Combat Ration One Man

The Combat Ration One Man, or CR1M is a self-contained, individual field ration in lightweight packaging procured by the Australian military for its members for use in combat or other field conditions where organised food facilities are not available.[1]

The CR1M consists of two main meals (vacuum packed), a midday snack (chocolate, muesli bar etc.), a number of sundry items (toilet paper, can opener, matches, scouring pad etc.) and a Field Ration Eating Device or F.R.E.D.

The items of the Combat Ration One Man are produced by various companies within Australia and New Zealand with most of the food and condiments being items commonly found in Australian stores. Notable examples of this are Nestle's "Australian Defence Force Chocolate Ration", Uncle Toby's Muesli Bars and Bega Cheese Vegemite.

F.R.E.D.

The F.R.E.D. or Field Ration Eating Device is a combination spoon, can opener, and bottle opener included in every CR1M. Australian troops commonly refer to the F.R.E.D. as the 'Fucking Ridiculous Eating Device'.[2]

The PR1M and CR5M

Two other close variants of the Combat Ration One Man (CR1M) are the PR1M (Patrol Ration One Man) and the CR5M (Combat Ration 5 Man).[1]

The PR1M is a light weight variant of the CR1M weighing only 60% of the total weight of the CR1M, the main items in it are freeze dried and vacuum sealed to reduce size and weight. It is made to sustain a soldier for 24 hours in combat but can last up to 3 days in a survival situation.

The CR5M is the five-man variant of the CR1M, it is packed in a large box and contains enough food sources to last five troops 24 hours in a combat situation. Unlike the other Australian ration packs this one is not size conscious and is often split up into the packs of troops as it is a means of group feeding.

See also

Notes
  1. Dennis et al 2008, p. 444.
  2. "Field Ration Eating Device". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved 22 June 2019.

References
  • Dennis, Peter; Grey, Jeffrey; Morris, Ewan; Prior, Robin; Bou, Jean (2008). The Oxford Companion to Australian Military History (Second ed.). Melbourne: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0195517849.


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