Body Composition and Muscle Performance Aspects of the 1985 CFFS (Combat Field Feeding System) Test

A new combat field feeding system (CFFS) has been developed to provide soldiers with one to two hot meals at a minimal labor cost. The tray pack ration (T-ration) which requires no preparation or refrigeration and needs only to be heated is the ration under examination. Soldiers were tested before, during and after a 44 days field exercise to compare the T-ration to various combinations of existing feeding systems. Body composition and muscle strength and endurance were tested before and at days 1, 20 and 24 of the scenario. Skinfold and circumference techniques were used to estimate body composition. Isometric handgrip snf 38 cm upright pull and maximum lift capacity were the strength measures collected. Muscular endurance was measured as holding time at 60% maximal handgrip strength. No significant differences were found between diet groups. Results showed an initial decrease in weight which tended to recover over time. This decrease was almost wholly accounted for by a decrease in percent body fat of 1.5% and 2.5% in men and women respectively. While no changes were found in arm muscle volume, women actually showed an increase in fat free mass. 38 cm upright pull increased across time in both men and women. None of the other strength or endurance measures changed significantly over time. It was concluded that consumption of the new CFFS for up o 44 days did not have an adverse impact upon body composition, muscular strength or endurance.