For the first time, halal and kosher friendly meals will be served alongside old favourites like jam bickies and mashed potatoes, under a new ration pack contract.
The contract, signed with Defence’s current supplier Prepack Ltd in December, also includes the provision of Universal Ration Packs that cater for Army Cadets.
Universal rations are nut-free and feature gluten-free and dairy-free options. This means they could potentially be given to civilians during humanitarian and disaster-relief operations, such as Bushfire or Flood Assist.
Prepack Ltd has supplied high-quality rations to the ADF for more than a decade. The new contract will run for eight years, which allows for ongoing development and innovation of menus.
These modifications expand the variety of meals available, including the introduction of vegetarian meals, in response to Army’s request for greater menu diversity.
Head of Land Systems Major General Andrew Bottrell said soldiers, sailors and aviators could expect to see new menu options delivered over the coming years, with halal and kosher meals to be in place by 2026.
“Defence is committed to encouraging inclusivity and diversity and these new combat rations support the varied cultural and religious needs of our modern Defence Force,” Major General Bottrell said.
