The Close Combat Assault Ration (CCAR) is a self-contained individual military ration introduced by the United States Armed Forces in 2025 as a compact assault ration designed for short durations of highly mobile, high intensity combat operations. [1]
It replaces the First Strike Ration and is designed to have a 39% reduction in volume and a 17% reduction in weight, allowing soldiers to carry five days of food in the space previously occupied by three. [2]
The preceding First Strike Ration was first announced in 2002 with the intention of giving soldiers a lightweight alternative to the Meal, Ready-to-Eat that could be consumed on the move during the first 72 hours of a conflict in a package that was substantially lighter and smaller. It was introduced in late 2007.
However, by 2019, it too was deemed too heavy and bulky, and a project was launched to develop a replacement. Development was led by the Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center's Department of Defense Combat Feeding Division (CFD) and supported by the Tufts University Sensory Science Center.
Developers solicited feedback in 2019 from the 10th Special Forces Group and the 10th Mountain Division of the US Army, and the 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division of the US Marine Corps, but initial field testing was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. [3]
In 2021, CFD carried out testing of the CCAR with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Polk, Louisiana and the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion at Fort Pickett, Virginia. The evaluation tested soldiers' consumption of CCAR prototype for five days with no resupply.
Following successful testing, full-scale deployment of the CCAR across all US military service branches for procurement through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) was approved on 21 July 2025.
Initial production was awarded to SOPAKCO Inc of Mullins, South Carolina on a $47,605,500 fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. [4]
The contents of one CCAR provides 2800 kilocalories, enough food for an entire day in a mobile and combat intensive scenario. All components of it are eat on the move type foods that require little or no preparation, and at launch there are three different menu options. [5]
The shelf life of the CCAR is 3 years at 80°F (27°C), and it is shipped by the DLA in cases of 10 that weight approximately 25 lbs (11.3 kg) each. [6]
| Menu options | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| # | Menu 1 | Menu 2 | Menu 3 |
| 1 | Spaghetti with Beef and Sauce | Chicken Burrito Bowl, High Energy | Beef Stew, High Energy |
| 2 | Dried Cranberries | Lemon Pepper Tuna | Cookies and Cream High Energy Beverage |
| 3 | Teriyaki Meat Sticks | Teriyaki Meat Sticks | Teriyaki Meat Sticks |
| 4 | Maple Glazed Pecan and Sea Salt Nut Bar | Chocolate Banana Nut Dessert Bar | Salted Caramel Marshmallow Crisp Recovery Bar |
| 5 | Coconut Almond High Energy Bar | Apple Pie Dessert Spread | Toffee Dessert Bar |
| 6 | Recovery Trail Mix with Pretzels | Almond and Coconut Nut Bar | Pepperoni Pizza Cheese Filled Crackers |
| 7 | Chocolate Chip Toaster Pastry | Nut and Raisin Mix with Pan Coated Choc Disks | Flavored Pan Coated Disks, Original |
| 8 | Smoked Almonds | Cherry Licorice Bites | Chocolate Chip Toaster Pastry |
| 9 | Whole Wheat Mini-Loaf Bread | Plain Tortillas | Plain Crackers |
| 10 | Peanut Butter | Cheddar Cheese Spread | Chocolate Peanut Spread |
| 11 | Grape Jelly | Oatmeal Cookie | Jalapeno Cashews |
| 12 | Chocolate Protein Drink | Lemon-Lime Carbohydrate Electrolyte Beverage Powder | Grape Carbohydrate Electrolyte Beverage Powder |
| 13 | Picante Seasoning | Picante Seasoning | Picante Seasoning |
| 14 | Raspberry Energy Gel | Raspberry Energy Gel | Mocha Energy Gel |
| 15 | Chocolate Energy Gel | ||
| 16 | Peppermint Caffeinated Chewing Gum | Peppermint Caffeinated Chewing Gum | Peppermint Caffeinated Chewing Gum |
| 17 | Toilet Tissue | Toilet Tissue | Toilet Tissue |
| 18 | Hand Wipe (2) | Hand Wipe (2) | Hand Wipe (2) |
| 19 | Insert Card | Insert Card | Insert Card |
| 20 | Re-closeable Interlocking Plastic Bag | Re-closeable Interlocking Plastic Bag | Re-closeable Interlocking Plastic Bag |