Nutrition as a military capability to deliver human advantage: more people, more ready, more of the time

Abstract

Soldiers must achieve high-level mission-preparedness to endure extended periods of physical and cognitive activity, with unpredictable recovery, in all environments. Nutrition provides the foundation for health and performance. Militaries have not maximised the strategic and financial value that considering nutrition as a military capability could deliver. A whole system approach to military nutrition, based on the prepare-perform-recover human capability cycle phases, is presented. Trainee nutrition requirements, through to very-high-readiness forces undertaking arduous roles at reach, must be specifically addressed. Promoting military performance diets in the prepare phase, through practitioner-supported nutrition education and food provision, will ensure mission readiness and mitigate ill health. Delivering nutrition in field settings in the perform phase—through smaller/lighter, nutritionally optimised rations and smart packaging technologies—will improve utility and minimise waste. Strategic dietary supplement use can provide a mission performance-enhancing adjunct to a food-first philosophy. Impact value chain analysis of military nutrition capability investments could support cost–benefit measurement.