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FUELING PERFORMANCE

particularly when they are that contribute a broad
trying food items, garners spectrum of insights.
even more insights. “The participants in the
“I like to see their annual field training ex-
faces, to see the authen- ercise have varied back-
tic reaction,” said Sydney grounds and experience
Walker, a biological aide with military rations,”
in CFD. said Laurie Oleksyk, team
Collaborating with the leader of CFD’s Food En-
New Hampshire National gineering and Analysis
Guard is considered a val- Team. “Their feedback on
ue to the CFD Food En- novel ration prototypes
gineering Analysis Team. gives us great insight on
“Interaction with soldiers their wants and needs,
allows Natick scientists their likes and dislikes
to observe the tasting of with regard to future ra-
our prototype ration com- tion items. And we’re able
ponents, getting soldier A soldier, right, and an airman to obtain this feedback
enjoy the new offerings during
feedback as a guideline for future improve- a focus group led by the Natick very early in the ration development lifecycle.
ment of these samples, and getting soldiers Soldier Research, Development Their training facility is outstanding; it’s a
to appreciate Natick’s efforts to improve their and Engineering Center’s Combat terrific local resource.”
Feeding Directorate, or CFD. Soldier
rations,” Yang said. “This interaction is the feedback plays a key role in food Having the CFD engage with service mem-
most effective and direct communication to technologies developed by CFD. bers at the field feeding exercise allows service
find out what soldiers would like for their (Photo by: Staff Sgt. Rick Frost, New members to participate in the research and
Hampshire National Guard)
field rations.” development process. “Giving service members
New Hampshire National Guard members participat- the opportunity to taste and give feedback to the research
ing in the field feeding exercise have diverse backgrounds teams who are preparing the future menus for operational
rations makes the service member be part of that process,”
said Capt. Benjamin Leonard, state food service officer for
the New Hampshire Army National Guard.

SOLDIER BENEFIT
New Hampshire National Guard considers the joint
food service field training exercise an opportunity for
service members to learn about and better understand
the resources they rely on. “It is important for service
members to understand the big picture of operations,”
Leonard said. “Having NSRDEC come and speak about
the research and development of combat feedings allows
these service members to have a better understanding of
the full spectrum of the operations to feed our service
men and women on the battlefield.”
Capt. Leonard and his New Hampshire Army National
Guard team organized the exercise. “As a team we have
been able to reach out and build relationships with the
best subject matter experts in all the different fields of
food service,” Leonard said. “These subject matter experts
are from Natick Labs; Johnson and Wales; Joint Culinary
Center of Excellence, Fort Lee, Va.; and National Guard
Bureau HQ. Our service men and women deserve the best
training possible, and I feel that they received that.”
Leonard also praised Moody and Jeremy Whitsitt, CFD
deputy director, for their support and for helping make
this national-level training a huge success.
“The New Hampshire National Guard is grateful for
the amazing partnership that we have been able to build
with NSRDEC,” Leonard said. “This is a great opportunity
for both organizations.” —GFS
12 GOVERNMENT FOOD SERVICE • NOVEMBER 2017