The Physiological and Psychological Effects of Combat Ration Feeding during a 12-Day Training Exercise in the Tropics

Abstract

The health and psychological effects of combat ration pack (CRP) feeding during 12 days of military training in a tropical environment were investigated. Three groups of air defence guards (ADGs) received either: freshly prepared foods (fresh group, 15 mega joule (MJ), 3,600 kcal, N = 13), full CRP (15 MJ, 3,600 kcal, N = 10), or one-half CRP (7.5 MJ, 1,800 kcal, N = 10). Underconsumption by the full CRP group resulted in CRP groups experiencing similar weight loss, protein catabolism, and immune suppression (both cell-mediated and humoral), whereas the fresh group maintained their weight and protein balance and cell-mediated immune status. CRP groups reported greater fatigue than the fresh group. All ADGs experienced poor sleep quality and declining folate and iron status. ADGs drank insufficient water to prevent dehydration. In the medium term, ADGs were able to adapt to restricted food consumption and poor sleep quality with no decrement in physical fitness or cognition.