Combat Feeding, Clothing, and Equipment

The Combat Feeding, Clothing, and Equipment program (PE 0604713A) is a Department of Defense (DoD) research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative led by the Army to enhance the efficiency, survivability, and logistical sustainability of soldiers through advanced feeding and field equipment. The program's primary objective is to develop, demonstrate, and evaluate new combat feeding systems and equipment, focusing on both individual and group rations, as well as field kitchen and refrigeration solutions. This program supports all military services, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Special Operations Command, and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), with the Army serving as the executive agent and oversight provided by the DoD Combat Feeding Research and Engineering Board (CFREB).

Project 548: Mil Subsistence Sys is dedicated to the system development and demonstration of Joint Service combat rations and field feeding equipment. The goals include improving warfighter performance, reducing the logistics burden of subsistence support, and maximizing the use of common materiel solutions across the services. Funding supports the integration and demonstration of mature Joint Service combat ration systems, such as the Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE), Close Combat Assault Ration (CCAR), and Unitized Group Rations (UGR). Specific objectives include optimizing nutrition, reducing weight and volume, improving modularity, and validating system-level performance through operational test and evaluation (OT&E). The project also aims to finalize procurement documents, transition systems to DLA-Troop Support, and ensure menu approval by the Army Surgeon General.

Within Project 548, the Joint Service Field Feeding Systems Development effort focuses on field feeding equipment that reduces logistics requirements and operational costs. This includes supporting Navy galley operations, Air Force Basic Expeditionary Airfield Resources (BEAR) kitchens, and Marine Corps expeditionary kitchens. Objectives involve completing final system designs with energy and footprint-reducing components, conducting at-sea user evaluations, and baselining labor and efficiency metrics for new equipment.

The project works closely with Product Manager Combat Support Equipment (PdM-CSE), Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP), Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), and the USAF BEAR Program Office to ensure validated systems are transitioned for procurement and fielding.

Project EL2: Army Field Feeding Equipment supports the development, demonstration, and evaluation of Non-Developmental Item (NDI) Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) combat feeding equipment specifically for the Army. The project's objectives are to enhance soldier efficiency, improve survivability, and reduce food service logistics requirements by developing rapidly deployable, organically maintained field food service equipment. Funding is allocated for the development of test-ready refrigeration unit (RU) prototypes for the Multi-Temperature Refrigerated Container System (MTRCS), including performance, qualification, and integration testing to ensure compatibility with existing systems.

A key focus within Project EL2 is the MTRCS RU Replacement, which aims to provide the next-generation refrigeration unit for the MTRCS, capable of maintaining rations or blood at required temperatures in extreme environments. The objective is to replace the legacy RU, which is no longer in production, with a new unit that meets Army performance standards. Activities include completing prototype development, conducting environmental and performance qualification testing, and ensuring integration with existing MTRCS variants.

Another significant initiative under Project EL2 is the AK Integration with JLTV. The goal is to address safety and compatibility issues arising from the fielding of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) by integrating the Assault Kitchen (AK) into a JLTV-compatible trailer. The AK provides mobile hot meal capability for remote units and requires design modifications to ensure safe and effective operation with the JLTV. Objectives include completing formal testing, updating technical data packages, and processing engineering change proposals to reflect the new configuration.

Across both projects, the acquisition strategy emphasizes completing engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) for food items and equipment, supporting advanced research for engineering change proposals, and transitioning validated solutions into competitive procurement. The program is designed to support the Army's Strategic Planning Guidance, reduce the operational energy footprint, and provide modernized, deployable kitchen equipment for Army 2030 and beyond.

By centralizing development and leveraging joint service collaboration, the program aims to eliminate duplication, reduce costs, and ensure the well-being and readiness of deployed forces.