately clear that all French people, without exception, are not alien to aestheticism and the search for novelty. The French army is far from an exception to the rule, because the soldiers are, first of all, French, and only then military. That is why the food and menu offered to soldiers are radically different from each other. In addition, soldiers are fully supported by the state, while officers are required to pay for their lunch. But it’s not a sin to pay for the dishes that we will now list for you. The army serves pate as a snack, green salad with carrots and boiled beets, cold fish in olive oil and many other dishes that can be ordered in advance. The second course is also plentiful: you can take beef with beans with sauce, fried chicken with potatoes, pork with rice, many different stews, stews or casseroles. Interestingly, you can take an unlimited amount of cheese for every taste with any dish, even with your morning coffee. Dessert is most often fruit and strawberry mousse, can also be chocolate. Mineral water, soda, tea and coffee can be used in unlimited quantities. But despite this varied menu, for officers it is twice as wide and higher in calories, which explains the charging of fees. But during maneuvers, exercises, combat operations or just trips, soldiers and officers eat together according to a standard set: coffee-bread-cheese-snacks-porridge-hot-vegetables, and their food is fully paid for by the state. In addition, all soldiers additionally receive rations, the composition of which is thought out quite strictly. This is most often a deer meat pate, since this meat is not too fatty and hardly spoils, cold cuts with a simple side dish, chocolate pudding. The set also includes a disposable burner, a large supply of coffee and sugar, as well as various aromatic teas and other drinks. But one thing causes envy - for breakfast, French soldiers on a campaign enjoy muesli with Dupont d’Isigny caramel. But it seems to us that even many ordinary citizens of some countries do not eat as varied as the soldiers of the French army. Just imagine: beef with salad, Toulouse sausages with lentils, pureed vegetable soup, canned tuna, chocolate, jam, biscuits with caramel, and of course, sugar and coffee - this is what a soldier’s standard lunch looks like in a field kitchen during deployment.
The issues of supplying and feeding the army in the United States, as well as many organizational issues, were taken very seriously. The nutrition of soldiers is handled by an entire Research Center for Soldiers' Equipment, which once a quarter conducts statistical records and analyzes of not only the nutrition itself, but also individual dishes from the menu.
US soldiers and officers eat in the same canteen and on the same menu, which, however, is very diverse and includes many non-trivial dishes. This is not explained by the prevention of scurvy or concern for the tastes of military personnel. Everything is very simple - nutrition and preferences here are taken into account according to the notorious American tolerance - after all, in the US army you can meet people with almost any religion, skin color, race or mentality. Therefore, cooks are simply obliged to offer halal, kosher, vegetarian and even raw food, and provide it in equal equivalent so as not to harm the stomach of one or another soldier. But the inclusion of such gastronomic differences in the menu occurs only when the total number of those in need is 10 percent of the number of military units.
Breakfast includes fresh fruits and vegetables, omelettes, cereals, bacon, juices and pastries. There are also protein and energy bars, frosted cereals, and for those who are lactose intolerant, there are always several packs of soy or protein-free milk, substitutes for cream, sour cream and other dairy products. Meals are served according to the “buffet” principle, but with a certain calorie limit, and if a soldier has collected food below the “norm”, he is sent to pick up food.
For lunch and dinner, the choice usually consists of 2-4 soups. Main courses can consist of 5 items, and they are not associated with a side dish, also salads, pickles, various snacks - pates, cheeses, and always sauces. For dessert, 4 types of different desserts are most often served. When soldiers go on training, they are provided with a separate ration, which is independent of the food in the field kitchen. Packed rations American army called MRE - Meal Ready to Eat. The ration itself resembles a bag tightly compressed on all sides, in which all the food is also carefully packed in smaller bags. In a transparent bag - powdered iced lemon tea, napkins, salt, matches, Tobasco hot sauce, chewing gum. Once upon a time, matches included a cigarette, but now the US Army has begun an active fight against smoking.
MREs have a huge amount of calories. Among the products they provide are crackers (180 kcal), a packet of peanut butter (250 kcal), cocoa (150 kcal), packaged carrot cake (270 kcal), canned pineapple(80 kcal). The main course is also a carefully packaged full meal. It can be lasagna, spaghetti with meat, stew, roast, etc. But fish is never put into dry rations - it spoils very quickly and is completely unsuitable for dry rations. For the main dish, a special bag with a heating element is added, into which you need to add a little water. In 5-10 minutes the dish will be ready to eat. However, all packages can be resealed, because one package of dry rations is suitable for several meals, since one package contains 1200 kcal, which is more than half daily value. One MRE package is issued per day.
Australia
The Australian Defense Force, part of the British Dominion Armed Forces, primarily guards state borders. Urgent conscription into the Australian army has long been canceled, since Australia was subjected to a direct attack by the enemy only in the Second World War, and even then only a few times. Despite this, the Defense Forces are a full-fledged combat-ready army, composed of two divisions, divided into 6-12 brigades. In the event of hostilities, every third Australian will take arms.
Food in the Australian army is practically no different from European standards. For breakfast, soldiers are served cereal porridge, coffee and tea, as well as muesli, croissants, natural yogurt, bacon, omelettes or scrambled eggs. For vegetarians they serve bacon instead green peas, lima beans or substitute local vegetables. Local fruits and vegetables are also available to soldiers at any time. Lunch - most often sandwiches with peanut butter, or egg salad and any other snack. For lunch, roast lamb, beef, and turkey are served. What you rarely see here is chicken and pork - well, Australians don’t eat this meat! For dinner - fettuccine pasta, fried potatoes, seafood, vegetables, fruits, definitely sweets and coffee. Protein and energy bars are also available, and, strictly with the permission of the trainer, energy drinks.
If the usual food of an Australian soldier is not very abundant, then dry rations make a state like ours, for example, look at this country with envy. Because the Australian Army's dry rations are the largest and most complete. The ration includes several main dishes (up to 3) - it can be pasta with sauce, or roast, pasta with tuna or meatballs. In the ration you can find sweet biscuits, jam, condensed milk, cheddar and parmesan cheese, packaged bread, peanut butter, a bag of granola, compressed pastries, as well as a large supply of tea, coffee and a variety of fruit drinks. The ration also includes a folding knife, a fork, a spoon, a pack of matches, a package of napkins and hand sanitizer, and a disposal bag. In addition, Australian Army soldiers are generously supplied with chocolate and a variety of sweets. And most importantly, the ration is divided into 2-3 smaller portions, so that the soldier does not have to bother with dividing up the ration, but immediately eats the required amount.
Ukraine
In nutrition Ukrainian army Even with the start of the ATO, nothing fundamentally changed. Military reform regarding the food of soldiers took place back in 2006, permanently abolishing delivery windows and replacing them with a buffet with more or less varied diet. The food of our army is adapted to the national flavor and tastes. For breakfast they give cereal porridges, cottage cheese casseroles, cheesecakes and pancakes with pancakes (1-2 dishes can be provided in one day), for lunch - be sure to have borscht and any other soup of your choice. The main dish is roast; cutlets and meatballs, meatballs and meatballs are also made, adding to them as a side dish rice porridge, mashed potatoes, pasta and various cereal porridges. In general, the nutrition of Ukrainian soldiers is quite good, if you close your eyes to the fact that no exceptions are made for vegetarians.
Instead of a bit for an amateur plant food you will have to be content with vegetable pickles, several types of salads or just vegetables. Fresh vegetables and there is always fruit for the soldiers, although depending on the time of year. On holidays they also try to please people with something tasty - they make Olivier salad for the New Year, and cook kutya for Christmas. In general, the nutrition situation in our army can be characterized as “they are trying to standardize.” That is, even though the country is now in combat mode, one can see in the locations of Ukrainian units that the money allocated for the development of the army still reaches the recipient. OVER the last year, there have been no significant changes in the canteen menu (perhaps because the food in the location is quite good, as in ordinary canteens “in civilian life”), but drastic changes have been made to the dry rations, having specifically invited an army consultant from the German army.
Just four years ago, the dry ration of a Ukrainian soldier consisted of canned meat and buckwheat, pearl barley and chicken, as well as - a large number biscuits, sauces, tea/coffee and a chocolate bar. Today, the packed lunch has undergone dramatic changes. Firstly, the appearance of dry rations will now resemble American ones - the main dish is placed in a special thermal bag. Moreover, we also tried to take into account national characteristics, that is, the menu will include Ukrainian cuisine. Only 500 grams for the first course and 360 for the second. The packed lunch will also include biscuits, sticks with jam and chocolate spread, tea, coffee, various other drinks, sweet caramel, sugar and salt, matches, wet wipes, folding forks and spoons, as well as an energy bar. Do you agree, a big breakthrough for the development of our army?
We, the entire editorial team, really hope that such positive changes in the development of the Ukrainian army will still happen, and we sincerely wish this to our soldiers. We also congratulate you on the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and wish you prosperity, and most importantly, that our soldiers never have to use the weapons issued to them for their intended purpose. Peace to the world!
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The autumn conscription makes us remember the army of many of our compatriots. As a rule, these thoughts are not very rosy. But it is worth recognizing that, despite all the unflattering and frightening reviews about the army, there are many interesting facts from its history and modernity.
Therefore, before dismissing this topic, it is worth finding out whose army is the most beautiful, who was the most unusual officer, why soldiers walk upside down and much more.
Who has the most powerful army in the world
No matter how much our military personnel boasted about Russian army power, they failed to top the rating. While Russia, with its million soldiers, ranks second, they have remained in first place for several years. Their leadership is determined not by the number of soldiers, but by the quantity and quality of military equipment, as well as the amount of funding.
Where do the buttons on soldiers' sleeves come from?
The design of military uniforms began to be discussed not at all in the 20th century, as is commonly believed. So Peter I himself, famous for his ability to find an unconventional solution to any problem, ordered buttons to be sewn on the front side of soldiers' sleeves. This was explained not by a love of style, but by the fact that it became inconvenient for ordinary people, most of whom came from peasant families, to wipe their mouths with their sleeves. The expensive cloth from which uniforms were made was no longer soiled every day, and the uniform lasted longer.
Gay squad - myth or reality
We have recently abandoned the call for people with non-traditional orientation to military service. In Thebes they approached this differently. Ancient Greek rulers formed Sacred Bands, which were considered invincible. This was explained simply - men, in order not to disgrace themselves in the eyes of their lovers, fought furiously and preferred death to surrender.
Beauty will save the world
About a year ago, restless British journalists from The Sun newspaper conducted a survey trying to determine which army was the sexiest. Of course, the choice was only between those countries in which women are drafted into service. 16 thousand participants unanimously decided that the most charming army belongs to Romania, and took an honorable third place in this list.
"Secret Rite" of the Bukhara Army
In the middle of the 19th century, soldiers of the Bukhara Emirate “spied” on Russian soldiers a “secret ritual” that brought victory. During the assault on one height, the Russian infantry had to cross the river, and since everything happened very quickly, the soldiers did not have time to pour water out of their boots. Then each of them grabbed his comrade by the legs, turned him over and shook him. The height was captured, but the beginning of the next battle amazed everyone present. In front of the astonished Russians, the Bukharan soldiers carefully shook their upside-down fellow soldiers by the legs, apparently to attract good luck.
Where can you talk on the phone for free using a military satellite?
The cheerful Brazilians showed themselves not only as good dancers, but also as quite experienced pirates. Some of them found out that if a regular walkie-talkie was modified, it would be possible to use military satellites of the US Navy for free calls. The cost of such a “rework” is no more than $50, but you can save hundreds of times more on communications.
What and why do American paratroopers shout when jumping from an airplane?
Those who have had the opportunity to see how American paratroopers make jumps know that they do not do it silently. No, the brave guys don’t squeal and call for mom - the step from the plane is marked by the cry “Geronimo”. What's surprising is that it's quite real character. That was the name of the Indian who, throughout many years haunted the American and Mexican armies in the United States. And now, wanting to gain the tenacity and courage of this man, the paratroopers make their jumps, shouting the name of this brave man.
Which army dictates the coordinates of Santa Claus
In the middle of the 20th century, shortly before Christmas, one store in Colorado Springs decided to organize an advertising campaign and advertised in the newspaper with Santa Claus' phone number. Either the writers of the ad were inattentive, or the newspaper made a mistake, but there was a typo in the text. Just one wrong number and hundreds of children are already calling the local air defense command center. To the credit of the military, they did not hang up or demand a refutation in the newspaper, but began to dictate to the children the coordinates of Santa, or rather, the place where he was now flying. This tradition continues to this day, and now throughout December children can find out where Santa is.
How Braille was created
The famous dotted font for the blind was originally a military development during the Napoleonic era. It was intended to allow soldiers to exchange information without noise or lighting, but it turned out to be too difficult to learn. It was only many years later that Braille simplified the font and made it readable. By that time, the military no longer needed such technology, but it turned out to be very useful for visually impaired people.
Why is the Strategic Missile Force armed with a sledgehammer?
The harsh troops of the USSR surprised with their unexpected decisions. For example, when, during an inspection of one of the missile forces' points, the commander was asked what he would do if a safe with a control panel did not open after three attempts, the military man replied that in this case he had a sledgehammer that could be used to knock down the lock. The inspectors were shocked, but appreciated the officer’s resourcefulness. Since then, the sledgehammer has been a mandatory tool at the Strategic Missile Forces control center.
Dogs and bees guard the world
Dogs still play a decisive role in the armies of some countries around the world. For example, in Denmark there is a special patrol that controls the coast. The dog sled is there the only way movement, therefore, not only people, but also furry huskies are annually called up to serve in the Sirius detachment.
By the way, Pentagon employees have gone even further, using bees for the benefit of their homeland. These insects are attracted to detect certain explosives that neither humans nor dogs can smell.
Why does Bolivia need a Navy?
Bolivia, which lost its part of the Pacific coast at the end of the 19th century, never came to terms with this loss. The country still officially has Navy, however, consisting of small boats patrolling lakes and rivers. Moreover, the Bolivian authorities have not calmed down, and the idea of conquering the coast from Peru arises in society with enviable consistency.
Who is a sniper
The term "sniper" has British origin. In English, the small snipe bird is called snipe. The camouflage coloring of its plumage, small size and complex flight trajectories made the snipe an extremely difficult prey. Those who managed to shoot the treasured bird with an ordinary flintlock gun were called snipers.
Japanese Army Boots
An interesting way to combat theft was developed in the Japanese army. To prevent theft of boots, they were divided into left and right pairs and stored separately in specially built warehouses. One of these warehouses with thousands of left boots still exists on the island of Kunashir.
Winged Colonel
Not only dogs received officer ranks during hostilities. England's homing pigeon No. 888 received the rank of colonel for services to his homeland and participation in numerous important operations First World War. When the winged colonel died, he was buried with full honors.
Photo: thinkstockphotos.com, flickr.com
Material in the newspaper "Trud" dated March 13, 2015http://www.trud.ru/pdfs/3439/files/assets/basic-html/page19.html
Full text
When we talk about the Second World War, we usually think about formidable tanks, Katyusha jets or fast fighters. However, these machines were driven by living people who, after all, ate something. Many years have passed since then, but many cliches have stuck in our minds. About the fact that our soldiers were starving, and the Germans had a well-thought-out order, and our allies had an overabundance of everything. And although this partly concerned the Americans, and their ice cream machines, unloaded on the Normandy coast at the height of Operation Overlord, became a legend, in general these stereotypes are far from the truth.
American stew according to Soviet GOST
After the First World War, all countries realized the importance of regular food supply for large armies: rations had to be compact, nutritious, and a system suitable for military operations had to be developed to feed soldiers. In the Red Army, daily rations were inferior in caloric content to the ration of a Russian soldier of the First World War, who received 400 grams of meat per day, but it was much more varied. Many different vegetables, fish and other products appeared in the diet. In the rear garrisons, the ration was smaller, but in general it gave a person 2800-3600 kilocalories per day. The commanding officers were entitled to additional rations - 40 g of butter, 20 g of cookies, 50 g of canned fish and cigarettes; pilots also received enhanced rations. To understand how much this is, it must be said that in Germany before the war, cards had already been introduced, according to which workers received food worth 4600 kilocalories, and in the occupied territories the average consumption in 1943-44 was 1080 kilocalories in France, 1320 kilocalories in Belgium, and in Poland there are only 855 kilocalories.
Of course, all supply standards calculated for the day were quite arbitrary - food was purchased for several days, and the soldier had an emergency supply, which, however, was not kept for long, despite strict prohibitions on wasting it. Smokers were given tobacco, paper and matches, and non-smokers, from the summer of 1942, received in return 200 g of chocolate or 300 g of sweets per month. And, of course, the famous 100 g of vodka per day, which was sometimes replaced with wine, as was the case on the Caucasian front, alcohol was not supposed to be given out “for courage,” but on the contrary, after the battle. It served as an antidepressant. The Allies served for this purpose (and not at all for clean teeth) chewing gum.
Although at the beginning of the war there were serious difficulties with supplies - not only because the enemy occupied significant agricultural territories, but also in general because of the confusion in the rear that always accompanied the retreat. When a more solid front was established, supplies could be better established. Since 1942, the army began to receive stewed meat, which was produced in the USA especially for the Red Army according to Soviet GOST standards, as well as canned sausage from SPAM. By the way, it is from the name of this product that the current word “spam” comes from, meaning unwanted advertising mail- the manufacturers of these canned goods were the first to use this method of advertising in the 60s. In total, during the war, the Americans supplied us with more than 2 billion cans of canned meat.
At the front, the soldiers were entitled to almost one and a half times more products, than in the rear, in the trenches, Red Army soldiers were provided with hot meals twice a day - before dawn and after sunset, when it was more or less safe to deliver it from the kitchens to the front line. The soldier ate it right away and was not burdened with supplies. The Germans thought out everything much worse.
Indigestion Division
The German diet was also significant. It totaled 3,600 kilocalories in the rear and 4,500 at the front. In the morning, the soldier received only bread and coffee for breakfast, and in the evening a piece of sausage or egg was added to this. The main part of his daily ration soldiers who got hungry during the day immediately received - meat soup, a large portion (one and a half kilograms) of boiled potatoes, 140 grams of meat and a certain amount of vegetables. But this order operated in peacetime and in rear garrisons. At the front, a soldier was given a ration once a day at nightfall and it consisted of hot food and dry rations. Hot meals included pasta (or porridge), potatoes or other vegetables (1 kg) with meat (250 g) and fat, as well as coffee, and the dry ration contained 750 g of bread, 120 g of sausage, 80 g of butter and 200 g jam. Sometimes they gave extra eggs, chocolate and fruit.
This kind of catering with one hot meal looked simpler compared to the Soviet one, but it had a serious flaw - not every stomach could cope with such a menu, which was also devoid of soups. Indeed, one of the common problems in the German army was related diseases - gastritis, indigestion and constipation. The army even had entire reserve battalions, where they brought soldiers with stomach diseases, which in 1942 were consolidated into the 165th Infantry Division, located in France.
The German ration was more varied and included sausages, cheese, milk, cocoa, butter, which was not in the Red Army soldier’s diet. But one of the notable differences from the Soviet system was the absence of commander's rations - everyone from private to field marshal had to receive exactly the same food standards.
Tastes "a little better than boiled potatoes"
The American soldier's diet in World War II consisted of standardized dry rations, and they were the first to eliminate cooking altogether and the confusing daily rations of "20 grams of rice, 75 grams of meat, and 2 grams of salt." All food for a soldier at the front was provided in the form of standard rations, which included three cans of canned food and three packages of biscuits, as well as an additional set: tablets for water disinfection, matches, toilet paper, chewing gum and a can opener. For variety, there were six types of menu, and soldiers often exchanged tin cans among themselves. Of course, there were separate special sets for paratroopers, pilots and sailors. This approach greatly simplified the supply of food to the army and was etched in the memory of contemporaries. It may be recalled that in the first three weeks of the Normandy operation alone, 60 million daily rations were delivered ashore.
In 1935, Colonel Logan ordered Hershey chocolate bars for the US Army. They later became known as “Logan bars.” He set four conditions for manufacturers: weight a little more than 100 g, high energy value, chocolate should not melt at high temperatures, and the taste should be slightly better than boiled potatoes. The latter requirement stemmed from the desire that soldiers eat it only when necessary. The result was small bars containing chocolate, milk powder, sugar, oatmeal, and coconut fat. Three of these bars weighed 350 g, contained 1800 kilocalories, did not melt in 50 degree heat and represented an emergency supply for one day. One bar had to be eaten within half an hour or melted in hot water. But the producers overdid it with taste - the bar turned out to be bitter and tasteless, the soldiers even called it “Hitler’s secret weapon.”
Since 1943, the taste of the chocolate has been improved, it was called "tropical chocolate" as it was developed for operations in the jungle Pacific Ocean. But it began to be included in rations in all theaters of war. But the soldiers still didn’t like it and tried to get rid of it, exchanging it with local residents for something more edible. From 1940 to the end of the war, more than 3 billion rations were produced; in 1939, the Hershey plant produced 100 thousand meals per day, but five years later its capacity increased to 24 million per week. It was included in the diet of soldiers during the wars in Korea and Vietnam, and even visited space on spaceship Apollo 15 in 1971.
King Friedrich Wilhelm I of Prussia once said that “War is war, but dinner is on schedule.” I would like there to be no reasons for conflicts between states, but for now this is just a dream, and multimillion-strong armies protect the sovereignty of countries and ensure peace of mind for citizens. But every serviceman must be fed! We have collected information for you about what the soldiers of the armies of the largest states are fed.
Israel
Despite the fact that officers and ordinary soldiers eat in different canteens, their diet is completely different. The dishes differ only among pilots, sailors and submariners, since they prepare more high-calorie food. Vegetarians are not left out either. For them, a special diet is prepared, consisting of plant foods rich in protein.
Naturally, Israeli cuisine is kosher, and all meals are divided into meat and dairy. Breakfast usually includes omelettes, yoghurts, salads and coffee. We think it’s not worth mentioning that all the dishes are fresh.
Individual cafes and restaurants could advise on the choice of salads.
Available for lunch meat dishes, as well as a separate vegetarian menu. The meats are beef and chicken, with a variety of side dishes to choose from. There is a surprising number of different fruit and vegetable juices.
In recent years, funding for the Israeli army has increased fivefold. At the same time, the number of army chefs is being reduced, and the army is switching to catering by large companies that can offer an even more varied menu. Due to the small size of the country, it makes no sense to maintain field kitchens, and during special operations, soldiers make do with dry rations.
India
Unfortunately, the corruption that flourishes in India has had an extremely painful impact on the state of the army of this multinational country. There are often cases when expired food ends up on military tables.
The diet of Indian soldiers is modest and does not contain any special delights. Breakfast - a large flatbread and hot tea. Sometimes in the morning the soldiers are given a pumpkin.
Lunch consists of hot dishes: flatbreads, stew, pea soup, chicken dishes.
Dinner also does not boast of delicacies and usually coincides with lunch.
South Korea
As in the Israeli army, the commander and the rank and file eat the same thing in the same canteen. The only privilege officers have is the opportunity to eat without waiting in line.
The diet of the South Korean army necessarily includes rice, soup and various snacks. At the same time, the menu can be diversified with fish, or even European dishes.
Service takes place in the usual manner for civilian canteens. A soldier or officer with a tray passes by the canteen employees who are responsible for certain dishes: rice, soup and others. Snacks are usually chosen by the military personnel themselves.
France
Perhaps the French army servicemen can be considered gourmets, because the menu offered to soldiers and officers is extremely varied. It is worth noting once that the diet of privates and commanders is different, and if a simple soldier is fully supported, then the commander usually pays a small amount for his meal.
The diet of an ordinary soldier includes the following dishes. Appetizers: pate, green salad with carrots and boiled beets, cold fish in olive oil. Second choice: beef in sauce with beans, fried chicken with potatoes, pork with rice. Dessert – fruit or strawberry mousse. Naturally, cheese is offered for any meal, as well as mineral water or soda.
The menu for officers is several times wider. It is this variety of dishes that explains the fee.
During maneuvers and combat operations, soldiers and officers eat together, and their food is fully paid for by the state. In addition, there is also a ration that would be the envy of military personnel from other countries.
Just imagine, beef with salad, Toulouse sausages with lentils, pureed vegetable soup, canned tuna, chocolate, jam, instant coffee, biscuits, caramel, sugar. Here is such a “dry” ration.
The entire Soldier Equipment Research Center deals with nutritional issues for US Army soldiers. In the American army, privates and officers eat in the same canteen and on the same menu.
The menu in soldiers' canteens is extremely varied, and this is explained by no concern for the tastes of military personnel. In the ranks of the American Armed Forces you can find soldiers of almost any creed, skin color, and cooks are required to offer halal, kosher or vegetarian food. Moreover, the inclusion of such gastronomic delights must be done if the number of people in need of it is 10 percent of total number dining.
IN lately, the military is following the fashionable trend in the United States to use healthy food. The menu always indicates the number of calories in each dish.
Breakfasts typically include juices, fresh fruit, omelettes, cereals, bacon and pastries. For lunch and dinner, a choice of two soups, from two to four main courses - low-fat but high in calories, salads, vegetables and at least four types of desserts.
Russia
Currently, almost all military units have switched to a buffet system, and food is prepared exclusively by invited chefs.
Dining attire, as we are accustomed to it, is becoming a thing of the past. Now the duty officer monitors the civilian cooks to ensure that each dish meets the requirements and standards. Which army diet do you like best?
USA In the American army, the entire nutrition system is built on two main points: science and healthy food. Issues regarding the balance of food for military personnel are under the jurisdiction of Research Center soldier's equipment. The quality of food is monitored by the US Army Joint Culinary Center, where chefs are also trained. The food of the military is very varied. In addition to traditional American cuisine, soldiers and officers may be offered halal, kosher and vegetarian.
ON THE TOPIC
The military menu is compiled taking into account the geographical and climatic features of the deployment of units. Contrary to popular myth, US military canteens focus on healthy food, limiting the consumption of carbonated water, white bread and sweets. The menu always indicates the number of calories in each dish. However, during the day, some bases have fast food bars. Most army canteens operate on a buffet basis. Occasionally you can choose dishes from the menu to order.
Israel All food in the Israeli army (IDF) is prepared according to the rules of kashrut (a centuries-old history of laws on life, including dietary rules). Jewish meals are divided into dairy and meat. For breakfast in army canteens they offer omelettes, yoghurts, and coffee with milk. For lunch - meat dishes (only beef and chicken). You can choose various side dishes, salads, and juices with them. For vegetarians - a special menu of plant foods rich in protein.
The diet of officers and soldiers is exactly the same; it differs only among pilots, sailors and submariners, who are fed more high-calorie food. And on Saturdays, bottles of red wine are displayed in army canteens. Israeli military chefs are considered among the best in the world (they regularly win world professional tournaments). However, in recent years their number is decreasing, and the issue of food for the military is being transferred to catering companies.
Estonia The army of this country is very small - only 5.5 thousand people and 30 thousand reservists. Only in 2015 did deliveries of anti-tank devices from the United States begin, and five years ago, in 2010, Estonia borrowed two tanks from Lithuania for exercises. A 2013 survey found that soldiers were dissatisfied with their diet. Then the Estonian army introduced new system– the military began to be fed not three times a day, but five. The menu has become more varied and useful.
However, from the point of view of healthy eating, the six-hour gap between meals for an Estonian soldier is not optimal. The military complained about too heavy lunch and insufficient dinner; the optimization carried out corrected these shortcomings. At the same time, the number of calories in daily diet previous – 3500-3800 kilocalories.
Russia
After the reform, including in the field of nutrition, Russian military personnel received a menu that combines the best global trends with home traditions. In terms of its quality, army food in Russia is not inferior to foreign armed forces. Created in Russia unique system issuing food using fingerprints, which has no analogues in other countries. By the way, the notorious pearl barley has disappeared from the conscript soldier’s diet, and the serviceman himself no longer goes into the kitchen on duty. After the 2011 reform, soldiers' meals were transferred to professional civilian organizations selected through competitions. This step immediately affected the quality of the dishes, which, according to the soldiers themselves, became tastier and more varied. The latter was achieved, including thanks to the introduction of buffet elements.
The menu of army canteens now includes at least two types of first courses, three cold appetizers, as well as a wide selection in salad bars. Military personnel can take the ingredients to their liking - fresh and sauerkraut, canned peas, corn, cucumbers, greens, olives and much more. In addition, the assortment includes fish and meat products, side dishes, up to five types of hot drinks and juices, as well as “homemade” pastries prepared by the dining room chefs. Energy value daily ration Russian soldier the highest in the world and is 4300 kilocalories per day. Electronic equipment has been introduced in canteens to allow fingerprint scanning. This is necessary to identify the military personnel receiving food. The innovation allows you to take into account how many people eat in the canteen and the amount of food they need. The system, according to the Ministry of Defense, can save up to 3.5 billion rubles from the budget every year.
