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Last Updated: 11/12/2018 9:22:45 AM

Previous SEL Number: 19FD-01-IRAT

Description: Initial deployment rations for use by response personnel during the early stages of long duration or disaster response incidents. These individual meals are not intended for long-term application.

ImportantFeatures: Types of meals include First Strike Rations, Meals Ready to Eat; and commercial Heater Meals. These types of meals (MREs) should be high quality with a guaranteed shelf life of 3 years at 80°F (27°C), or for 6 months at 100°F (38°C). Note that the nutritional value of these meals can decrease substantially under high heat conditions. Durable packaging is required should the meals need to be transported with low logistical support and packaging should withstand rough handling and extreme temperature swings.

Operating Considerations: Although sufficient for the caloric requirements of response personnel in high physical demand situations, initial deployment rations should not be used for an extended period of time (e.g. greater than 24 - 48 hrs). Once a logistical support stream has been developed, these initial rations should be replaced by unitized rations or by meals prepared onsite by Food Unit operations.

Due to shelf life/temperature issues, care should be taken in planning for storage locations. It may be desirable to adopt a central caching strategy to maximize shelf life and distribute on demand.

Self-heating accessories may require special handling/disposal.

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