COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF FIELD RATION FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL OF THE UKRAINIAN ARMY AND ARMIES OF OTHER COUNTRIES WORLDWIDE

For the purpose of improvement of the Ukrainian nutritional standards this Article provides comparative analysis of field rations of different countries worldwide to make a proposal on improvement of food-stuff assortment in food ration for military personnel in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Army of USA, the British Army, Army of Germany, Army of Italy, Army of Canada, Army of France, Army of Belarus, Army of Armenia. In accordance with the comparative analysis it was established that ration composition used for the Armed Forces of Ukraine military personnel lags behind developed countries of the world both in nutrition arrangement and in nutrient composition, especially in relation to assortment and variety of ration food-stuff. Moreover, a field ration is strictly unified and doesn’t consider individual needs of military personnel in calories, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, food fibers. Selection of individual field ration takes to account only age of military personnel, i. e. individual needs related to nutrition composition such as physical abilities, level of physical activity, gender, type of occupation before military conscription and etc. are not considered The obtained results confirms practicability of assortment products assortment included to field rations for the purpose to correct nutrition rations towards optimal balance for military efficiency of army, adaptation of military personnel to physical and psychological loads.


Introduction
Sensible nutrition is an important factor of health promotion and safety of military personnel, overcoming of stressing situations, resistance to large physical loads and keeping of high fighting ability. At the present time special nutrition standards were developed both in Ukraine and abroad that comply with main requirements Volume 11 Issue 1 / 2017 to military personnel nutrition. Food provision to military personnel and residents called to arms during mobilization statement is performed according to the approved nutrition standards or military personnel and according to procedure established by "Regulation on Food Provision of Different Countries Worldwide in Piece-Time" [1].

Statement of the Problem
Comparative analysis of military personnel nutrition standards of different countries worldwide is necessary to make further proposals on improvement of food assortment in food composition for the Armed Forces of Ukraine military personnel.

Literature Review
The author of centralized field feeding support, so called "military field kitchen boiling tank"Автором централізованого польового харчування, так званого на той час «воєнно-похідну кухню-самовар» was a resident of Zhmerinka town A. Turchanovich, which is Annually worldwide about $ 1464.0 bln. are spent to sustentation of armed forces [7]. The five top countries spending the highest cost include USA, the People's Republic of China, Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. Ukraine comes 114 th in the list of countries according to military expenses according to GDP rate. Based on evaluation of data as on 2017 Ukraine is going to spend 5 % of GDP (approximately UAH 129 bln.) [8]. In accordance to the declaration of the AFU logistic service, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine only in 2015 130 ths of field rations were procured at a cost of UAH 17.3 bln. In 2015 the actual cost of nutrition provision under field condition constituted from UAH 64.00 to UAH 96.00, and under stationary conditions it constituted from UAH 54.66 to UAH 89.75. In 2016 a new modern field unit was developed, which costs UAH 110 per unit supplied with a heater in the basic unit [9].
The quality of military personnel nutrition under field conditions requires special attention. According to Regulation of the Cabinet of Ministers No 426 "On Nutrition Standards of Military Personnel of the Armed Forces, other military groups and State Service of Special Connection and Information Protection, Police, common and command stuff of subdivisions of combat support to areas of Anti-terror operation of the State Fiscal Service, common and command personnel of authorities and sub-divisions of civil defense" from March 29, 2002 it was established that the dietary factor is included to number of leading effects on health of the Armed Forces of Ukraine military stuff with definition of such biological characteristics as organization of body, special properties of metabolism, status of immune system, morbidity and etc. Nutrition ration based on scientific evidences with consideration of military activity specifics will support health promotion and physical development of military stuff, elevate resistance to loads and will have positive effect on its fighting ability [10].
Daily field ration is purposed for military personnel nutrition, when it is impossible to cook hot meal from products according to the main standard [11].
The following requirements are applied to a modern field ration: -possibility of long-termed storage, products requiring special storage conditions should be excluded; -products must be ready-to-eat or simple in preparation; -should include digestible products that don't cause digestive disorders, allergies and etc.; -packing (usually hermetic of water-proof material) should protect products against soaking and contamination; -should provide necessary nutrition and caloric value [12].

Study
Under modern conditions during military service the military personnel has to endure significant physical and nervous and psychological stress. Moreover, the compliance of daily ration with scientifically justified principles of sensible ration is very important. The first of them is energetic balance, i. e. caloric value of daily ration should comply with energy consumption of the body. Energy consumption of different categories of military personnel vary in dependence on conditions and character of military activity, and constitutes 3000 kilocalories for officers of headquarters, teachers and some other categories, and comes up to 4500 kilocalories for airborne personnel of jet aviation. Energy consumption of the army constitutes 3500 -4000 kilocalories [1,5]. According to recommendations of the Special Committee (Research Task Group-154) of NATO energy consumption during regular operations constitutes not less than 3600 kilocalories/day and 4900 kilocalories/day for fighting operations [1,5].
Individual nutrition ration of the military personnel out of a military unit is calculated for energy consumption by one person during a day or per one food intake. Moreover, it is also necessary to notice that field rations are issued during warfare and at repositioning of military stuff. In Table 1 it is shown a daily field ration for military personnel of Ukraine according to standard No 10.
Volume 11 Issue 1 / 2017 In the Ukrainian army the field ration is called Standard No 10 -"Daily Field ration" [10]. It is manufactured in accordance with standard TU-9194-461-04605473-03 (with amendments No 2). Total weight of individual daily nutrition ration (IDNR) constitutes 1625 g, the content weight is 1330 g. In accordance to the label on the package the energetic value constitutes 4800 kilocalories [13], this high-caloric daily menu in the first turn leads to quick satisfying of hunger. The it should be noticed that this ration is not balanced by nutrition value, it is characterized by high content of fats, carbohydrates, insufficient amount of essential amino acids, vitamins and mineral substances. Similar ration is strictly unified and doesn't consider individual need of military personnel in calories, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, food fibers and etc. Selection of individual field ration considers only age of military personnel, i. e. doesn't consider individual needs related to nutrition ration composition, such as physical abilities 9weight, height), level of physical activity, gender, occupation before military conscription [13].  (Table 2), an improved alternative of daily field ration. Innovations include additional inclusion to the ration of dry fruits, chocolate, coffee, testy soups and main course. Additionally to each ration (breakfast, lunch, supper) the bottled water is issued calculated as 0.5 l per ration independently from season, and as 1 l within period from June 1 to September 1. Due to new packing technologies (retort-package) ready meals will be obtained without previous thermal treatment, which will provide compactness and easy use during use [14].
Constitute an issue for comparison of field ration composition for the Ukrainian Army and armies of other countries or the purpose of its analysis and definition o compliance of the Ukrainian Army rations with existing modern standards and recommendations. The comparison was performed based on analysis both of regulatory materials of different countries and existing publications related to this subject.
In accordance with common practice procurement of military rations in the most countries is performed in compliance with national standards of provision with mandatory consideration of military service type, level of military equipment development and methods of armament, principles of warfare, that eventually should be reflected both in structure of rations and military personnel nutrition arrangement in whole. Provisional standards and rations in armies of other countries are relatively sta-ble and are continually optimized in relation of its structure (on account of new products inclusion), filling and packaging of rations [1].
The composition of dry MRE unit of USA Army in accordance with menu No 1 "Chili with beans" is provided in Table 3. Four types of individual rations are used in USA troops, e. g. MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat), FSR (First Strike Ration), MCW (Meal, Cold Weather) та LRP (Long Range Patrol) [15].
MRE kit is the most common in the Armed Forces of USA. It includes 24 options of menu, it is usually used during 21 days after deployment at warfare. The ration is hermetically packed to a package of thin plastic material. In 2008 new easily opened packages were brought into production. Shelf-life expansion is provided by four-layer structure of the package: polyester, nylon, foil and polyolefine. For the purpose of definition of usability grade of ration a package is equiped with a round orange indicator. After manufacture the central part has lighter color of bigger diameter, with time it becomes darker. Speed of color change is proportional to temperature. If the central part is darker then external one, then the ration is not good for use. Additionally to the indicator the package is labeled with number of menus and name of main course (without soup), starter, dessert and drinks (tea, coffee or cacao as well as lemonade). Each ration has salt, two gummies, matches, several sheets of toilet paper, wet tissue and a plastic spoon [1,15]. FSR kit is designed for military personnel nutrition during 72 hours, under conditions of military mission far away from its subdivision with intense relocations and loads. Special features of the ration: sandwiches, canned fish and chicken, high-caloric drinks, dry beef, chocolate and other products. FSR kit has half the weight and half the size o MRE kit designed for one day. For the purpose of military personnel equipment weight reduction FSR ration is designed to provide use of only one package instead of three MRE rations per a day. Nutrient composition of the represented ration (per 100 g) includes proteins -13; fats -34; hydrocarbons -53. Energetic value constitutes 2900 kilocalories, calcium -655 mg, iron -15 mg, sodium -4034 mg [1,15].
MCW and LRP kits are designed for military personnel nutrition during military mission far away from their subdivision under low temperatures or during long-termed operation with intense relocations. Main consumers of these rations are marine corps and USA special Operations Forces. Shelf-life of the rations are the same as of MRE, but completed studies showed that the shelf-life of the main course is significantly longer. Main course in composition of kits is frozen or dry. Moreover, the ration composition includes cheese, butter, cookies, nuts, chocolate bars, candies, sugar, coffee, high caloric drinks, a plastic spoon. Additional drinks for liquid replenishment are supplied under condition of dry meal. Limitation of sodium in rations prevents dehydration under low temperatures [1]. Nutrient composition of MCW and LRP kits (per 100 g) includes: protein -14; fats -34; hydrocarbons -52. Energetic value of MCW -2461 kilocalories, calcium -1690 mg, iron -29 mg, sodium -7715 mg. Energetic value of LRP kit constitutes 1540 kilocalories, calcium -563 mg, iron -10 mg, sodium -2572 mg [1,15].

Volume 11 Issue 1 / 2017
The American scientists continue to conduct studies relating menu and packages of the ration according to results of the ration use during warfare. Its modernization constitutes a part of Assault Special Purpose Improvement Program (ASPIP). In accordance with this program it is planned to increase number of menu options up to nine with optimal content of hydrocarbons, vitamins, amino acids, caffeine and antioxidants [16]. Improvement of food quality or military personnel o Special Operations Forces will allow to improve its physical and psychological state during military mission under an weather conditions. Nutrition of the military personnel of the British Army is also performed according to unified ration that is applicable to all types of troops ( Table 4). The British ration is called as multiclimate ration. The British field rations are designed to be used during 24 hours. Basic nutrition of the army (and country population) includes meat, fish, milk, vegetables and fruits. Strict fulfillment of conventional regimen of nutrition designed for four food intakes is remarkable. It includes first breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea-time [12]. The rations are balanced and approximated by consumption properties to regular food. Shelf-life of products is designed for 5 years. Chemical composition and energetic value of this ration is as follows: proteins -107 (including animal derived -65); fats -155; hydrocarbons -618; energetic values -4294 kilocalories, calcium -1444 mg, iron -21 mg, sodium -8293 mg [1].
Main field of further optimization of nutrition rations for the British military personnel besides optimization of organizational feeding includes also study related to creation of new individual rations designed for food provi-sion to forces o quick deployment during warfare at full separation of subdivisions from foodstuff provision bases. The ration kits include products maximally prepared for consumption. Product kits with comparable caloric capability are used one after another for 3-4 days [17].
In Germany a field ration is called Military Combat Ration, or Einmannpackung (EPа), and it is designed for 2 food intakes. The ration composition is provided in Table 5 and it is used at high physical load [1,17]. In the German Army a differentiated approach is applied to nutrition of military personnel. Daily ration dependently on energetic consumptions volumes may be of three types; at low physical load the caloric capability doesn't exceed 2800 kilocalories, at middle -3152 and at high physical load it comes up to 3524 kilocalories [1]. On basis of energetic value the German ration includes proteins -96 g (including animal deriveds -60 g), fats -126 g and hydrocarbons in amount of 501 g. Its energetic value constitutes 3524 kilocalories, calcium -900 mg, iron -19 mg and sodium -8300 mg [1].
Nature of the German population nutrition is reflected also in provision of the military contingents. Meat products (sausages, ham, bockwursts) are widely used in the ra-Volume 11 Issue 1 / 2017 tion, including also soup preparation. The meat is used as a part of main course, usually in natural form and more seldom as minced meat. Potato and different vegetables, e. g. cabbage, bean pods, carrot, beans, pea are widely used as garnish. The German army also has kits of individual rations the part of which recently was elevated from 20 to 40 % [17]. The following products (Table 6) are included to one of the individual ration options. It is necessary to notice that food concentrates that are manufactured in the mass scale in Germany are widely used in the military rations (15.5 kg per head of population annually). The Italian field ration is called Special Military Ration Pack. One field ration is designed or 3 foodintakes: breakfast, lunch and supper. The nutrition ration of the Italian Army military personnel includes different products: paste goods, vegetables, fruits, beef, low fat pork, wine, spices and etc. Standards of daily provision by soldier ration are provided in Table 7. Traditional Ital-ian food is widely represented in nutrition norms -spaghetti, cannelloni, lasagna dressed with tomato sauce, cheese, meat, beans and vegetables [5]. Regimen of military personnel varies: breakfast is light, includes bread, cheese, coffee; dinner is caloric and includes starters, soup and main course, wine; supper includes cold main course, salad and drinks [17]. The nutrient composition of the ration (in 100 g) includes: proteins -100 (including animal deriveds -63); fats -129; hydrocarbons -521; energetic value -3650 kilocalories, calcium -1079 mg, iron -33 mg, sodium -5250 mg [1].
Volume 11 Issue 1 / 2017 The French field ration is called Individual Reheatable Combat Ration, and designed for 24 hours. It includes 2 main courses (ready-to-cook products, meat with salad, fish with potato, chicken with vegetables and rise, etc.) and a starter (usually canned fish). Also a package of instant soup, biscuits, drops, cheese sauce and cacao with sugar (Table 9). For successful performance of the mission out of stationary location of military subdivisions attached for rations the foreign armies provide several options of field ration [1,17]. This way 24-hour field ration of NATO includes menu "А", "B", "C", "D", "E", "F", "G", that contain besides various starters, main courses and drinks, including gummies, matches, matches for all types of weather, toilet paper, tablets for water purification. The options of content may vary in dependence on assortment of products at the moment of packing. One field ration for NATO military personnel is represented in Table 10 as example. The nutrient composition of the ration above (in 100 g) includes proteins that constitute 104 (including animal derived -56 g); fats constitute 114; hydrocarbons constitute 440; the energetic value cocnstitutes 3200 kilocalories, calcium is >800 mg, iron is 20 mg [1].
By the Order of the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Belarus No 3 from January 3, 2013 "On es-tablishment of standards for ration provision to military personnel and feeding of staff animals in the Armed Forces during peace time and the procedure of its application" 4 standards for military personnel nutrition were established [19] (Table 11). The nutrient composition of the Belorussian ration (in gram) includes proteins -121 (including animal derived -68); fats -157; hydrocarbons -368; energetic value constitutes 3450 kilocalories. Gross weight is 1.7 kg. Shelf-life is 2 years.
There are six field rations for military personnel of the Armenian Army, including airmen, patients of mili-Volume 11 Issue 1 / 2017 tary hospitals and students of military colleges. Special ration No 6 is established for soldiers called to the frontline and subject to greater physical loads, when they need more calories. This military personnel undergoes greater psychological stresses, so their ration contains more sweets, jam, cookies, condensed milk, chocolate, caramel (Table 12). The nutrient composition of the ration above includes proteins -108 g (including animal derived -65 g), fats -116 g, hydrocarbons -593 g; energetic value constitutes 3895 kilocalories [20].

Conclusions
Based on the comparative analysis it was established that food products included to individual rations for military personnel of foreign armies are represented in wide range. The most of them are canned, which provides longer storage and plays essential military applicable role (protection against different types of contamination). Use of heating devices supplied in the kit allows to elevate its nutrition properties on account of improvement of organoleptic parameters. Multifunctionality of the rations above is provided also by means of water purification that allows to solve extremely important hygienic problem as provision of the military personnel under field conditions not only with food products, but also with safe drinking water.
The comparison above of nutrition in the Ukrainian Army with armies of NATO members confirms that in this field Ukraine lags behind develop countries both in nutrition arrangement and in nutrient composition, especially in assortment and variability of different food products in ration. The national nutrition standards require essential correction towards optimal balance for provision of fighting ability of the army and adaptation of the military personnel to physical and psychological loads.