The history of military rations goes back to ancient times, where armies needed to provide their soldiers with food that was easy to transport and store during long military campaigns. Over the centuries, military rations have evolved and adapted to the changing needs of soldiers on the battlefield.

Antiquity :

In ancient times, Roman soldiers carried with them a ration known as "panis militaris", which consisted of dry bread and salt. This type of ration was light, long-lasting, and could be eaten without cooking. Similarly, the Greek soldiers also carried rations consisting mainly of bread and cheese.

Middle Ages:

During the Middle Ages, military rations were based on dry, salty foods such as bacon, cheese, and bread. These foods could be stored for long periods of time without spoiling. In addition, other foods such as dried meat, dried fruits and legumes were added, which provided an additional source of energy.

Age of Discoveries:

During the 15th and 16th centuries, with the voyages of exploration and conquest, military rations had to adapt to long-term maritime expeditions. Sailors and soldiers aboard ships consumed canned foods, such as canned meat and fish, as well as hard biscuits called "ship biscuits" or "voyage biscuits". These cookies, made from flour, water and salt, were highly resistant to moisture and could be stored for a long time.

XIX century:

During the 19th century, with the advancement of technology, improvements in military rations were introduced. The first canned rations appeared, which provided the soldiers with more varied and better preserved food. These canned rations included meat, soup, fruits, and vegetables. However, the canning process was still not perfect and spoilage and off-flavor problems often occurred.

Twentieth century:

In the 20th century, especially during the two world wars, great strides were made in the development of military rations. Dehydrated rations were introduced, which were lighter and easier to transport. In addition, the variety and quality of the food included in the rations was improved, with the inclusion of chocolates, biscuits, instant coffee, cigarettes and other items that provided a little moral comfort to the soldiers in the midst of the conflict.

Present:

At present, military rations have evolved further. Significant advances have been made in terms of nutrition, food quality and preservation methods. Modern rations are designed with the specific nutritional requirements of soldiers in mind, providing a balanced diet sufficient to maintain optimal health and performance on the battlefield.

Conclusion :

Military rations have undergone a remarkable evolution throughout history, from simple provisions of bread and cheese to complete and balanced meals. These advances reflect the importance of proper nutrition in the performance and survival of soldiers on the battlefield.

WILL FOLLOW....