Field Feeding Equipment

The Field Feeding Equipment program, as outlined in Army Budget Line Item 9120M65800, is a new start initiative for Fiscal Year 2026 under the Other Procurement, Army appropriation. The primary objective of this program is to procure and field modernized equipment that enables tactical food service operations, directly supporting the Army's ability to provide at least one hot prepared meal per day to soldiers in the field. This capability is considered a combat multiplier, as it enhances soldier morale, physical performance, and cognitive readiness during operations.

The program encompasses several key systems, including the Multi Temperature Refrigerated Container System (MTRCS), Assault Kitchen (AK), Containerized Kitchen (CK), and Field Feeding Sanitation Center (FSC). Each of these components addresses a specific aspect of field feeding: MTRCS provides flexible refrigerated storage for perishable rations, the AK offers mobile kitchen capabilities, the CK delivers scalable kitchen solutions for larger units, and the FSC ensures proper sanitation and hygiene in food service operations.

Together, these systems form the backbone of the Army Field Feeding System (AFFS), supporting both operational readiness and the Army's modularity and transformation goals. For FY 2026, the program requests base procurement funding to acquire Assault Kitchens (AK). The AK is a mobile, rapidly deployable kitchen system designed to support both active and reserve Army components. Its procurement is justified by the need to provide flexible, efficient field feeding capabilities that can be quickly deployed in support of homeland defense missions, domestic emergency responses, and military support to civil authorities, as mandated by Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act.

The Assault Kitchen (AK) is a new start within the Field Feeding Equipment program for FY 2026. The AK is intended to address the Army's requirement for a lightweight, mobile field kitchen that can be deployed with small units or in austere environments. The program's acquisition objective for the AK reflects the Army's commitment to equipping both active and reserve forces with modern field feeding solutions. Procurement of additional AKs will contribute to this objective, supporting ongoing modernization and readiness efforts.

The Multi Temperature Refrigerated Container System (MTRCS) is another critical component, with an acquisition objective that enables the storage and transport of perishable and frozen rations under varying temperature conditions. This ensures food safety and quality in the field. While no specific procurement quantities for MTRCS are indicated for FY 2026 in this line item, its continued fielding remains a key objective of the broader program.

The Containerized Kitchen (CK) and Field Feeding Sanitation Center (FSC) round out the program's capabilities. The CK provides a scalable, container-based kitchen solution for larger units or semi-permanent operations, while the FSC ensures compliance with food safety and sanitation standards. These systems collectively reduce the Army's logistical footprint, lower lift requirements, and enhance the efficiency of field feeding operations.

The Field Feeding Equipment program is designed to modernize and sustain the Army's ability to provide safe, nutritious, and timely meals to soldiers in diverse operational environments. By investing in new systems like the Assault Kitchen and supporting existing capabilities such as the MTRCS, CK, and FSC, the program supports Army transformation, readiness, and the well-being of soldiers, while also fulfilling statutory requirements for domestic support and emergency response missions.