What is fed to soldiers in the armies of various countries of the world. Armies of different countries: what they feed the soldiers
There are three categories of "eternally hungry" citizens. These, of course, are students, these are those who are engaged in hard physical labor and these are ... soldiers. No wonder, because in order to pass all the standards, to do an excellent job with combat training and at the same time not to 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 tour and tell you about what the defenders of the fatherland are fed in different countries of the world. 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 "chips" 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 landing troops have a higher calorie diet, which is natural - after all, these military units spend much more energy per day. The second nutritional feature is that a separate diet for vegetarians is compiled here, rich in protein and plant foods, so that for soldiers adhering to a plant-based diet, there is no loss in calories and their energy supply does not run out. And the third feature - the whole kitchen and all dishes are kosher, so the meals are divided into meat and dairy. Dairy products are most often served for breakfast, as such products are better absorbed in the morning. These are omelettes, natural yoghurts, milk porridges 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 literally served fresh, because the army has long since switched to field service by various large companies, which is cheaper and more efficient than carrying field kitchens with you to exercises. Due to the small size of the country, field kitchens are a completely hopeless formation that only slows down the process of army movement.
Funding for the Israeli army has increased five times, and this has greatly affected the menu - fresh fruits and vegetables are offered in canteens, as well as fruit juices, purees and even fresh juices. Well, during the exercise in the deserts, the soldiers of the Israeli army eat dry rations, which includes a full set lunch, closed in thermal packaging, a pack of juice, portioned sticks with coffee and sugar, canned vegetables and fruits. Drinking water is unlimited, it is carried in a special cooler.
India
If the Israeli army takes into account all the wishes of the soldiers and their characteristics of the body, then in India the circumstances are much more deplorable. Unfortunately, the corruption that flourishes in India has had a very painful effect on the state of the army as a whole, and touching each aspect separately. In recent years, soldiers have complained that stale or already frankly expired products often end up on their table, which the purchasing company buys at a reduced price.
The diet of Indian soldiers is more than modest. For breakfast, a large tortilla with spices, cheese or jam is served, hot tea or coffee, by the way - not always with sugar. Sometimes in the morning the soldiers are given a gourd 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 buy local fruits or vegetables for the army at reduced prices. At least, there should be absolutely no interruptions with plant foods in this country. But the reality, alas, differs from the possibilities. For lunch, soldiers are served the same cakes, vegetable stew, stew of peas, potatoes or turnips, with a slight addition of meat, mostly chicken. For dinner, the menu is often repeated. Delicacies, sweet dishes, or at least a separate vegetarian menu have not been heard here. Everyone in the Indian army lives according to the covenant "eat what they gave."
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 assigned to the officers was the opportunity to eat without a queue. In the diet of the Korean armed forces, of course, there is rice, as well as various soups and broths, fish, and often European dishes. Also, dishes “at will” can be added at any time, that is, from time to time they cook the dish that the warriors want to try the most. Meals here take place according to the principle of ordinary public canteens - that is, a soldier or officer takes a tray and fills it himself the way he wants - soup or rice, stew or rolls. Everything is purely individual, and no one is forced to eat what they do not want. Vegetarians are free here, because broths are boiled here or small meatballs are made, as well as steam cutlets, and fish is often presented raw or in rolls. That is, a vegetarian can simply not take them “on board” with him and boldly pass by - no one imposes anything on him.
Dry rations, which, in addition to food in the field kitchen, are received by soldiers of the South Korean army, are rather laconic - this is a carefully packed first course (noodles, rice and many other dishes, in some cases soups), chicken, turkey or mushrooms are most often added as meat . For dessert, soldiers get soy milk with red beans.
France
France itself is considered a "gourmet country". To do this, it is enough to delve into the long-term traditions of cheese making and winemaking, and it is immediately clear that all the French, 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, first of all, are French, and only then - the military. That is why the food and menus offered to soldiers are radically different from each other. In addition, the soldiers are on full state support, while the officers are required to pay for their lunch. But for those dishes that we will now list for you, it is not a sin to pay. As an appetizer, the army serves pâté, 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 also abounds: you can take beef with beans in sauce, fried chicken with potatoes, pork with rice, many different stews, chowders or casseroles. Interestingly, with any dish, even with morning coffee, you can take an unlimited amount of cheese for every taste. Dessert is most often fruit and strawberry mousse, it can also be chocolate. Mineral water, soda, tea and coffee can be used in unlimited quantities. But despite the already varied menu, the officer staff has it twice as wide and high in calories, which explains the collection of fees. But during maneuvers, exercises, military operations or just trips, soldiers and officers eat together according to the standard set: coffee-bread-cheese-snack-porridge-hot-vegetables, and their food is fully paid by the state. In addition, in addition, all soldiers receive rations, the composition of which is thought out quite strictly. This is most often a deer meat pate, as this meat is not too fatty and almost does not spoil, 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 is envious - for breakfast, the French military on the campaign enjoy muesli with Dupont d'Isigny caramel. And 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, caramel biscuits, and of course, sugar and coffee - this is what a standard soldier’s lunch looks like in the field kitchen during the departure.
The issues of supply and nutrition of the army, in the United States, as well as many organizational issues, were treated with all seriousness. Soldiers are fed by a whole Research Center for Soldier Equipment, which once a quarter conducts statistical records and analyzes not only of the food itself, but also of 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 at all explained by the prevention of scurvy or concern for the tastes of military personnel. Everything is very simple - nutrition and preferences are taken into account here 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 terms 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 who need it is 10 percent of the strength of the military unit.
Breakfast includes fresh fruits and vegetables, omelettes, cereals and muesli, bacon, juices and pastries. There are also protein and energy bars, glazed cereals, and for those who are lactose intolerant, there are always several packs of soy or protein-free milk, cream substitutes, sour cream and other dairy products. Meals are served according to the "buffet" principle, but with a certain calorie limit, and if a soldier gets food below the "norm", he is sent to pick up food.
For lunch and dinner, the choice usually consists of 2-4 soups. Main dishes can have 5 items, and they are not associated with a side dish, as well as salads, pickles, various snacks - pates, cheeses, sauces are a must. For dessert, 4 types of different desserts are most often served. When soldiers go out for exercises, they are provided with a separate ration, which does not depend on meals in the field kitchen. The American army's dry ration is called MRE - Meal Ready to Eat (ready-to-eat products). The ration itself resembles a bag tightly compressed on all sides, in which all the food is also carefully packed into smaller bags. In a transparent package - powder cold lemon tea, napkins, salt, matches, hot Tobasco sauce, chewing gum. Once upon a time, matches also relied on a cigarette, but now the US Army has begun an active fight against smoking.
MRE has a huge calorie content. From the products they give crackers (180 kcal), a bag of peanut butter (250 kcal), cocoa (150 kcal), a packaged carrot cake (270 kcal), canned pineapple (80 kcal). The main course is also an already carefully packaged full meal. It can be lasagna, spaghetti with meat, stew, roast and more. But fish is never put in dry rations - it deteriorates very quickly and is completely unsuitable for dry rations. For the main dish, a special package with a heating element is added, where you need to pour a little water. After 5-10 minutes, the dish will be ready to eat. However, all packages can be re-closed, because one package of dry rations is suitable for several meals, since one package contains 1200 kcal, which is more than half of the daily allowance. One MRE package is issued per day.
Australia
The Australian Defense Force, which is part of the Armed Forces of the British Dominion, carries out mainly the protection of state borders. Urgent conscription into the Australian army has long been canceled, since Australia was directly attacked by the enemy only in World War II, 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, one in three Australians will take up arms.
Food in the Australian army is practically no different from European standards. For breakfast, soldiers are served cereals, coffee and tea, as well as muesli, croissants, natural yoghurts, bacon, omelettes or scrambled eggs. For vegetarians, green peas, lima beans, or local vegetables are served instead of bacon. 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. Roast lamb, beef, turkey are served for lunch. That's what you rarely see here - it's chicken and pork - well, Australians don't eat this meat! For dinner - fettuccine pasta, fried potatoes, seafood, vegetables, fruits, always sweet and coffee. Also available are protein and energy bars, and strictly with the permission of the trainer - energy drinks.
If the usual food of an Australian soldier does not shine with abundance, then a dry ration makes a state like ours, for example, look at this country with envy. Because the Australian army's dry ration is the largest and most complete. The ration includes several main dishes (up to 3x) - it can be both pasta with sauce and roast, pasta with tuna or meatballs. In the rations you can find sweet cookies, jam, condensed milk, cheddar and parmesan cheese, packaged bread, peanut butter, a bag of muesli, pressed 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 pack of napkins and hand sanitizer, and a disposal bag. In addition, the 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 sharing the ration, but immediately ate the prescribed norm.
Ukraine
In the nutrition of the Ukrainian army, even with the start of the ATO, nothing fundamentally changed. The military reform, with regards to the nutrition of fighters, took place back in 2006, permanently abolishing the issuance windows, and replacing them with a buffet with more or less varied meals. The food of our army is adapted to the national flavor and tastes. For breakfast, they give cereal porridge, cottage cheese casseroles, cheesecakes and pancakes with pancakes (1-2 dishes can be provided on one day), for lunch - be sure to have borscht and any other soup of your choice. The main dish is roast, they also make cutlets and meatballs, meatballs and meatballs, adding rice porridge, mashed potatoes, pasta and various cereal cereals as a side dish. In general, the food of Ukrainian soldiers is pretty good, if you close your eyes to the fact that no exceptions are made for vegetarians.
Instead of meatballs, a lover of plant foods will have to be content with vegetable pickles, several types of salads, or just vegetables. There are always fresh vegetables and fruits for the soldiers, however, depending on the season. On holidays, they also try to please with something tasty - they make Olivier salad for the New Year, and cook kutya for Christmas. In general, the situation of food in our army can be characterized as "trying to standardize." That is, even if 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 addressee. Over the past year, there have been no significant changes in the menu of canteens (perhaps because the food in the location is quite good, as in ordinary canteens "in civilian life"), but cardinal changes have been made to dry rations, inviting a specially army consultant from the German army.
Four years ago, a dry ration of a Ukrainian soldier consisted of canned food with stew and buckwheat, pearl barley and chicken, as well as a large number of biscuits, sauces, tea / coffee and a chocolate bar. Today, dry rations have undergone drastic changes. Firstly, dry rations will now look like American ones - the main course is placed in a special thermal bag. Moreover, we also tried to take into account national peculiarities, that is, the menu will include dishes of Ukrainian cuisine. Only 500 grams of the first course and 360 - the second. The dry rations will also include biscuit cookies, sticks with jam and chocolate paste, tea, coffee, various other drinks, sweet caramel, sugar and salt, matches, wet wipes, folding forks - spoons, as well as an energy bar. Agree, a big breakthrough for the development of our army?
We, the entire editorial board, very much hope that such positive shifts in the development of the Ukrainian army will nevertheless occur, 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 - peace!
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The autumn call makes us remember the army of many of our compatriots. As a rule, these thoughts are not too 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 the soldiers walk upside down and much more.
Who has the most powerful army in the world
No matter how proud our servicemen of the Russian army power are, they failed to lead the rating. So far, Russia, with its million soldiers, is in second place, but they have been 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 did the buttons on the 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 to sew buttons on the front side of the soldier's sleeves. This was explained not by love for 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. Expensive cloth, from which the uniforms were sewn, was no longer soiled daily, and the uniform served longer.
Gay squad - myth or reality
It is we who have recently abandoned the conscription of people with a non-traditional orientation to military service. In Thebes, however, this was approached differently. The ancient Greek rulers formed the Sacred Bands, which were considered invincible. This was explained simply - the men, in order not to disgrace themselves in the eyes of their beloved, fought furiously and preferred death to capitulation.
beauty will save the world
About a year ago, restless British journalists from the newspaper The Sun conducted a poll, trying to determine which army is the sexiest. Of course, they chose only between those countries in which women are called up for service. 16 thousand participants unanimously decided that the most charming army belongs to Romania, and in this list it took an honorable third place.
"Secret rite" of the Bukhara army
In the middle of the 19th century, the soldiers of the Emirate of Bukhara “spy” on Russian soldiers a “secret rite” that brings 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 a comrade by the legs, turned it over and shook it. The height was captured, but the beginning of the next battle amazed everyone present. Before the eyes of the astonished Russians, the Bukhara soldiers carefully shook their upside-down fellow soldiers by the legs, apparently to lure good luck.
Where you can talk on the phone for free using a military satellite
Cheerful Brazilians showed themselves not only as good dancers, but also as quite experienced pirates. One of them figured out that if the walkie-talkie could be improved, it would be possible to use US Navy military satellites for free calls. The cost of such a "refinement" is no more than $ 50, and you can save hundreds of times more on communications.
What and why are American paratroopers shouting, jumping from an airplane
Those who have had the opportunity to see how American paratroopers make jumps know that they do not do it in silence. No, the brave guys do not squeal and do not call their mother - a step out of the plane is marked by the cry of "Geronimo". Surprisingly, this is a very real character. That was the name of the Indian, who for many years haunted the American and Mexican armies in the United States. And now, wanting to gain the perseverance and courage of this man, the paratroopers make their jumps, shouting out the name of this brave man.
Which army dictates the coordinates of Santa Claus
In the middle of the 20th century, just before Christmas, a store in Colorado Springs decided to put on an advertising campaign and advertised in the newspaper with the phone number of Santa Claus. Either the compilers of the ad were inattentive, or the newspaper made a mistake, but a typo appeared in the text. Just one wrong number - and now calls from hundreds of children come to the phone of the local air defense command center. To the credit of the military, they did not hang up the phones or demand a retraction in the newspaper, but began to dictate to the children the coordinates of Santa, or rather, the place where he is now flying. This tradition continues to this day, and now the whole of December, children can find out where Santa is.
How Braille was Created
The famous dotted font for the blind was originally a military development from the time of Napoleon. It was intended to allow soldiers to exchange information without noise or illumination, but proved to be too difficult to learn. It wasn't until many years later that Braille simplified the type and made it readable. By that time, the military had no longer needed such technology, but it turned out to be very useful for visually impaired people.
Why is a sledgehammer in service with the Strategic Missile Forces
The harsh troops of the USSR surprised with their unexpected decisions. So, for example, when during the check of one of the points of the missile forces the commander was asked what he would do if the safe with the control panel did not open after three attempts, the military man replied that in this case he had a sledgehammer with which to knock down the lock. The inspectors were shocked, but appreciated the resourcefulness of the officer. Since then, the sledgehammer has been an indispensable tool at the Strategic Missile Forces command post.
Dogs and bees guard the world
Dogs in the armies of some countries of the world still play a decisive role. For example, in Denmark there is a special patrol that controls the coast. A dog sled is the only way to get around there, so not only people, but also fluffy huskies are called to serve in the Sirius squad every year.
By the way, Pentagon employees have gone even further, using bees for the benefit of their homeland. These insects are recruited to detect certain explosives that neither humans nor dogs can smell.
Why does the Bolivian Navy
Bolivia, which lost its part of the Pacific coast at the end of the 19th century, has not come to terms with this loss. The country still officially has a Navy, which, however, consists of small boats patrolling lakes and rivers. Moreover, the authorities of Bolivia did not calm down, and the idea to recapture the coast from Peru arises in society with enviable constancy.
Who is a sniper
The term "sniper" is of British origin. In English, a small snipe bird is called snipe. The camouflage coloration of its plumage, small size and complex flight paths made the snipe an extremely difficult prey. Those who managed to shoot the treasured bird from an ordinary flintlock gun were called snipers.
Boots of the Japanese army
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 the hostilities. Carrier pigeon of England No. 888 received the rank of colonel for services to his homeland and participation in numerous important operations of the 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 of formidable tanks, jet Katyushas or fast fighters. However, these machines were driven by living people who, after all, ate something. Many years have passed since then, but many clichés have settled 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, in part, this still concerned the Americans, and their ice cream machines, unloaded on the Normandy coast at the height of Operation Overlord, became a legend, but 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 a regular supply of food to large armies: rations had to be compact, nutritious, and a system suitable for military operations had to be developed to feed the soldiers. In the Red Army, daily rations were inferior in calories 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 there was less ration, but in general it gave a person 2800-3600 kilocalories per day. The commanding staff was entitled to an additional ration - 40 g of butter, 20 g of biscuits, 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 were already introduced, according to which workers received food for 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 only 855 kilocalories.
Of course, all the daily supply norms were rather arbitrary - food was purchased for several days, and the soldier had an emergency supply, which, however, was not stored for long, despite strict prohibitions on spending it. Smokers were given tobacco, paper and matches, and non-smokers from the summer of 1942 received 200 g of chocolate or 300 g of sweets per month in return. And, of course, the famous 100 g of vodka a day, which was sometimes replaced with wine, as was the case on the Caucasian front, alcohol was supposed to be given out not “for courage”, but, on the contrary, after the battle. It acted as an antidepressant. The allies used chewing gum for this purpose (and not at all for clean teeth).
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 accompanies the retreat. When the front was established more solid, then the supply could be adjusted better. Since 1942, the army began to receive stewed meat, which was produced in the USA especially for the Red Army according to Soviet GOSTs, as well as canned sausage from SPAM. By the way, it is from the name of this product that the current word “spam” comes, meaning unwanted advertising mail - it was the manufacturers of these canned goods that 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 given almost one and a half times more food than in the rear; in the trenches, the soldiers of the Red Army 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 immediately ate and was not burdened with supplies. For the Germans, everything was thought out much worse.
Division of patients with indigestion
The German ration was also significant. He totaled 3600 kilocalories in the rear and 4500 at the front. In the morning, for breakfast, the soldier received only bread and coffee, and in the evening a piece of sausage or an egg was added to this. The soldiers who were hungry for the day received the main part of their daily diet immediately - meat soup, a large portion (one and a half kilograms) of boiled potatoes, 140 grams of meat and a certain amount of vegetables. But such an order operated in peacetime and in the rear garrisons. At the front, a soldier was given a ration once a day at nightfall and 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 dry rations 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.
Such a catering with one serving of hot food looked simpler than the Soviet one, but it had a serious flaw - not every stomach could cope with such a menu, and even 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 soldiers with gastric diseases were taken, who in 1942 were brought 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 diet of a Red Army soldier. But one of the notable differences from the Soviet system was the lack of commander's rations - everyone from private to field marshal had to receive exactly the same nutritional rations.
Tastes "a little better than boiled potatoes"
The usual meal of a World War II American soldier consisted of standardized dry rations, they were the first to abandon cooking altogether and the confused 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 packs of biscuits, as well as an additional set: water disinfection tablets, matches, toilet paper, chewing gum and a can opener. For variety, there were six varieties of menus, and the soldiers often exchanged cans among themselves. Of course, there were separate special kits for paratroopers, pilots and sailors. This approach greatly simplified the supply of food to the army and was deposited 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 brought ashore.
In 1935, Colonel Logan ordered Hershey's candy bars for the US Army. Then they began to call them “Logan bars”. He set four conditions for the producers: weight a little more than 100 g, high energy value, chocolate should not melt at high temperatures, and the taste should be a little better than boiled potatoes. The last requirement stemmed from the wish that soldiers only eat it when needed. The result was small bars, which included chocolate, milk powder, sugar, oatmeal, coconut fat. Three of these bars weighed 350 g, contained 1800 kilocalories, did not melt in 50 degree heat and were 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 chocolate has been improved, it was called "tropical chocolate", as it was developed for operations in the Pacific jungle. But he began to enter the rations in all theaters of military operations. But the soldiers still did not favor him and tried to get rid of him, exchanging them with local residents for something more edible. From 1940 until the end of the war, more than 3 billion rations were produced, if in 1939 the Hershey plant produced 100,000 rations 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 went to space on the Apollo 15 spacecraft in 1971.
King Frederick William 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 so far this is just a dream, and multimillion-strong armies protect the sovereignty of countries and ensure the peace of mind of citizens. But every soldier must be fed! We have collected information for you on 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 the same. Dishes are different only for pilots, sailors and submariners, as more high-calorie food is prepared for them. Vegetarians don't go unnoticed either. For them, they make up a special diet, conditions from plant foods rich in protein.
Naturally, Israeli cuisine is kosher, and all meals are divided into meat and dairy. Breakfasts usually include scrambled eggs, yogurt, salads and coffee. We think it's not worth mentioning that all the dishes are fresh.
The choice of salads could be advised by individual cafes and restaurants.
For lunch, meat dishes are offered, as well as a separate vegetarian menu. The meat is beef and chicken, to which you can choose a variety of side dishes. Surprises a large number of various 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 decreasing, 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, fighters make do with dry rations.
India
Unfortunately, the corruption that flourishes in India has had an extremely painful effect on the state of the army of this multinational country. It is not uncommon for expired food to fall on the tables of the military.
The diet of Indian soldiers is modest and does not contain any special frills. Breakfast - a large cake and hot tea. Sometimes in the morning the soldiers are given a pumpkin.
Lunch consists of hot dishes: flat cakes, stew, pea stew, chicken dishes.
Dinner also does not shine with delicacies and usually coincides with lunch.
South Korea
As in the Israeli army, the commander and rank and file eat the same food in the same canteen. The only privilege of the officers is the opportunity to eat without a queue.
Rice, soup and various snacks are always present in the diet of the military of the South Korean army. At the same time, the menu can be diversified with fish, or even dishes of European cuisine.
Service takes place in the usual way for civilian canteens. A soldier or officer with a tray walks past the employees of the canteen, who are responsible for certain dishes: rice, soup, and others. Snacks are usually chosen by the soldiers themselves.
France
Perhaps, the military personnel of the French army can be considered gourmets, because the menu offered to soldiers and officers is extremely diverse. It is worth noting once again that the rations of privates and commanders are 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. Snacks: pate, green salad with carrots and boiled beets, cold fish with 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 officers' menu is several times wider. It is this variety of dishes that explains the fee.
During maneuvers, military operations, soldiers and officers eat together, and the state pays for their food in full. In addition, there is also a ration, which would be the envy of the military personnel of 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 the nutrition of US Army soldiers. In the American army, privates and officers eat in one canteen and one menu each.
The menu in the soldiers' canteens is extremely varied, and this is not due to concern for the tastes of the military. In the ranks of the American Armed Forces, you can meet soldiers of almost any confession, 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 the total number of those dining.
Recently, the military has been following the trend in the US to eat healthy food. The menu always indicates the number of calories in each dish.
Usually breakfasts include juices, fresh fruit, omelettes, cereals, bacon and pastries. For lunch and dinner, a choice of two soups, two to four main dishes - 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.
The outfits for the dining room, in the form in which we are accustomed to, are a thing of the past. Now the duty officer monitors civilian cooks so that each dish meets the requirements and standards. Which army ration do you like best?
USA In the American army, the entire food system is based on two main points: science and healthy food. Questions of the balance of food for military personnel are the responsibility of the Research Center for Soldier Equipment. The quality of food is monitored by the United States Army Culinary Center, where chefs are also trained. The food of the military is very diverse. In addition to traditional American cuisine, soldiers and officers can be offered halal, kosher and vegetarian options.
ON THIS TOPIC
The military menu is compiled taking into account the geographical and climatic features of the placement of units. Contrary to popular myth, US army canteens are focusing on healthy food, limiting soda, white bread, and sweets. The menu always indicates the number of calories in each dish. However, during the day, fast food bars are open at some bases. Most army canteens exist on the principle of a buffet. 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 the laws of life, including the rules of nutrition). The Jewish meals are divided into dairy and meat. For breakfast in the army canteens they offer scrambled eggs, yogurts, coffee with milk. For lunch - meat dishes (only beef and chicken). To them you can choose a variety of side dishes, salads, juices. For vegetarians - a special menu of plant foods rich in protein.
The diet of officers and soldiers is exactly the same, differing only in pilots, sailors and submariners, who are fed more high-calorie food. And on Saturdays, bottles of red wine are displayed in the 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 has been declining, and the issue of food for the military is transferred to catering companies.
Estonia The army of this country is quite 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 to conduct exercises. A survey conducted in 2013 showed that the soldiers were dissatisfied with the diet. Then a new system was introduced in the Estonian army - the military began to be fed not three times a day, but five. The menu has become more varied and useful.
True, from the point of view of healthy eating, the six-hour interval 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 the daily diet is the same - 3500-3800 kilocalories.
Russia
After the reform, including in the field of nutrition, Russian military personnel received a menu that combines the best world trends with home traditions. In terms of quality, army food in Russia is not inferior to foreign armed forces. Russia has created a unique fingerprint food distribution system, which has no analogues in other countries. By the way, the notorious pearl barley has disappeared from the diet of a conscript soldier, and the soldier himself no longer goes to the outfit in the kitchen. After the reform of 2011, food for soldiers was transferred to professional civil organizations selected on the basis of competitions. Such a step immediately affected the quality of the dishes, which, according to the confessions of the soldiers themselves, became tastier and more varied. The latter was achieved, among other things, 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 rich selection in salad bars. Soldiers can take the ingredients to their liking - fresh and sauerkraut, canned peas, corn, cucumbers, herbs, olives and 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 canteen chefs. The energy value of the daily diet of a Russian soldier is the highest in the world and amounts to 4300 kilocalories per day. Canteens have been equipped with electronic equipment that allows fingerprints to be scanned. This is necessary to identify the identity of military personnel receiving meals. The innovation allows you to take into account how many people eat in the dining room 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.
